Ever get the feeling you’re stuck in first gear, even though you’re pouring hard-earned dollars into digital marketing? It’s a pretty common yarn I hear when local Brisbane businesses calls us up, usually because the numbers look “okay” but the phone isn’t exactly ringing off the hook.
If that sounds familiar, it might be time for a digital tune-up. Here are some tell-tale signs your marketing agency could be quietly holding your business back—and what you can do about it.
Results aren't just numbers they're customers through the door calls in your inbox, sales on the board. If you aren't seeing that, you deserve to know why
You Don’t Actually Have Control
Who really owns your website, Google Profile, or ad accounts? If you’re relying on your agency to “flip the switch” on every single change, that’s a worry. You shouldn’t have to ‘ask permission’ for access to your own business data.
The truth? If you ever want to make a switch—or just want a second opinion—being locked out means you’re starting from scratch.
Your move:
Check that you (not just your agency) have admin access to your website, Google & Meta accounts. This is non-negotiable.
You’re Not Seeing Results (or Even Real Numbers)
Are you getting cute pie charts and a lot of “Look at those impressions!” but still wondering where that next loyal customer is coming from?
If your agency is all sizzle, no steak—focusing on vanity numbers instead of bookings, sales or actual leads—it’s time to ask the tough questions.
- Do you know how campaigns are really helping your bottom line?
- Is anyone explaining the numbers… or are they just sending them over and disappearing ‘til next month?
You’re Getting the Same Treatment as Everyone Else
If you spot the same stock photos, landing pages, or daily posts on your Insta that your competitor’s agency is using, you’re in cookie-cutter territory.
Great marketing fits your business—your goals, your neighbourhood, your audience. You wouldn’t serve a steak at a vegan cafe; why run the same ads as the business up the road?
Check if:
- Your agency actually understands what makes your business unique
- You’re getting tailored ideas (not just templates with your logo slapped on)
You call; it goes to voicemail. You email; reply comes back… next week. Or maybe, it’s just a wall of corporate buzzwords every time you chat.
If your agency isn’t proactive about updates, honest about results, and downright eager to help—even when things miss the mark—are they really invested in your business?
They’re Stuck in Last Year
The digital world moves quick. Voice search, AI tools for small business, local trends (and let’s not forget those ever-changing Google updates)—your marketing needs to keep up, not just keep running old playbooks.
- Recommending the same stuff, year after year
- Reluctant to test new ideas or tools
- Not explaining why they’re doing what they’re doing
…they’re holding you back, not lifting you up.
So, What’s The Next Step?
You want to grow in 2025? You need a marketing partner that’s transparent, adaptable, and genuinely excited about your business. At Big Bao, we make sure you own your assets, understand your results, and actually feel heard.
If you reckon your agency is just ticking boxes, maybe it’s time for a new approach. Or just a second set of eyes—no pressure, just a chat.
Ready to move things forward? Reach out for a real conversation.
