Things to Avoid When Choosing a Marketing Agency (And How SFTRCK Does Things Differently)

Choosing the right marketing agency is a critical decision for your business. The right partner can help you grow your brand, generate leads, and drive revenue, while the wrong choice can waste your time, money, and energy. Unfortunately, not all marketing agencies operate with your best interests in mind. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of red flags to watch out for when selecting a marketing agency—and how SFTRCK stands apart.

1. Lack of Transparency

The Red Flag: Some marketing agencies in minneapolis operate in a “black box,” where you’re left guessing about what they’re actually doing for your business. They might provide vague updates or withhold crucial performance data, leaving you in the dark.

How SFTRCK Does It Differently: At SFTRCK, transparency is a core value. We provide clear, easy-to-understand reports that show exactly how your campaigns are performing. From keyword rankings to traffic growth, you’ll always know where your investment is going and what results it’s delivering. Our goal is to make you a partner in the process—not just a client.

2. Long and Lengthy Contracts

The Red Flag: Some Minneapolis based agencies lock clients into lengthy contracts, often spanning a year or more, without a clear path to exit if the relationship isn’t working. These rigid agreements leave you feeling stuck, even if you’re unhappy with the results.

How SFTRCK Does It Differently: We believe in earning your business every single month. That’s why SFTRCK offers flexible, month-to-month agreements. If you’re not satisfied, you’re free to part ways—no hefty penalties or frustrating red tape. We’re confident in the value we provide and want you to stay because you see results, not because you’re contractually obligated.

3. Annual Retainers with Hefty Buyouts

The Red Flag: Some agencies in the Twin Cities require large upfront retainers or include hefty buyout clauses, making it financially burdensome to leave. These practices prioritize the agency’s bottom line over your success.

How SFTRCK Does It Differently: At SFTRCK, we don’t require large retainers or lock you into deals with unreasonable buyouts. Our pricing is straightforward and based on the services you need. Whether it’s SEO or content writing, you’ll pay for the value we deliver—nothing more, nothing less.

4. Overpromising and Underdelivering

The Red Flag: Be wary of digital marketing agencies that guarantee unrealistic results, like “#1 on Google in a week” or “10x your traffic overnight.” These promises are often impossible to achieve and are a sign of a lack of expertise or integrity.

How SFTRCK Does It Differently: We pride ourselves on setting realistic, achievable expectations. SEO and content writing take time to deliver sustainable results, and we’re upfront about that from the start. Our data-driven strategies are designed to deliver long-term growth, not short-lived spikes.

5. Cookie-Cutter Solutions

The Red Flag: Many agencies use the same generic strategies for every client, regardless of industry, goals, or challenges. These one-size-fits-all approaches rarely deliver meaningful results.

How SFTRCK Does It Differently: At SFTRCK, we know that every business is unique. We tailor our SEO and content writing strategies to your specific goals, industry, and audience. From conducting in-depth keyword research to crafting high-quality, personalized content, everything we do is designed with your success in mind.

6. Poor Communication

The Red Flag: Some agencies fail to keep clients in the loop, making it difficult to get updates or ask questions. You might feel like you’re being left on the sidelines of your own campaigns.

How SFTRCK Does It Differently: We believe communication is key to a successful partnership. Our team is always available to answer your questions, provide updates, and discuss strategy. You’ll never feel ignored or out of the loop with SFTRCK as your partner.

Why SFTRCK is the Right Choice for Your Business

At SFTRCK, we’re committed to providing exceptional service without the pitfalls that plague many marketing agencies. Here’s how we stand out: Transparency: You’ll always know what we’re working on and how it’s impacting your business. Flexible Agreements: No long-term contracts or hidden fees—just results-driven service. Customized Solutions: Every strategy we create is tailored to your business’s unique needs. Proven Expertise: With a focus on SEO and content writing, we deliver measurable results that help your business grow. Collaborative Approach: We see you as a partner, not just a client, and value your input every step of the way.

Ready to Work with a Marketing Agency You Can Trust?

If you’re tired of dealing with agencies that overpromise, underdeliver, or lock you into rigid contracts, it’s time to make a change. At SFTRCK, we’re here to help your business succeed with transparent, flexible, and results-driven SEO and content writing services. Contact us today to learn how SFTRCK can help your business thrive—without the headaches.