Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out and explaining your situation in detail. I'm happy to give you some initial thoughts and guidance on finding a good agency and making the most of your Meta Ads budget, now that you've secured your grant funding.
It sounds like you've had a frustrating time so far, which is sadly quite common. There are a lot of agencies out there making promises they can't keep, or just not having the expertise to deliver real results. Finding the right partner is crucial, especially when you're relying on grant funding.
We'll need to look at promised results...
First things first: be very wary of any agency that guarantees results. It's simply not possible to predict ad performance with certainty. The market is always changing, algorithms update, and what worked last week might not work this week. A good agency will be transparent about this and focus on explaining their strategy and how they'll adapt to changing conditions. Any agency promising a certain ROAS or number of leads is probably overpromising, and you might end up with a generic, cookie-cutter approach that doesn't fit your specific needs.
I've seen this happen so many times. I remember one software company that came to us after being burned by an agency that had promised them the moon. They ended up with a ton of unqualified leads and a wasted ad budget. The key is to find an agency that focuses on understanding your business, your target audience, and your specific goals, and then develops a tailored strategy to achieve them.
I'd say you need to think about expertise...
Beyond promises, look for concrete evidence of expertise. Case studies are your best friend here. Dig deep into the agency's website and look for examples of their work with similar clients, ideally in the eCommerce or consumer goods space. See if they can demonstrate a track record of driving real results, like increased sales, lower cost per acquisition, or improved brand awareness. If they've got case studies that are vague or don't include specific data, that's a red flag.
We've got detailed case studies walking through the full strategies and results we've implemented for clients. If it feels like they don't have the expertise you need, after you've done your research and looked through their case studies, then it's probably not a good fit.
When you're evaluating case studies, pay attention to the platforms they've used, too. Since you're planning to focus on Meta Ads, make sure the agency has a strong track record on that platform. For example, I recall a campaign where we generated £107k Revenue at 618% ROAS for a client in the gambling niche using Meta Ads. I also remember achieving a 1000% Return On Ad Spend for a subscription box company, also on Meta Ads.
You probably should check their communication...
Communication is key, and it sounds like you've had some issues with this already. During your initial conversations with an agency, pay attention to how responsive and communicative they are. Do they answer your questions clearly and concisely? Do they take the time to understand your business and your goals? If they're difficult to get a hold of or don't seem to be listening to your concerns, that's a sign that things probably won't improve once you're a paying client. You need an agency that's proactive, transparent, and willing to work collaboratively with you.
When you're talking to agencies, don't be afraid to ask tough questions. Ask them about their process for developing ad creatives, their approach to targeting and optimization, and how they measure success. Get a sense of how they stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the Meta Ads landscape. A good agency will be able to answer these questions confidently and provide you with a clear understanding of their approach.
You'll need to consider recommendations...
Finally, don't underestimate the power of recommendations. Talk to other businesses you know and trust and see if they can recommend any agencies that have delivered good results. Online reviews can also be helpful, but take them with a grain of salt. Look for patterns and trends in the reviews, and be wary of any that seem overly positive or negative. Ultimately, the best way to find a good agency is to do your research, ask the right questions, and trust your gut.
Also consider asking the agency for references. A reputable agency should be happy to connect you with some of their existing clients so you can hear about their experiences firsthand. If an agency is reluctant to provide references, that's a red flag.
I've detailed my main recommendations for you below:
| Recommendation | Actionable Steps |
|---|---|
| Avoid Guaranteed Results | Be skeptical of agencies promising specific ROAS or lead numbers. Focus on their strategy and adaptability. |
| Examine Case Studies | Review case studies for similar clients, paying attention to results, platforms used (Meta Ads), and data provided. |
| Assess Communication | Evaluate responsiveness, clarity, and willingness to understand your business during initial conversations. |
| Seek Recommendations | Ask for recommendations from trusted businesses and consider online reviews, looking for patterns and trends. |
Finding the right agency can be a challenge, but it's worth the effort. A good agency can help you unlock the full potential of Meta Ads and drive significant growth for your toilet paper company. By doing your research, asking the right questions, and trusting your gut, you can find a partner that will help you achieve your goals.
I hope this helps!
We offer a free initial consultation where we review their strategy and account together which usually is super helpful and gives potential clients a taste of the expertise they'll see going into their project if they decide to work with us. If you'd like to explore how our team could help you navigate the paid advertising landscape and achieve your goals, feel free to book in a free consultation.
Regards,
Team @ Lukas Holschuh
Lukas Holschuh
Founder, Growth & Advertising Consultant
Great campaigns fail without expertise. Lukas and his team provide the missing strategy, optimizing your entire advertising funnel—from ad creatives and copy to landing page design.
Backed by a proven track record across SaaS, eLearning, and eCommerce, they don't just run ads; they engineer systems that convert. A data-driven partnership focused on tangible revenue growth.