By Darrin Gerr, CEO of Agency Jet.
I was speaking with someone yesterday, and he asked, “What can you tell me that differentiates you from other Digital Marketing Agencies?”
I paused, then said, “Well, digital marketing is unregulated.” I explained that anyone can launch a website, claim to be an “SEO, Paid Media, Website Development expert,” and start selling. That leaves businesses exposed. Too many companies waste months and thousands of dollars before realizing they hired the wrong partner. So much so that at Agency Jet, we have often called ourselves a “Triage Company for Digital Marketing”. As we attend to the wounded companies coming from previous agency experiences.
That conversation prompted me to write this blog today, focused on how to separate real experts from noise. To do this, you must start with the essential question: Do you want quality work that delivers measurable results with complete transparency?
If your answer is yes, here are five factors every business must check before hiring a digital marketing company. If it’s strictly about money, remember this: nobody has a direct phone number to Google to get you listed.
We all have to follow Google’s best practices. That takes time, which means labor, so cheap isn’t an option if you want it done correctly. Reality check: If your decision is only budget-based, you’re not aiming for results. You’re just checking off a task. That approach almost always fails.
When doing any task, you can only have two of the three:
- Fast
- Cheap
- Quality Results
Which two matter most to you? The answer I hear most is, “Darrin, I want cheap with quality results.”
The reality: no matter what the project is, that path can take years.
CHECK 1: Look at their Reviews Over Time
Check the digital marketing Agencies' reviews in 3rd party systems. A real agency has its reviews spread across years, not just a sudden burst. If that agency claims great reviews, but these are grouped in a cluster over just a few months, that’s a red flag.
Clutch, the leading B2B review site, verifies feedback through direct client interviews. Ratings are simple. The sister site to Clutch is UpCity, and Agency Jet has many reviews there as well.
- 1 = Poor performance
- 2 = Fair, inconsistent results
- 3 = Average, met expectations
- 4 = Very good outcomes
- 5 = Excellent, exceeded expectations
Agency Jet has 50+ verified Clutch reviews, averaging 4.8+.
“The team at Agency Jet is dedicated to educating their clients about SEO processes… empowering clients to understand and participate in their digital marketing strategies.”
— Clutch insight
CHECK 2: Expect Results in the First Six Months
Too many agencies sell long-term contracts with vague promises. Professionals show progress in the first six months, with a process for constant optimization over time.
Agency Jet has month-to-month contracts because we know we must deliver. We operate like an employee; you must see results.
At Agency Jet, clients see measurable, data-driven results within months.
“Their communication, honesty, and dedication to results all stand out... transparency saves us money. … Invest money in them. If they say something will work, it will work.”
— Google review, Minneapolis client
CHECK 3: A good fit, Do You Trust the Team?
Make sure you know who you will be working with, make sure you choose them, and they show you. It needs to be a good fit to create a long-term relationship.
Many agencies sell with polish, then hand you off to a random account manager. You never see the sales rep again as he throws you over the fence to the tech team and goes for the next sale.
Agency Jet works differently. Clients meet and continue working with the same core team. The sales rep introduces you to the client strategist, who will be your main point of contact from now on and probably during the duration of your time with us. Rotation in Agency Jet is low thanks to a great work culture.
After that, your sales rep will continue to appear during the work meetings. They will act forever as your champion within Agency Jet, helping you thrive and get the most out of all our expertise.
CHECK 4: Make sure you have Ownership of Work
Ownership is non-negotiable. You should always keep all logins, ad accounts, and website rights. Some agencies lock clients into systems, so leaving means starting over.
This might look like a no-brainer, yet during our triage, we find many companies that don't own their content. Sometimes, even their ad account or their own website! In reality, it's a chain and a hackle they use to keep you from leaving.
Agency Jet guarantees 100% ownership. You own what is done for you.
“I spoke with over five people who have worked on my project, and in the end, I got 100% of my investment back plus much, much more.”
— Client testimonial, UpCity
CHECK 5: Look up Employee Reviews on Glassdoor
How an agency treats staff is how they treat clients. High turnover = poor service.
Agency Jet’s Glassdoor reviews show a culture of transparency and stability. Happy employees = consistent client relationships.
A happy employee will add value to your work above and beyond the deliverables. And will remain accompanying you over a long period of time with first-person knowledge of your account.
“Working at Agency Jet, the training is spectacular, and the system is flawless. … they can teach the rest.”
— Employee review, Glassdoor
Why Agency Jet Passes the Test
- Founded in 2016 with a mission of transparency, education, and results
- 50+ Clutch reviews proving long-term client satisfaction
- 40+ UpCity reviews proving long-term client satisfaction
- 150+ Google reviews across Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Las Vegas, Dallas, Columbus, and Kansas City
- High retention due to personal touch and measurable outcomes
- Clients keep ownership of all work
As one client put it:
“Their transparency and honesty set them apart from other agencies we’ve worked with.”
In Summary
Choosing a digital marketing company isn’t about price. It’s about protecting your investment, saving time, and driving growth. Reviews, results, relationships, ownership, and culture are the five pillars of a trustworthy agency.
Agency Jet has built its reputation on these principles for nearly a decade. That’s why businesses nationwide continue to choose and stay with us.
Thank you for reading. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you, but it always starts with a free educational assessment.
Don’t guess. Know who delivers.
- See our Clutch Reviews profile
- Read our Google Reviews Minneapolis
- Read our Google Reviews Las Vegas
- Read our Google Reviews Milwaukee
- See our UpCity Reviews
Contact Agency Jet to build your transparent, results-driven strategy.
