For small business owners in Saskatchewan and across Canada, partnering with a marketing agency can be a transformative step toward growth. The right agency can help you stand out, attract more customers, and build a lasting brand presence—whether you’re in Saskatoon, Regina, or a smaller community. But let’s face it—not every agency has your best interests in mind. Knowing how to spot red flags and make informed choices is essential to protect your investment and achieve meaningful results.
Here’s a straightforward guide to choosing the right marketing partner and avoiding common pitfalls.
Beware of Overpromises
You’ve probably heard pitches that sound too good to be true: "We’ll get you to the top of Google in two weeks!" or "Double your revenue in a month!" These claims may be tempting, but they often lack substance. Effective marketing takes time, strategy, and consistent effort. Agencies making wild promises are either overselling their capabilities or using risky tactics that could harm your business in the long run.
What to look for instead? Honesty. A good agency will outline realistic timelines and metrics for success. They’ll set achievable goals and explain how they’ll measure progress, such as through website traffic, lead generation, or increased sales—all backed by transparent reporting. In a perfect world, their success is your success and delivering you a tangible ROI (Return On Investment).
Transparency is Non-Negotiable
One of the most common complaints small business owners have about marketing agencies is a lack of transparency. If an agency doesn’t give you a clear breakdown of pricing, services, or deliverables, you’re likely heading into trouble. Hidden fees and vague contracts can quickly eat into your budget.
Before signing anything, ask for a detailed proposal that outlines exactly what you’re paying for. Does the price include ad spend? Are design fees extra? What happens if you want to cancel the contract? These are all crucial questions to clarify upfront.
At Unalike Marketing, we believe transparency builds trust. That’s why we provide clear, easy-to-understand proposals with no hidden fees. You’ll always know what you’re getting.
Dangers of Long-Term Marketing Contracts
Locking into a multi-year contract might seem like a commitment to long-term growth, but it can also trap you with an underperforming agency. If they’re not delivering results, you shouldn’t have to keep paying for subpar service.
Instead, look for agencies that offer flexible arrangements or trial periods. This allows you to evaluate their performance before committing to a longer relationship. A great agency will earn your trust and business through results, not by locking you in.
Cookie-Cutter Marketing Strategies Won’t Cut It
Your small business is unique, and your marketing strategy should reflect that. Unfortunately, some agencies rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. They might promise a big return on investment but deliver generic campaigns that don’t resonate with your audience.
A tailored approach is essential. At Unalike Marketing, we dig deep to understand your business, audience, and goals. Whether you’re a local coffee shop in Saskatoon, a dental clinic in Regina, or a retail store in Moose Jaw, we craft strategies designed to connect with your customers and maximize your ROI.
Ownership of Your Marketing Assets
A less obvious but equally critical detail to clarify is asset ownership. Some agencies create websites, ads, or social media accounts (Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, etc.) that remain under their control—not yours. If you part ways, you could lose access to essential marketing tools and materials. This makes it even more difficult for your next vendor to come in, not having the historical data to determine what was or wasn't working for you previously.
Always confirm that you will own all assets created for your business, from logos and websites to social media accounts and ad campaigns. Some marketing vendors will fight this saying their automated software or results won't be up to par without owning the accounts. This is an excuse, don't buy it. This ensures you retain full control, regardless of who you partner with in the future.
Industries That Benefit Most from Marketing Support
Small businesses in Saskatchewan span a wide range of industries, and each can benefit from different marketing services, tailored to their needs.
Healthcare Professionals
Chiropractors, dentists, and physiotherapists in Regina and Saskatoon can attract more patients with local SEO and targeted ad campaigns.
Retail Stores
Local boutiques and shops can drive foot traffic and online sales with engaging social media content and email marketing.
Home Services
Plumbers, electricians, and landscapers in smaller communities like Swift Current benefit from Google Ads and online reviews.
Hospitality
Restaurants and cafes can leverage Instagram campaigns and loyalty programs to keep customers coming back.
Professional Services
Accountants, lawyers, and consultants can build credibility and attract clients through educational content and search engine optimization.
Non-Profits
Charities and community organizations can grow awareness and donations with strategic campaigns that highlight their not-for-profit impact.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Agricultural companies and short-line dealers can use marketing to promote equipment, services, and seasonal offers. Event planning for open houses, trade shows, and product launches, paired with targeted advertising, helps drive awareness.
Insurance and Financial Services
Small insurance agencies and financial advisors can attract clients by showcasing their expertise through educational content, advertising, and professional branding.
A Deep Dive into Small Business Marketing Services
Small businesses require a diverse set of marketing services to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Here’s how each service can make a difference:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Local SEO is vital for small businesses, ensuring your services appear in "near me" searches. For example, a florist in Saskatoon can rank higher when users search for "wedding flowers near me."
Social Media Management
Social platforms are invaluable for connecting with customers. Engaging Instagram reels, Facebook posts, and TikTok videos can help showcase products and build community loyalty.
Content Marketing
Blogs and videos provide value to your audience. A bakery in Regina, for instance, could share recipes or behind-the-scenes videos to engage customers.
Digital Advertising
Google Ads and social media ads can target specific audiences based on location, interests, and behaviours. For example, a yoga studio in Moose Jaw could run ads targeting health-conscious individuals nearby.
Branding and Graphic Design
Strong visual identity sets you apart. From logos to business cards, consistent branding ensures your business stays memorable.
Email Marketing
Building an email list allows you to stay in touch with customers. A Saskatoon-based boutique could send exclusive offers or updates to loyal shoppers.
Website Development
A user-friendly, mobile-optimized website is non-negotiable. Customers need to find information and book services quickly, whether it’s for an optometrist or a car repair shop.
Event Marketing and Planning
From product launches to trade shows, event marketing helps businesses connect with their audience. Agricultural companies, for instance, can host open houses or showcase equipment at local fairs, supported by email invitations, social media promotion, and event advertising.
How to Protect Your Marketing Investment
The good news, it's not that difficult to hold your marketing or digital advertising agency accountable. Just go into the initial discussions with these 4 points in mind and you can't go wrong.
Start Small: Begin with a smaller project to gauge the agency’s capabilities before committing to larger campaigns.
Set Clear Expectations: Outline specific goals and metrics for success at the start of your partnership.
Demand Regular Updates: A good agency will keep you informed with progress reports and data insights.
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s high-pressure tactics or vague communication—walk away.
How Unalike Marketing Does Things Differently
At Unalike Marketing, we’re committed to being your trusted partner in growth. Here’s how we ensure you’ll never feel taken advantage of:
Transparent Pricing: You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for—no surprises.
Custom Strategies: Your business isn’t like anyone else’s, your marketing shouldn’t be either.
Flexible Terms: No long-term contracts. We let our results speak for themselves.
Full Ownership: Everything we create for your business belongs to you.
Real Results: From increased website traffic to more customer leads, we deliver measurable success.
Take the First Step Toward Smarter Small Business Marketing
Partnering with a marketing agency shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With the right knowledge and the right partner, it can be one of the best investments your small business makes. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a free consultation with Unalike Marketing today. Let’s discuss how we can help your business grow—whether you’re in Saskatoon, Regina, or anywhere else in Saskatchewan—without the headaches or hassle.
Comments