Hiring a Marketing Company [10 Questions To Ask]

Why Choosing the Right Marketing Partner Matters

For agricultural businesses, marketing isn’t just about selling products—it’s about building relationships with farmers, dealers, and agribusiness professionals. A good marketing strategy helps you reach the right audience, increase leads, and grow your business. However, choosing the wrong marketing partner can lead to wasted money, poor results, and frustration.

Before you invest in marketing services, ask these 10 critical questions to ensure you’re partnering with the right agency

1. Is the Agency Experienced in Ag Marketing?

Not all marketing agencies understand the unique needs of the agriculture industry. Ag businesses need strategies tailored to farmers and rural customers. Ask if the agency has worked with equipment dealers, seed companies, Ag manufacturers, or farm service providers. A good partner will have case studies and proven success in the Ag space.

Pro Tip: Look for an agency that knows how to combine digital and traditional marketing, including print ads, SEO, and trade shows.

2. What Success Metrics Do They Use? (ROI, CPC, Conversion Rate)

A great marketing agency will focus on data-driven results, not just flashy ads. Ask about key success metrics such as:

• ROI (Return on Investment): How much revenue does each dollar spent on marketing generate?
• CPC (Cost Per Click): How much do you pay for each website visitor from an ad campaign?
• Conversion Rate: What percentage of visitors take action, like filling out a contact form or requesting a quote?

Pro Tip: A strong marketing partner will regularly review and adjust campaigns to improve these metrics over time.

3. How Do They Measure Lead Quality?

More leads don’t always mean better leads. If your business gets a flood of unqualified leads that don’t convert, your marketing dollars are being wasted. Ask your agency how they qualify leads and ensure they attract the right customers—farmers, dealers, or Ag professionals who are serious buyers.

Pro Tip: Look for agencies that track lead-to-sale conversion rates and use advanced targeting strategies to refine your audience.

4. What’s Included in Their Pricing? Hidden Fees to Watch For

Marketing costs can vary widely. Some agencies charge a flat rate, while others take a percentage of your ad spend. Make sure to ask:

• Are ad costs included, or billed separately?
• Are there setup fees or extra charges for campaign adjustments?
• Are reporting and analytics included in the package?

Pro Tip: Get everything in writing and avoid agencies that hide fees or don’t provide clear pricing.

5. Do They Offer Data Transparency? Access to Analytics & Reporting

A trustworthy marketing partner should provide full access to your campaign data. Ask if you will receive:

• Monthly or real-time reports on campaign performance
• Access to Google Analytics, Facebook Ad Manager, or other tracking tools
• Insights on what’s working and what needs improvement

Pro Tip: Avoid agencies that only show surface-level data or don’t allow you to see your ad spend breakdown.

6. Do They Provide Print + Digital Integration? (Farmers Still Trust Print!)

Farmers are still highly engaged with print media. A great marketing partner understands how to integrate print catalogs, direct mail, and digital marketing for maximum impact.

Pro Tip: If your audience includes equipment buyers or farmers, a mix of print ads and digital strategies will improve results.

7. What’s Their SEO & PPC Strategy? Are They Using Data-Backed Ad Targeting?

Search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising are essential for online visibility. Ask your agency:

• How do they optimize for local search (e.g., “tractor dealers near me”)?
• What keywords do they target for farmers and Ag professionals?
• How do they adjust PPC campaigns based on real-time data?

Pro Tip: Agencies that use AI-driven data analysis and keyword tracking will generate better, more qualified leads.

8. What Happens If the Strategy Doesn’t Work? Are There Guarantees or Adjustments?

Even the best marketing campaigns need adjustments over time. Ask:

• Do they offer regular strategy reviews to improve performance?
• What happens if a campaign isn’t delivering results?
• Do they offer a money-back guarantee or contract flexibility?

Pro Tip: A reliable agency monitors and adjusts campaigns regularly to maximize performance.

10. Do They Have Testimonials & Case Studies from Ag Businesses?

One of the best ways to judge an agency’s effectiveness is by looking at past results. Ask for:

• Case studies from other agriculture-related clients
• Customer testimonials and success stories
• Data proving lead generation and sales improvements

Pro Tip: A marketing agency with happy Ag clients and real-world success stories is a good sign they can deliver results.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Partner for Your Ag Business

Finding the right marketing partner can make all the difference in growing your Ag business. Asking these 10 critical questions will help you identify a marketing agency that delivers real, measurable results.

At Fastline Marketing Group, we specialize in helping agricultural businesses succeed. Whether you need SEO, PPC, print ads, or social media strategies, our team is here to develop a custom marketing plan that works.

🚜 Ready to grow your business? Contact us today for a free consultation!

Related Reads for Ag Marketers

• Maximize Equipment Listings: Tips for Better Visibility
• Hiring a Marketing Company [10 Questions To Ask]
• Boost Business with Paid Ads [A Strategic Guide for Ag]
• Are Your Ag Marketing Dollars Being Spent Wisely? How to Read the Data & Improve Results
• Event Marketing [Strategies for Agri Businesses]