Marketing

Marketing Agency Prep: 5 Steps Before You Even Start Looking

IG
InterGlobal Team
January 12, 2026 10 min read
brown wooden blocks on white surface

Ever felt that sinking feeling? Handing over the keys to your business's digital kingdom – social media, website, everything – to a marketing agency, only for them to disappear or, worse, lock you out? It's more common than you think, especially in a fast-paced environment.

At InterGlobal, a Dallas-based digital agency, we empower you to make smart decisions. Before hiring a marketing agency, preparation is key.

Why Preparation Matters

Choosing a marketing agency is like choosing a business partner. You're entrusting them with your brand, reputation, and money. Misplaced trust can lead to problems if they don't understand your vision or operate unethically.

Many business owners, eager for growth, skip crucial steps, focusing on the what (more leads, better engagement) without considering the how (asset control, risks). This guide addresses that.

60% of small businesses experience a data breach each year. Source: Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report

Step 1: Own Your Domain and Hosting

It's shocking how many businesses don't own their domain name or hosting. Your domain (yourbusiness.com) is your digital address; hosting is where your website lives. Control these to control your online identity.

Check Domain Ownership

Use a WHOIS lookup. If it's not you, transfer it ASAP.

Verify Hosting Account

Check billing statements. Ensure you pay the provider directly, not the agency.

Pro Tip: Register your domain with a reputable registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap. Use separate, strong passwords for your registrar account, hosting account, and website admin panel.

Step 2: Secure Social Media Accounts and Business Manager

Social media outsourcing is common, but you need control. Understand the difference between a personal profile and a business page, and set up a Business Manager account on platforms like Facebook.

A Business Manager lets you grant access without sharing your personal login, protecting you if the agency's account is compromised. Own the Business Manager and grant the marketing agency access as partners.

Watch Out: Never share your personal social media login with an agency. Use Business Manager or similar tools to grant access.
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Business Manager Admin

Ensure you are the admin, with full control, always.

Step 3: Understand Copyright and Trademark

Your brand is more than a logo – it's your name, tagline, and visual identity. Understand basic copyright and trademark law.

Copyright

Protects original creative works (website content, photos, videos).

Trademark

Protects your brand name and logo. Registering gives you exclusive rights.

Failing to protect your brand can be way more expensive in the long run. Imagine someone else using your logo or brand name, and you have no legal recourse.

Step 4: Develop a Basic Branding Guide

A branding guide outlines your brand's visual identity, voice, and values. It ensures consistency across all marketing materials.

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Branding Guide Elements:

Logo usage guidelines, color palette, typography, voice and tone, and imagery style.

73% of users judge a company's credibility based on its website design. Source: Stanford Web Credibility Research

Step 5: Understand Your Goals and Budget

Have a clear understanding of your goals and budget. What do you want to achieve? More leads? More sales? More brand awareness? How much are you willing to spend?

Realistic Expectations

Effective marketing takes time and investment. Don't expect overnight miracles.

Honest Budget

Don't try to lowball your agency. You get what you pay for.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
— Benjamin Franklin

Key Takeaways

  • Own your domain and hosting. No exceptions.
  • Secure your social media accounts. Use Business Manager or similar tools.
  • Understand basic copyright and trademark law. Protect your brand.
  • Develop a basic branding guide. Ensure consistency.
  • Understand your goals and budget. Be realistic.

Ready to get started? Let us help you.

Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to own my domain name?
Owning your domain name gives you complete control over your online presence. If you don't own it, the person or company who does can hold your website hostage or even sell it to someone else.
What is a Business Manager on Facebook?
A Business Manager is a tool that allows you to manage your Facebook pages, ad accounts, and other business assets in one place. It also allows you to grant access to your pages and ad accounts without sharing your personal login.
What is the difference between copyright and trademark?
Copyright protects original creative works, such as website content, photos, and videos. Trademark protects brand names and logos.
What should be included in a branding guide?
A branding guide should include logo usage guidelines, color palette, typography, voice and tone, and imagery style.
How much should I budget for marketing?
The amount you should budget for marketing depends on your goals and industry. As a general rule, small businesses should allocate 7-8% of their gross revenue to marketing.
What are SMART goals?
SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They help you set clear and realistic objectives for your marketing efforts.
What are KPIs?
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are metrics that you use to track the progress of your marketing efforts. Examples include website traffic, leads generated, and sales conversions.
What if an agency offers to host my website for free?
This is a red flag. "Free" hosting often comes with strings attached. The agency may have complete control over your website, and you may not be able to move it to another provider if you're not happy with their service.
How do I know if an agency is reputable?
Check their online reviews, ask for references, and review their portfolio. Also, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
What should I do if an agency locks me out of my social media account?
Contact the social media platform's support team immediately. Provide them with proof of ownership (e.g., business registration documents) and request that they restore your access.
IG

InterGlobal Team

We help startups and growing businesses build beautiful, high-performing digital products. Based in Dallas, serving clients nationwide.

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