I used to pick a marketing agency by just looking at their website and a few reviews.

David Price · 2026-03-23T10:20:07.102191+00:00

About six months ago, I needed help with a new campaign for my small business in Portland. I found an agency with a slick site and some good quotes, but they just didn't deliver on their promises. Now, I always ask for two specific case studies from the last year and call a past client myself. The difference in results has been huge. How do you all check if an agency can actually do what they say?

eva6666mo ago

My dentist in Seattle has five-star reviews but my last filling fell out in a week. Now I ask to see actual before-and-after photos of their recent work. It's the same principle of needing proof over promises.

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roses693mo ago

Funny, I actually prefer agencies with fewer fancy case studies who are honest about what they can't do.

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miles8256mo ago

Smart move asking for real proof. Case studies are good, but you have to check they're recent and relevant to your own goals. Calling a past client yourself is the best filter, because you hear the unpolished truth. That extra step saves so much time and money in the long run.

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