The Healthcare Marketing Blog | Hawk Health Digital

Thinking About Hiring a Marketing Agency? Read This First.

Written by Brock Ashton | Jul 8

Hiring a marketing agency is a big decision — especially when you're running a small business.

You’re wearing a dozen hats already. Your time is stretched, your budget is tight, and your marketing efforts (if you’re honest) feel inconsistent at best. So when an agency comes along offering to “help you grow,” it’s natural to hesitate.

“Will they actually get results?”
“Is this just another cost with no guarantee?”
“What if they don’t understand our brand — or our customers?”
“I’ve been burned before — how do I know this won’t be the same?”

These are real, valid concerns. But they shouldn’t stop you from getting the support your business needs to grow.

Let’s break down the most common objections small business owners have about working with a marketing agency — and what to look for to make sure it’s the right move for you.

 

Objection 1: “We tried an agency before, and it didn’t work.”

We hear this a lot. Maybe the agency overpromised and underdelivered. Maybe they didn’t understand your industry. Or maybe they handed you a generic marketing plan that could’ve been copy-pasted from any other business.

The truth is, not all agencies are the same.

Bad agencies focus on vanity metrics. Good agencies focus on business outcomes.

You need an agency that:

  • Starts with your goals, not just “marketing channels”

  • Builds a strategy around your customer journey

  • Can clearly explain what’s working, what’s not, and why

  • Communicates openly and adjusts when needed

 

What to ask: “How will you customise this to our goals?” and “How do you measure success?”

The right agency should feel like a strategic partner — not a black box you’re throwing money into.

 

Objection 2: “It’s too expensive.”

Let’s be honest — most small businesses can’t afford to waste money. So any investment you make needs to deliver a real return.

Here’s the thing: marketing done well isn’t an expense. It’s a growth lever.

A solid agency doesn’t just help you “get your name out there.” They help you:

  • Attract the right people

  • Turn more traffic into leads or sales

  • Stretch your budget further across paid channels

  • Reduce reliance on guesswork or scattered efforts

  • Build momentum month after month

Even one new high-value client or a few consistent leads per month can offset the entire cost of an agency engagement — and then some.

And if your budget is tight, look for agencies that offer entry-level packages, flexible terms, or project-based work to prove value before scaling up.

 

Objection 3: “I don’t want to lose control of my brand or voice.”

You’ve built your business with care. Maybe your customers know you by name. Maybe your brand reflects your personality and values. It’s completely fair to worry that handing your marketing to someone else might water that down.

But the right agency will:

  • Spend time learning about your brand, tone, and story

  • Use your input to shape content and messaging

  • Check in regularly for feedback and approvals

  • Treat your reputation like it’s their own

Marketing should feel authentic — and a good agency will make your brand feel even stronger, not diluted.

If you’ve worked hard to stand out, the last thing you need is bland, generic marketing. That’s why collaboration matters. Your agency should be bringing your vision to life — not replacing it.

 

Objection 4: “I don’t have time to manage an agency.”

Here’s the paradox: the very reason many small businesses don’t hire a marketing partner is the same reason they should.

You're already stretched. You don’t have the time to figure out SEO, write blog posts, run Facebook Ads, or track analytics. An agency takes that off your plate — while keeping you in the loop on what matters.

The best agencies have:

  • A smooth onboarding process

  • Clear timelines and deliverables

  • Proactive communication

  • Simple dashboards or reports (so you’re not guessing)

You’ll spend a few hours up front — then start getting time back each week.

Think of it like hiring a bookkeeper. You could technically do it yourself, but the opportunity cost is huge. An agency frees you up to focus on what you do best — running and growing your business.

 

Objection 5: “I want results, but I don’t know where to start.”

That’s exactly what a good agency helps with.

Most small business owners know they need marketing. But they don’t have a clear strategy. Or they’ve tried bits and pieces — SEO here, some Facebook posts there — with little to show for it.

A good agency brings:

  • Clarity: What actually needs to happen based on your goals

  • Focus: What to do first, what to skip, and what will make the biggest impact

  • Consistency: So you’re not reinventing the wheel each month

  • Results: Clear metrics, better lead quality, and repeatable growth

You don’t need to know how it all works — you just need a partner who does.

 

What to Look for in the Right Agency

Before you hire anyone, ask:

  • Do they understand businesses like mine?

  • Can they explain their strategy in plain English?

  • Are their goals aligned with mine (e.g. leads, sales, retention)?

  • Will I get visibility into what’s working — and what’s not?

  • Do they offer flexible, transparent pricing?

If the answer to those questions is yes — it’s probably worth having a deeper conversation.

 

Final Thought: Marketing Shouldn’t Be a Gamble

We know what it’s like to feel cautious. You’ve worked hard to get where you are — and you don’t want to hand your reputation, budget, or brand over to just anyone.

But we also know this: trying to do it all yourself will hold your business back.

The right agency won’t make your marketing more complicated. They’ll make it easier, more effective, and more profitable.

If you’re curious how that might look for your business, we’d be happy to chat — no pressure, no jargon.