Knowing When to Cut Ties with Your Marketing Agency

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Most of us grew up hearing the age-old advice: "Never burn bridges." My parents drilled it into me too, often saying, "You never know when or where people will come back into your life."

I get it—that’s solid advice when it comes to personal relationships. But what about your marketing agency? If your agency is treating your account like garbage, should you stay silent? Absolutely not. It’s time to step up and confront the issue head-on.

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

In my two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless great businesses fall victim to their own marketing agencies. It’s shocking, but true. Here’s what often happens:

  • Locked into bad contracts: Businesses feel trapped by contracts they can’t break, even when the service is subpar.
  • Fear of confrontation: Many business owners are afraid to push back, worried about damaging the relationship.

At Search Solutions, we strive to be different. We encourage our clients to call us out if something isn’t working. If we can’t resolve the issue, we’re more than happy to part ways amicably. It’s not about burning bridges—it’s about proactively addressing a relationship that’s no longer a good fit.

When Should You Burn the Bridge?

If your marketing agency isn’t delivering the service your business deserves, it might be time to reconsider the relationship. Here’s how to know when to take action:

1. When Service Is Consistently Poor

If you’ve repeatedly struggled to get the attention or results you need, it’s time to push for change:

  • Request a new account manager.
  • Negotiate updated services or pricing.
  • Clearly outline your expectations for improvement.

If they still don’t step up, it’s time to escalate.

2. When You’re Throwing Money Away

An agency that doesn’t deliver is essentially draining your budget. If you’ve already tried to resolve the issue and gotten nowhere, consider this:

  • Your internet marketing isn’t improving.
  • You’re paying for services that don’t meet your goals.

At this stage, you’re giving them free money—and that needs to stop.

3. When a Friendly Break Isn’t Possible

If reaching out to higher-ups (like a VP or senior management) still doesn’t lead to a resolution, it’s time to move on. Letting go might feel like burning a bridge, but ask yourself:

Would you even want to cross that bridge again in the future?

Your Business Deserves Better

Your business is one of the most important things in your life. If your agency doesn’t treat it with the same level of care and commitment, it’s a relationship doomed to fail. Don’t let fear hold you back from doing what’s best for your company.

Ready to Work with an Agency That Puts You First?

At Search Solutions, we’re here to make your SEO and SEM projects seamless and successful. If you’re ready for a partner who prioritizes your business, reach out today.

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