Not if handled appropriately. Many clients simply share that they're commissioning independent performance assessment as part of normal business practice. Strong agencies welcome objective validation. Agencies that resist transparency may be confirming your concerns. You can also commission the review confidentially and use findings to inform future decisions.

Understanding true performance helps even within contracts. You can use findings to request performance improvements, scope adjustments, or early termination discussions if performance is materially below standards. Objective evidence strengthens any contract renegotiation.

Only if you choose to tell them. We can conduct assessment confidentially using your existing access to analytics and campaign platforms. Many clients prefer confidential assessment initially, then decide how to use findings.

Excellent! You gain confidence in continuing the investment and better understanding of what good performance looks like. You can also identify specific areas for improvement even within generally strong performance. Peace of mind has significant value. I’m not trying to ‘catch people out’ with minor adjustment suggestions.

Typically 7-20 business days depending on package and complexity. We work efficiently to provide timely intelligence for your decision-making.

We need view-only access to your website analytics (Google Analytics or similar), advertising platforms the agency manages on your behalf, social media insights, and copies of recent agency reports and strategy documents. We provide a simple checklist and can work with whatever access level you're comfortable providing. If we can’t get sufficient access, I’ll inform you immediately and provide a full refund.

We can provide general guidance on what capabilities to seek and red flags to avoid. However, we don't provide specific agency recommendations to avoid any appearance of conflicts of interest. We can help you develop RFP specifications and evaluation criteria for assessing potential agencies objectively.

My analysis is based on objective data, industry benchmarks, and professional standards. I document methodology and provide evidence for all findings. Agencies are welcome to contest specific findings with data - but emotional objections without supporting evidence usually confirm the concerns identified.

No. Even businesses spending $2,000-$3,000 monthly benefit from knowing whether that investment is delivering value. The principles of good digital marketing strategy and execution apply at every budget level.

Yes, the assessment framework applies equally to in-house digital marketing teams. I evaluate strategy, execution, and results regardless of whether the work is performed by employees or external agencies