The Contract Isn’t the Start of the Relationship. It’s the Commitment
Choosing a marketing partner is not like ordering a new software tool or hiring a one-time contractor. When you sign that agreement, you're handing someone access to your brand, your budget, and your customer pipeline. That makes the conversation before the contract even more important than what’s in the fine print.
The good news is that most of the risk can be avoided with the right questions, asked early, clearly, and directly. If an agency is a true partner, they’ll welcome those questions and be ready with real answers.
This article outlines the key questions every home service business owner should ask before they commit. These questions won’t just protect your budget, they’ll help you spot whether the agency understands your business or is just selling to it.
1. “What specific outcomes should I expect in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?”
This is about more than setting expectations, it’s about identifying whether the agency has a real plan. You should hear clear answers about deliverables, campaign setup, onboarding, and early performance indicators.
If the response is vague (“we’re building visibility” or “results will come with time”), that’s a sign they may be operating without structure or accountability. The best agencies can tell you what they’re doing, when they’re doing it, and how you’ll know it’s working.
2. “How will we measure success, and how often will we review performance together?”
Marketing without reporting is just noise. Before you sign anything, you need clarity on how performance will be tracked and reported. That includes:
- What metrics will be shared
- How often you’ll receive updates
- Whether you’ll have access to data in real-time
- Who will walk you through the results and when
Success should not be a moving target. You want regular reporting that makes sense to you and tells a clear story.
3. “Who will I be working with after the contract is signed?”
Sales calls often involve the agency’s most experienced, persuasive people. But those are not always the people managing your campaigns.
Ask who your point of contact will be day to day. Are they an account manager, strategist, or support rep? Do they understand your business, or are they juggling dozens of clients? The relationship will only work if there’s continuity, communication, and accountability.
4. “What does the agreement include, and what doesn’t it include?”
Scope matters. Many agencies sell bundled services but leave out important elements like website changes, content development, or review generation. Others may charge extra for ad spend management or platform tools.
Get clear on:
- What’s included in the monthly fee
- What services are add-ons
- What happens if you need something that isn’t in scope
This helps you avoid surprise fees and scope disputes later.
5. “What happens if I want to pause or cancel?”
A good agency doesn’t need to lock you into long contracts. Their value should keep you around, not their terms.
Ask about minimum commitment lengths, notice periods, and whether you keep access to data, assets, and logins if you part ways. If the answers feel restrictive or vague, think twice. Healthy partnerships include healthy exits.
The Best Partners Answer With Clarity, Not Charm
If asking these questions makes an agency uncomfortable, that’s your answer. You’re not being difficult, you’re being smart.
The right marketing partner will be ready to talk through timelines, expectations, communication, and accountability. They’ll appreciate that you’re treating your business seriously, and they’ll match that energy with honest, specific answers.
Ask early. Ask directly. And don’t move forward until you know exactly what you’re signing up for, and who you’re signing it with.
