This episode emphasizes the critical importance of due diligence when hiring an agency, arguing that brands often invest less effort than they would in hiring internal staff. It outlines five key questions to ask potential agencies, focusing on aspects beyond just surface-level promises to ensure a true partnership that drives growth.
Key takeaways
Inquire about an agency's average employee tenure and the nature of their experience. High tenure often indicates seasoned problem solvers rather than those still learning basic operations.
Probe an agency's methodology to understand their core approach to problem-solving and client strategy. A robust, adaptable methodology is crucial, not just a set of tactics.
Seek to understand the specific processes and frameworks an agency uses, and how they apply these to diverse client scenarios beyond just one "winning" formula.
Don't just ask "what do you do?" but "how do you do it, and why does it work for different business models?" to assess their depth of understanding and adaptability.
Evaluate agencies based on their ability to articulate how their internal structure and employee development directly benefit client outcomes, demonstrating a mature and reliable partnership.
Most brands put a huge amount of time and effort into hiring staff — multiple rounds of interviews, reference calls, take-home assessments. So why don’t brands put the same effort into hiring an agency?
In this episode, Taylor and Richard talk through the 5 questions to ask an agency before you hire them … and who you should seek the answers from.
Show Notes:
The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Inquire about an agency's average employee tenure and the nature of their experience. High tenure often indicates seasoned problem solvers rather than those still learning basic operations.
What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
Probe an agency's methodology to understand their core approach to problem-solving and client strategy. A robust, adaptable methodology is crucial, not just a set of tactics.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Seek to understand the specific processes and frameworks an agency uses, and how they apply these to diverse client scenarios beyond just one "winning" formula.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Don't just ask "what do you do?" but "how do you do it, and why does it work for different business models?" to assess their depth of understanding and adaptability.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Evaluate agencies based on their ability to articulate how their internal structure and employee development directly benefit client outcomes, demonstrating a mature and reliable partnership.
