10 Questions to Ask HubSpot Marketing Agency Partners Before You Sign Them Up

Selecting a HubSpot marketing agency is just like choosing an ice cream flavor—it's  important to sample before making a decision. Just as some end up with a rocky road while hoping for some minty freshness, companies make the mistake of falling for slick presentations and are lured in by all the bells and whistles. Don't get fooled. 

Look beyond the surface and dig deeper to ensure that the agency has the experience, expertise, and values that align with your business goals. Do some research and find a HubSpot marketing automation partner that will make your business scoop to the top of the cone. 

In this blog, we'll help you navigate choosing a HubSpot marketing agency by providing the top 10 questions to ask before you sign on that dotted line. 

10 Things to Ask HubSpot Marketing Agency Partners

Partnering with a HubSpot marketing agency can boost your marketing efforts significantly, but not all agencies are created equal. To make the most of this partnership and see actual results, feel free to ask these 10 questions before making a decision.

1. Do You All Work In-House?

Want to make sure your marketing dollars aren't being shipped off to a remote island somewhere? Then you'll want to get to the bottom of whether the HubSpot marketing agency you're considering outsources any of its work.

Now, outsourcing is not necessarily a deal-breaker. After all, plenty of great agencies outsource work to trusted partners. However, you will want to ensure that the agency still guarantees the quality of any outsourced work.

So, if the HubSpot marketing automation agency you are eyeing admits to outsourcing, don't hesitate to ask them for the details. Who are they working with? How long have they been in working with them? And, of course, the most crucial question: can they back up their claims with samples of their work? 

By getting all the facts, you can make an informed decision and rest easy knowing your marketing is in good hands.

2. Why Did You Select HubSpot?

Is a HubSpot agency partner really into the platform or just looking for a quick buck? Ask them why they chose HubSpot.

You've hit the jackpot if they answer that they use HubSpot themselves and love its features. But if their response is more like "our clients seem to like it," it's time to keep looking. You deserve an agency partner with hands-on experience and expert knowledge. So, find a partner just as invested in your success as you are.

3. Can You Share Some Client Success Stories?

Sure, it's nice to see an agency with an extensive client roster, but it's not the only thing that matters. When considering a HubSpot agency partner, ensure they've got the receipts to back up their claims. Ask for case studies and specific metrics that showcase their clients' success. And don't be swayed by the numbers game, either.

Instead, focus on how long they've been with their clients and what results they've been able to drive. After all, it's not about how many clients they have; it's about how they treat them. By keeping your eyes on the prize, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect HubSpot agency partner for your business needs.

Here is an example of Growth Natives’ case study.

4. Total Years of Experience As a HubSpot Marketing Agency

To find out if they're genuinely knowledgeable about HubSpot, ask them how long they've been a HubSpot marketing agency and how long they've used the platform. If they've been partnering with HubSpot for at least a year and using it for just as long (if not longer), you know you're in good hands.

Experience matters, so don't be afraid to ask tough questions. An agency that knows the ins and outs of HubSpot will be better equipped to help you succeed, so choose wisely.

5. Total Years of Experience As a HubSpot Marketing Agency

An agency dedicated to HubSpot won't just stop at being a certified HubSpot agency partner—it'll go the extra mile and get all its team members certified too. If you're serious about finding an agency that's ready to deliver, don't hesitate to ask about individual certifications as well as company-wide ones.

6. Who Will Be Your Point-of-Contact?

Do you know the old bait-and-switch tactic? Well, unfortunately, some agencies use it too. They'll dangle a charismatic, seasoned sales rep in front of you, only to switch them out for a less-experienced junior marketer once you've signed the contract.

Be aware of these sneaky tactics, especially when working with a HubSpot marketing agency. Before committing, always inquire about who exactly will be your main point of contact after the sale. And don't settle for a vague answer like "the client success team"—make sure you get the specifics like a HubSpot marketing automation expert.

7. How Are You Unique Over Others?

This is the million-dollar question, the one that every HubSpot agency partner hopes to be asked. Prepare yourself for a well-crafted response with you nodding in agreement and reaching for the contract.

The agency may have a secret sauce, a particular methodology or approach that sets it apart. Perhaps, they have an unusually diverse, talented team. Or they're so passionate about what they do that they can't help but stand out.

But if their answer is less than inspiring and leaves you feeling underwhelmed, then it might be time to question whether this agency is worth your time and money. After all, if they can't convince you that they're special, why should you believe they can deliver anything more than ordinary results?

8. Do You Work On Standalone Projects Or Complete Inbound Marketing?

While some agencies may offer standalone projects, the best ones know that the key to success lies in a more comprehensive approach. 

A retainer model that includes various services, such as inbound marketing and Growth-Driven Design, is the way to go. This approach allows for a higher level of service, faster results, and more efficient use of time and resources. If you want the best possible outcome for your project, look for an agency that offers a full suite of services under one retainer.

9. How Is Your Pricing Structured?

A transparent pricing structure can ensure a successful and long-term partnership. When considering a HubSpot agency partner, it's critical to understand their pricing structure and how it aligns with your business goals and budget. Seek a detailed breakdown of the costs and services included in their packages, and ensure you understand how the agency will handle additional work or changes in the scope.

Some partners charge a flat fee for their services, while others use a retainer-based model. One popular pricing structure for HubSpot agency partners is a point-based system. 

This system works by assigning a point value to each deliverable, which is based on the task's complexity, the amount of time it takes, or other factors. The client is then charged a set number of monthly points based on the agreed-upon scope of work.

10. What Will Be The Success Metrics, and How Will You Track Them?

Every HubSpot marketing agency has its way of doing things. But usually, it takes around 12 months to see the fruits of your inbound marketing labor. So don't expect to see significant results overnight.

Regarding tracking your progress, some agencies might give you one extensive report every few months. But let's be honest—that data can quickly become outdated.

That's why the best agencies will send you monthly updates and provide in-depth marketing reports. After all, who has time to wait for quarterly reports? 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing the right HubSpot marketing agency partner can be a game-changer for your business. By taking the time to find the right fit and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you're working with an agency that truly understands your needs and can help you achieve your marketing goals. Remember to ask about experience, certifications, team structure, pricing, and results tracking, among other essential factors.

At Growth Natives, we are a HubSpot platinum solutions partner and we pride ourselves on our experience, expertise, and commitment to our customers’ success. We encourage you to ask us these 10 questions and any others you may have so that we can show you why we're the right HubSpot marketing automation agency partner for you. 
Write to us at info@growthnatives.com or call us on +1 855-693-4769 to learn more about how we can help you grow your business with HubSpot.