Ask how they diagnose
A credible partner should ask about economics, capacity, sales process, market and evidence before recommending channels. A prewritten solution to every problem is a warning sign.
The first output should clarify what not to do as well as what to do.
Demand cost separation
Media spend, professional fees, software and production should be visible. Understand what is one-time, recurring, optional and dependent on third parties.
This site publishes package logic for that reason.
Read cases with context
Look for baseline, timeframe, channel, market and constraints. A strong number without context is not transferable evidence.
Ask which results are client-reported and which are directly measured.
Choose operating fit
Decide whether you need strategic advice, implementation or an embedded partner. Confirm communication cadence, access ownership and what happens after handover.
A smaller specialist can be effective when the scope needs direct senior attention across marketing and build work.
How this becomes a project
A useful next step is a short audit of your current pages, search footprint, proof and measurement. The output should identify the few constraints worth fixing before more content or media is added.