10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Paid Ads Agency

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 2nd of November 2025

5 minute read

Finding the right paid ads agency can be daunting, but asking the right questions will make your decision much easier. This guide will walk you through essential questions that help ensure you hire the best agency for your business.

When hiring a paid ads agency, ask about their experience, strategy, transparency, reporting, pricing, and client success stories. This ensures they can meet your specific business needs while delivering measurable results.

Keep reading for the ten most important questions you should ask before hiring a paid ads agency. We will break down why each question matters and how it can help your business grow through paid advertising.

Why These 10 Questions Matter

Hiring a paid ads agency is a significant decision for your business. A wrong choice can lead to wasted budget and missed opportunities. By asking the right questions, you’ll be able to evaluate the agency’s capabilities, approach, and whether they’re a good fit for your goals.

Hiring a paid ads agency involves more than just selecting a company with a good reputation. To ensure you get the best results, you must delve deeper into their strategies, experience, and ability to deliver on promises. Below, we outline the 10 critical questions you should ask before making your final decision.

1. What experience do you have with my industry? It’s important to work with an agency that has experience in your industry. Agencies familiar with your business type will better understand your audience, trends, and pain points, allowing them to tailor campaigns effectively. They should be able to provide case studies and examples of past successes.
2. What is your approach to strategy development? Understanding the agency’s process for creating a strategy is essential. Ask how they analyse your business, competitors, and target audience to form a customised plan. A solid strategy involves understanding your goals, audience segmentation, and creating compelling ad copy and visuals that resonate.
3. Can you show examples of successful campaigns? A reputable agency will have success stories and data to back up their claims. Ask for case studies and details of results they’ve achieved for similar businesses. They should be transparent about campaign performance, with clear metrics like ROI and conversion rates.
4. How do you handle campaign reporting and analytics? Transparency is key when it comes to tracking the success of your paid ads campaigns. The agency should provide clear, easy-to-understand reports that show exactly where your money is going and the return you’re receiving. Make sure you understand the key metrics they report on.
5. What platforms do you specialise in? Different agencies may specialise in various ad platforms, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn, or others. Choose an agency that has experience with the platforms that best suit your business goals. A specialist in your chosen platform will optimise your ads more effectively than a generalist.
6. What is your pricing model? Understanding the agency’s pricing structure is crucial. Some charge a flat fee, others work on a commission basis. Be clear on how they charge and whether there are any additional costs. A transparent pricing model will help avoid unexpected charges and make budgeting easier.
7. How do you measure and define success? Every business has different goals, and so should your campaigns. Ask the agency how they define success for your business. It could be leads, sales, brand awareness, or other KPIs. The agency should align their success metrics with your business objectives to ensure you are on the same page.
8. How do you ensure campaign optimisation? The digital marketing landscape is dynamic, and paid ad campaigns need constant tweaking and optimisation to remain effective. Ask how the agency monitors and optimises your campaigns over time. Regular adjustments based on performance are essential for long-term success.
9. Who will be managing my campaigns? It’s important to know who will be responsible for your account. Is it a senior team member with extensive experience, or will it be a junior employee? A seasoned professional will likely produce better results, so ensure you are comfortable with the team managing your campaigns.
10. How do you handle communication and collaboration? Clear and consistent communication is essential for a successful partnership. Ask how often you will receive updates, the format of reports, and how easy it is to get in touch with your account manager. Effective communication ensures that you’re always in the loop regarding campaign performance and adjustments.

What to Look for in a Paid Ads Agency’s Track Record

While hiring a paid ads agency, it’s essential to consider their track record. Look for agencies with proven success in driving results for businesses similar to yours. Their history should reflect successful campaigns, both in terms of ad spend and returns.

If an agency claims to have industry expertise, ask them for evidence of their achievements. A good agency should present case studies or share client testimonials. Furthermore, they should have tangible results that show their ability to convert leads and improve sales. Transparency in sharing data, like campaign reports and ROI metrics, is essential.

How Will the Agency Keep You Informed?

Communication plays a critical role in any client-agency relationship. A strong agency will keep you updated regularly, not just at the end of the month. Expect to receive periodic reports, updates on campaign changes, and suggestions for improvement. Additionally, they should be willing to discuss strategy shifts and give you insight into their decision-making process.

Understanding the Agency’s Pricing Structure

Pricing is one of the most crucial aspects of hiring a paid ads agency. Ensure that the agency’s pricing aligns with your budget and the services you’re receiving. Ask whether the agency charges a flat fee or a percentage of your ad spend. While a commission structure may seem fair, it’s important to understand how that could impact the overall cost of your campaigns.

FAQ

How do I know if a paid ads agency is right for my business?

Research the agency’s experience in your industry, ask for case studies, and evaluate their strategic approach. Choose an agency that aligns with your goals and offers transparent pricing and clear reporting.

Can I see results quickly?

While it varies, many campaigns begin showing results within a few weeks. However, sustained results may take a couple of months, as optimisation is ongoing.

How much should I expect to pay for paid ad services?

Prices vary based on the agency’s services and the platforms you’re using. You can expect to pay anywhere from £500 to £10,000+ per month, depending on your campaign scope.

What’s the difference between hiring a freelancer and an agency for paid ads?

Agencies usually offer a broader range of services and expertise, including specialised teams for creative, strategy, and analytics. Freelancers may provide a more personal touch but lack the depth of resources that a full agency can provide.

Should I expect to see an immediate return on investment (ROI)?

ROI can vary depending on campaign goals, audience targeting, and the platform used. It’s important to set realistic expectations, as some ads may take time to optimise and produce desired results.

Ready to hire the best paid ads agency for your business? Contact us now and get started.

By following these steps and asking the right questions, you can confidently hire a paid ads agency that delivers on your goals, optimises your spend, and drives sustainable growth for your business.