8 Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Meta Ads Agency for Your eCommerce Brand
When you’re an eCommerce brand ready to scale with Meta ads, choosing the right agency is critical. The wrong partnership can cost you time, money and momentum. So how do you know if an agency is the real deal – or just good at selling themselves?
Here are the most common red flags to watch out for when hiring a Meta ads agency, and how to find a partner that actually delivers.
1. No Proven Track Record with eCommerce
If an agency can’t provide case studies or testimonials from other eCommerce brands, it’s a red flag. You want data – not just promises.
What to look for instead
Work with an agency that specialises in eCommerce Meta ads and can show real results such as ROAS, AOV and CPA from brands like yours.
2. Lack of Transparency
Being vague about strategy, reporting or spend allocation is a sign of poor communication – and a possible cover for underperformance.
What to look for instead
Choose an agency that shares ad account access, explains results clearly and offers consistent reporting that reflects true performance.
3. Overpromising Results
“Guaranteed 4x ROAS in 30 days” or “we know the algorithm secrets” are major red flags. No one can promise results.
What to look for instead
A trustworthy Meta ads expert sets realistic goals and focuses on sustainable, profitable scaling – not false promises.
4. One-Size-Fits-All Strategy
If there’s no mention of your brand, customers or creative in early discussions, they’re likely using a cookie-cutter approach.
What to look for instead
The best Meta ads agencies tailor campaigns based on your product pricing, audience segments and funnel stages.
5. Weak Creative Strategy
If creative is treated as an afterthought or not discussed at all, that’s a problem. On Meta, creative is the single biggest performance lever.
What to look for instead
Look for an agency that prioritises ad creative, tests formats and understands the role of hooks, UGC and offers.
6. No Understanding of Your Funnel
Focusing only on ads, without addressing landing pages, CRO or lifetime value, will limit your growth.
What to look for instead
Great agencies understand your entire funnel – from cold traffic to checkout – and integrate Meta ads into a holistic growth strategy.
7. Reactive, Not Proactive
If you’re always the one reaching out and there are no new ideas coming from their side, you’re not getting full value.
What to look for instead
An ideal Meta partner is proactive – always testing, improving and pushing your performance forward.
8. Poor Onboarding Process
If the agency can’t explain how they’ll launch your campaigns, manage your creatives or structure your first 30 days, think twice.
What to look for instead
You want a seamless onboarding experience that builds trust and confidence from the very beginning.
Ready to Work with a Strategic Meta Ads Partner?
If you’re serious about scaling your eCommerce business with smart, strategic Meta ads – and want to avoid all the red flags – we’d love to hear from you.