By Craig Wilson — Digital Marketing Consultant at Sticky Digital
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right marketing agency is critical to business growth
- Ask smart questions to uncover experience, strategy, and fit
- Local experience and transparency matter for Newcastle SMEs
- Sticky Digital answers these 7 questions — and more — with confidence
Don’t Just Pick an Agency — Choose a Partner
Not all marketing agencies are created equal. Some promise the world, others overcharge and underdeliver — and some simply aren’t the right fit for your business.
If you’re a Newcastle business looking to grow, the stakes are high.
The right agency will help you attract more customers, grow faster, and outshine your competitors. The wrong one will waste your time, money, and momentum.
Before you sign on the dotted line, here are 7 essential questions you should ask.
1. What Experience Do You Have With Businesses Like Mine?
Not all agencies understand small or medium businesses — especially in regional areas like Newcastle.
Ask for:
- Case studies relevant to your industry or size
- Local examples and real outcomes
- Experience working with service-based or location-based businesses
➡️ Sticky Digital has helped dozens of Newcastle SMEs grow with targeted SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads and content marketing.
2. Who Will Actually Be Working on My Account?
Many agencies assign you a smooth-talking account manager — while the work is done by junior staff or overseas freelancers.
Ask:
- Who is your main point of contact?
- Who does the work — in-house, outsourced, or a mix?
- How much senior oversight is involved?
➡️ At Sticky, experienced strategists lead your campaigns.
3. How Will You Measure Success?
If the agency talks only about rankings, impressions or clicks — beware. What matters is whether you’re getting more leads and more sales.
Ask:
- What are your key metrics for performance?
- How often will you report on results?
- Can you tie marketing to real business outcomes?
➡️ We report on what actually matters: leads, conversions, and return on investment. In fact, you’ll get weekly and monthly reports.
4. What’s Your Strategy for My Business?
One-size-fits-all campaigns don’t work. A good agency should start by learning about your business, customers and goals — then build a tailored strategy.
Ask:
- How will you learn about my business before starting?
- Will you provide a custom marketing plan?
- How flexible is your approach over time?
➡️ We develop strategic marketing roadmaps based on your specific needs, goals, and budget.
5. Are You Transparent About Costs?
Beware hidden fees, add-ons, and vague packages. You deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for — and what you’re getting in return.
Ask:
- Can I see a full breakdown of services and costs?
- Are there lock-in contracts?
- Are there setup or hidden fees?
➡️ Sticky Digital offers clear, fixed pricing and flexible options with no nasty surprises.
6. What Happens If Things Don’t Work?
Every campaign involves learning. But if something underperforms, the agency should act fast and transparently.
Ask:
- How do you handle underperformance or missed targets?
- Do you test and adjust regularly?
- Will I be stuck in a contract if results aren’t there?
➡️ We optimise constantly — and focus on long-term relationships, not lock-ins.
7. What Makes You Different?
This is where a good agency shines — and a weak one fumbles.
You want to hear:
- A clear point of difference
- Passion for your success
- Honest, practical advice (not buzzwords)
➡️ Sticky Digital is strategic, transparent and focused on growing Newcastle businesses with smarter marketing — not just doing “stuff.”
FAQs
What’s the most important factor when choosing a marketing agency?
Find an agency that understands your business, prioritises results, and communicates clearly — not just one that looks good online.
Should I choose a local Newcastle agency?
Yes — a local agency understands your market and audience better, making your campaigns more targeted and effective.
How do I know if an agency is a good fit for me?
Ask questions, request case studies, and pay attention to how well they listen to your goals. Chemistry and trust matter.
How Sticky Digital Can Help
We’ve helped hundreds of Australian SMEs (and many right here in Newcastle) grow through smart strategy, SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads and content marketing. Our experienced team offers personal service, practical advice and real results.
Ready to ask the right questions — and get the right answers?
Let’s talk about your business goals today.
