Red Flags When Choosing A Creative Agency

Hiring a creative agency can be one of the better decisions your business makes (if you hire a good one). It can also be super frustrating and a waste of money (if you hire a bad one). 

For small and mid-sized companies, especially, your agency should be working for your wins. A good agency should be strategic, proactive, and genuinely invested in your brand's success.

But not every agency-client relationship works out that way. Whether you're looking to hire a new partner or questioning your current one, here are some of the biggest red flags to watch for — plus with a few green flags that signal you're in good hands.

❌ Red Flag #1: They overpromise, underdeliver, and keep asking for more money

This one is obvious. If an agency regularly misses deadlines, fails to follow through on what they promised, or frequently asks for additional budget after the project has started — they don’t deserve your business.

Yes, timelines shift and scopes evolve. But if the delays are chronic or the scope creep feels like the result of underquoting to win your business, that’s a serious red flag. It shows poor planning, unclear communication, or (worse) a lack of respect for your time and budget.

A good agency will price accurately, set realistic timelines, and communicate early when something might change. If you’re constantly chasing updates or surprised by invoices, it’s time to have a hard conversation — or walk away.

❌ Red Flag #2: They Say Yes to Everything

If an agency claims to be able to do everything, tread carefully. Agencies that never say "no" or claim expertise in every possible marketing discipline are likely stretching the truth.

When an agency is "winging it" behind the scenes, the red flags show up as vague proposals, uncertain timelines, and poor-quality work. No matter the project, ask for examples of past work. Ask who exactly will be doing the work and what makes them qualified. A confident agency should have no problem explaining their process and introducing you to the team members who will be responsible for your project.

❌ Red Flag #3: Pushy Salespeople or Aggressive Upselling

If you feel like you're constantly being sold to, rather than supported, you might not have the right partner. Some agencies assign account managers who are incentivized to upsell, rather than deliver what you actually need.

This dynamic can shift focus away from your business goals and into a never-ending sales funnel. Your agency should help your business grow, not just their own revenue.

❌ Red Flag #4: No Strategic Suggestions

On the flip side, beware of agencies that never suggest new ideas. A truly invested partner will bring fresh insights and spot legitimate opportunities for growth.

If your agency hasn’t recommended a new approach, campaign, or area of improvement in a long time, it might be a sign they’re phoning it in. Strategic creativity is part of the value you're paying for.

❌ Red Flag #5: They're Internally Disconnected

Ever get a response like, "I'll need to ask someone on that team," or "Not sure what the design/dev/content team is doing, but I'll check"? If this happens frequently, it's not just bad communication, it's a structural problem.

When teams within an agency don’t talk to each other, you end up with fragmented strategies, inconsistent messaging, and long delays. Great agencies work cross-functionally and make sure everyone stays aligned around client goals.

❌ Red Flag #6: Executives are Meddling (or Missing)

Leaders set the tone for agency culture. If agency CEOs or executives are parachuting into your projects with last-minute feedback, unclear direction, or Hail Mary ideas, that’s often a sign of weak internal leadership. It can mean those leaders don’t trust their own teams — and that creates chaos for everyone. (If your agency contact is the CEO, obviously then they should be involved — but if you never hear from the CEO until they fly in to “fix” things, that’s a problem). 

On the flip side, if the top people at the agency are completely absent and the team seems rudderless, it can feel like no one is steering the ship. The best agency leaders strike a balance: not overbearing, but not disengaged either. 

🟢 Plus a Few Green Flags to Look For

While red flags help you spot trouble, green flags help you confirm when things are going right. This is what a successful relationship should look like:

• The agency communicates clearly and frequently.

• You know who is doing the work, and they’re consistent.

• They're proactive, always looking for ways to improve outcomes.

• You feel heard, respected, and supported.

• They’re transparent about timelines, pricing, and process.

And most importantly:

• They care about your brand.

📅 When to Make a Change

If you’re seeing red flags with your agency and feeling uneasy, it might be time to move on. But if things are mostly working and you feel like the agency knows your brand, consider this: continuity is valuable. Good partnerships take time to develop, and sometimes what’s needed is a candid conversation, not a complete change.

Ultimately, you deserve an agency that knows your business, speaks your language, and makes you feel like you're on the same team.

(If you're looking for that kind of partner — come say hi.)