November 12, 2025 12 min read

How to Choose the Right Social Media Agency

Survival guide: Questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and how to find the agency that fits your business.

Team Meeting

Why This Decision is Critical

Let's talk openly: Choosing the wrong Social Media Agency can cost you thousands of euros, months of lost time, and—worse—damage your brand.

I've seen businesses that:

But I've also seen businesses that found the right partner and 3x their sales within 6 months.

The difference? They knew what to look for.

Truth: The most expensive agency isn't always the best. And the cheapest definitely isn't. The right choice is what fits YOUR needs.

What Type of Agency Do You Need?

Before you search, understand what you need:

1. Full-Service Agency

What they do: Everything - Strategy, content, ads, analytics, website

For whom: Large businesses with €3,000+/month budget

Pros: One-stop-shop, integrated approach

Cons: Expensive, may not pay attention to small businesses

2. Boutique/Specialized Agency

What they do: Specialize in specific platforms or industries

For whom: Small-medium businesses, €500-2,000/month

Pros: Personal approach, expertise, affordable

Cons: Limited services

3. Freelancer

What they do: Social media management, content creation

For whom: Very small businesses, €200-800/month

Pros: Cheap, flexible, direct communication

Cons: Limited capacity, one person = single point of failure

Red Flags: Run Away If You Hear These

🚩 Red Flag #1: "Guaranteed results"

No one can guarantee X followers or Y sales. Social media isn't a mathematical formula. If they promise specific numbers, they're either lying or will use bots.

🚩 Red Flag #2: "We'll buy followers for a quick start"

NO. Fake followers = destruction. Zero engagement, shadow ban, terrible analytics. Anyone suggesting this doesn't know what they're doing.

🚩 Red Flag #3: "No meeting needed, just send credentials"

Serious agencies want to understand your business before starting. If they don't ask about your brand, goals, audience - run.

🚩 Red Flag #4: "We post 30 times a month"

Quantity ≠ Quality. Better 12 excellent posts than 30 mediocre ones. If they focus on numbers instead of value, it's the wrong approach.

🚩 Red Flag #5: "We don't give access to analytics"

The numbers are YOURS. If they hide analytics, they're hiding something. Period.

🚩 Red Flag #6: "12-month contract required"

Serious agencies work with 3-6 month contracts. If they insist on 12 months without a trial period, they don't trust their work.

Green Flags: This is What You Want to See

✅ Green Flag #1: They ask lots of questions

They ask about your business, goals, audience, competitors, what you've tried before. They want to understand before proposing.

✅ Green Flag #2: They have case studies with numbers

"We increased engagement 150% in 3 months" with screenshots. "We brought 45 new customers with €800 ad spend". Concrete results, not generalities.

✅ Green Flag #3: They propose strategy before talking price

Strategy first, pricing after. If they start with "€500/month for 20 posts", they don't care about results.

✅ Green Flag #4: Transparent pricing

You know exactly what you're paying for and why. Breakdown: Strategy, Content Creation, Management, Ads, Reporting.

✅ Green Flag #5: They talk about YOUR goals

Not "we'll increase followers". But "do you want more bookings/sales/inquiries?" They understand social media is a means, not the goal.

The 15 Questions You MUST Ask

About Strategy:

  1. "What will our strategy be?" - They need a plan, not "we'll see"
  2. "How will you measure success?" - Which KPIs, how tracking
  3. "Which platforms do you recommend and why?" - Not "all". The right ones for YOU

About Content:

  1. "Who will create the content?" - In-house, freelancers, AI?
  2. "How many revisions do you allow?" - You need to have a say
  3. "Will we need to provide material?" - Photos, info, access?

About Process:

  1. "What's the approval process?" - How you approve posts
  2. "How often will we have meetings?" - Weekly? Monthly? On demand?
  3. "Who will be the main point of contact?" - Who do you call if there's a problem

About Financials:

  1. "What's included in the price?" - Detailed breakdown
  2. "Are there extra costs?" - Ads, tools, photography?
  3. "What are the contract terms?" - Duration, cancellation policy

About Results:

  1. "Can you show similar case studies?" - Work with similar businesses
  2. "What reports will I receive?" - Frequency, what they contain
  3. "What if I'm not satisfied?" - Exit strategy

📋 Agency Evaluation Checklist

Rate each agency from 1-10 on:

  • □ They understand my business
  • □ They have experience in my industry
  • □ They presented clear strategy
  • □ Transparent pricing
  • □ Realistic expectations
  • □ Good portfolio/case studies
  • □ Responsive communication
  • □ Flexible collaboration terms
  • □ Provide full access & reports
  • □ "Good vibe" - I feel we'll work well together

Score > 80: Excellent choice
Score 60-80: Consider it
Score < 60: Keep looking

How Much Should You Pay?

Realistic pricing for 2025:

Basic Package (€75-€150/month):

Standard Package (€150-€600/month):

Premium Package (€600-€2,000+/month):

Conclusion: Trust Your Gut, But Verify

Choosing a social media agency is like hiring a partner. Not just a vendor.

You'll work together for months (hopefully years). They'll have access to your accounts. They'll represent your brand. They'll talk to your customers.

This decision deserves time and thought.

Final Advice:

The right agency is out there. You just need to know what to look for.

Looking for a Social Media Partner?

At Truetenor, we believe in transparency, measurable results, and personal approach. We specialize in small-medium Greek businesses and offer a free 30' consultation to understand if we're a good fit.

Book Free Strategy Call