A digital marketing agency plans and runs the online activity that brings you customers, such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, websites and reporting. Agencies are usually paid through a monthly fee, a one-time project fee, or a mix, with ad spend paid separately to the platforms.
What a digital marketing agency does
An agency helps a business get found and contacted online. The work depends on your goals, but it commonly includes the following.
- Strategy: deciding who to reach, with what message, and through which channels.
- Advertising: setting up and managing Google Ads and Meta Ads campaigns.
- Website and landing pages: building or improving the pages visitors land on.
- Tracking: measuring calls, forms and WhatsApp clicks so results are clear.
- Reporting: explaining what happened and what to change next.
Common ways agencies charge
- Monthly fee: a regular amount for ongoing management, often with a defined scope.
- Project fee: a one-time price for something with a clear end, such as a new website.
- Percentage of ad spend: a share of the budget you spend on ads.
- Hourly or audit fee: a paid review that gives you a plan to act on.
Whatever the model, ad spend is normally separate. It is paid to Google or Meta, not to the agency, and you should be able to see it in your own ad account.
What affects the price
- How many services you need: ads, website, content or all of them.
- How big the goal is and how competitive your market is.
- How much reporting and communication you expect.
- Whether you already have a website and tracking in place.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What exactly is included each month?
- Who owns the ad accounts and the website?
- How will we measure success?
- How often will we talk, and who will I deal with?
- Can I leave at any time, and do I keep everything?
Right-size your first step
You do not need every service at once. Many small businesses do best by starting with one clear channel, getting tracking right, and adding more only when the first step is working.
Quick answers
Do I need a digital marketing agency, or can I do it myself?
You can start yourself if you have time to learn and test. An agency helps when you want the work done properly and have limited time, but you should still understand your own numbers.
Is the agency fee the same as my ad budget?
No. The fee pays for the work. The ad budget is the money spent on the ad platforms. They are two separate amounts.
How long before I see results?
It varies. Advertising can bring enquiries soon after launch, while building a strong website and content takes longer. Beware of anyone who promises a specific timeline.
Want help with this?
Tell us about your business and goals. We will suggest a sensible starting point, with no promises of guaranteed results.