Shopping for a Marketing Agency in 2026 | Ep 60 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

In this episode of Trade Secrets, we look ahead to one of the most important decisions contractors will face in the coming year: shopping for a marketing agency. Choosing between productized services, full-service partnerships, or even AI-driven tools isn’t easy, and the wrong move can waste both time and money.

We break down how to evaluate whether you need lead generation, branding or both, and what to expect when you step into the agency world. If you already have an agency, we will go over how to know if you’ve partnered with the right one and what you need to do to make the most out of your investment in them.

Episode Highlights:

• Service vs. Product: Why “easy button” agencies rarely deliver and what it means to treat marketing like a true partnership
  
  
• Lead Gen or Branding? The first question you need to answer before hiring an agency
  
  
• AI Tools & Automation: Where technology helps and where it falls short compared to strategy
  
  
• Transparency & Reporting: What to demand from your agency beyond vanity metrics
  
  
• The Commitment Factor: Why a 6–12 month runway is essential for real results

Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here: 

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As 

Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com 

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ 

Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/ 

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At Elevation Marketing we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at [e-mail] to talk!

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/

Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.