One of the most common reasons clients leave an agency is the expectation of quick, effortless results. When expectations aren’t set from the beginning, clients often end up disappointed.

Mark Sherwin, President and Co-Founder of LeadsNearby, explains, “A lot of people come in expecting instant fixes—they’re looking for that one SEO tweak that’s going to make their phone ring off the hook. But marketing just doesn’t work that way.”

Real marketing success requires a long-term approach, consistent fine-tuning, and close collaboration with the client. Agencies can only do so much; the best results come when the client is involved and committed to the process.

→ Tip: Choose an agency that values transparency so you know what you can realistically expect to get and how.

How Important Is Communication With Your Marketing Agency?

Effective communication is one of the biggest factors in a successful agency relationship. You might agree on strategy, but not on how often you should check-in with eachother.

Mark explains, “The communication that one client is looking for might not work for another client. It’s important to find someone who understands what works best for you.”

It should be noted, though, that clients who prefer a hands-off approach sometimes feel out of the loop or disconnected from their agency’s work.

Agencies can’t deliver the best results without client input. When communication styles don’t match, clients may feel disappointed and ultimately move on.

→ Tip: Agreed-upon updates and an open line of dialogue make for smoother, more productive campaigns.

Can The Right SEO Guarantee Top Search Rankings?

In a word, no. Mark explains, “A lot of people still think SEO is about quick tricks—mentioning a keyword a magic number of times and you’re number one. But that’s not what Google rewards anymore.”

Clients who want to succeed in SEO today need to understand that it’s about creating quality, helpful content and engaging with audiences authentically.

People who expect immediate top rankings without a steady investment in content and strategy often end up disappointed, usually leading them to go find the next agency.

→ Tip: Avoid anyone who promises instant rankings because they aren’t being honest about SEO. Work with agencies who value a realistic, collaborative approach to avoid these pitfalls.

Should I Bring My Marketing In-House?

As companies grow, some start thinking about bringing marketing in-house to get more control over their messaging and daily decisions. This choice makes sense for clients with the resources to make it work.

Deciding between in-house marketing and working with an agency isn’t always an either/or choice.

Sometimes, it’s about finding an agency that can support the team you already have, offering specialized knowledge or handling certain aspects that require more expertise.

Mark says, “Some clients bring parts of marketing in-house but still collaborate with us for specific projects. It’s all about finding the balance.”

→ Tip: If you’re considering an in-house marketing team, look for an agency that offers flexibility. The right team can adapt to work alongside your internal efforts.

How Do You Handle Staff Turnover At Your Marketing Agency?

Frequent changes in an agency’s team can lead to inconsistency in strategy and service. Mark shares that when clients are involved, these transitions tend to be smoother.

“Change is inevitable. Our clients who stay engaged adapt best when team changes happen. The client knows their goals and they stay in the driver’s seat.”

→ Tip: Stay engaged in your marketing strategy. Turnover doesn’t have to disrupt your campaigns if you’re an active participant.

Do Changing Business Needs Affect Client Retention?

As companies grow, their needs change. This can lead to a feeling that they’ve outgrown their agency, even if the partnership started strong. While this can happen, fortunately, it’s not a problem that LeadsNearby faces often.

“We have clients who have grown from a single truck to multi-million-dollar companies,” says Mark. He notes that this works because LeadsNearby can adapt as these companies grow.

“This flexibility means clients can stay with LeadsNearby, receiving tailored services as their needs evolve.”

→ Tip: Choose an agency that’s flexible and able to scale with your business. Agencies that can adapt to your growth offer continuity as you reach new stages.

Why Do Some Clients Come Back To Their Marketing Agency?

Sometimes, clients who leave a marketing agency decide to come back because they realize that they miss the consistency, support, or insights the agency offered before.

Mark shares that many clients who leave for other options return, recognizing the value of a long-standing partnership. “A lot of times, people realize that they can’t replace the relationship we have and we welcome them back with open arms.”

If you’re looking for clear expectations, open communication, and adaptability in your marketing, you might be looking for LeadsNearby. Call 919-758-8420 or contact us today to see how we’d fit together.

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