icon
Master omnichannel strategy with our free webinars
Watch now

10 best SaaS lead generation agencies in 2026

Jeffrey Lupo
Author
Jeffrey Lupo
Published:2025-11-12
Reading time:16 min
background

Imagine hiring a world-class SEO agency when you have a 3-month sales quota to hit. You might feel like you just planted an oak tree when you need fresh firewood by tonight.

The issue isn't that content marketing doesn't work. It absolutely does — for the right company at the right time. But if you need qualified meetings in the next 60 days, you can’t wait for organic traffic to compound.

This is the reality SaaS leaders face, along with:

  • Stalled pipeline
  • Customer acquisition cost creeping higher every quarter
  • An overwhelming number of agencies claiming to be “specialized” in dealing with your exact problem

Most agency roundups won't help you much. They're filled with vague descriptions, cherry-picked testimonials, and zero insight into how the agencies actually work.

This guide is different.

We're only featuring agencies that publicly document their exact methodologies and processes, share verifiable case studies with specific metrics, and fully demonstrate how they do things.

If you've been burned by an agency before, or you're overwhelmed by the number of options available, this guide will help you match your current business reality to the right partner.

As a SaaS lead generation agency with proven expertise, we've consistently delivered: 200+ yearly demos and discovery calls, a 70% boost to brand awareness, a campaign engagement rate of over 40%, 20% faster sales cycles, and 10–15% demo-to-client conversion rates.

Matching your situation to an agency type

There's no universal answer to the question: “Which agency should I hire?” The answer depends entirely on where you are, what you need to accomplish, and how fast you need to accomplish it.

Here are five common scenarios to help you find yours.

Scenario 1: Early-stage startup (seed/Series A)

Goal: Speed to market and validation

Need: Book meetings now to find your first 50 customers and refine your pitch

Best fit: Outbound lead generation and appointment setting agencies

Why: You don't have time to wait for SEO to kick in or brand awareness to build. You need to stack your sales pipeline and get feedback. Every conversation with a prospect teaches you something about your messaging, positioning, and product-market fit.

At this stage, the goal isn't just having meetings to keep you afloat — it's learning. Outbound agencies help you get in front of decision-makers fast, so you can validate (or invalidate) your assumptions about who your customer is and what problems you solve.

Scenario 2: Growth-stage scale-up (Series B/C)

Goal: Sustainable, compounding growth

Need: Build a long-term asset that lowers customer acquisition cost (CAC) over time

Best fit: Content marketing and SEO agencies

Why: You've proven product-market fit. You know who your customer is, what they care about, and how to close them. Now you need a growth engine.

Content marketing and SEO are long-term investments. They take 6–12 months to gain traction, but once they do, they generate leads for years. Every piece of content you publish becomes an asset that continues to attract and convert prospects.

This is when you stop renting attention (paid ads, outbound) and start owning it.

Scenario 3: Market leader (enterprise or mature SaaS)

Goal: Demand creation

Need: Penetrate key accounts to create new demand in saturated markets

Best fit: Full-funnel demand generation agencies

Why: You're no longer just competing for attention; you're competing in markets where everyone already has a solution. Your job is to create specific demand where none exists.

It requires sophisticated, multi-channel strategies like account-based marketing (ABM), where you orchestrate campaigns across email, social, events, and direct mail to engage entire buying committees. You need an agency that understands long sales cycles, complex decision-making processes, and how to stay top-of-mind for 6–18 months.

Scenario 4: An overwhelmed sales team

Goal: Optimize conversions and sales team efficiency

Need: You have leads, but sales reps are too busy closing them to qualify them properly

Best fit: Sales outsourcing/Appointment setting agency

Why: It's a common problem for companies that have cracked inbound marketing but haven't scaled their sales operations yet. Calendars are full, but half the meetings are with unqualified prospects. Your account executives (AEs) are spending hours on discovery calls that should have been screened out earlier.

Appointment agencies use sales development representatives (SDRs) and act as a filter. They handle the qualification, nurturing, and meeting-setting so your AEs can focus exclusively on closing. This stage isn't really about generating new leads. It's more about maximizing the value of leads you already have.

Scenario 5: Two-pronged attack (for ambitious scale-ups)

Goal: Dominate your market now and in the future

Need: Hit aggressive quarterly targets while building a long-term competitive moat

Best fit: Hiring two complementary agencies

  • Short-term: Outbound agency for immediate meetings
  • Long-term: Inbound/content marketing agency for sustainable growth

Why: This is the strategy we see the most ambitious growth-stage companies using. They refuse to choose between short-term revenue and long-term positioning. Instead, they run both plays simultaneously.

The outbound agency fills your pipeline today, keeping the sales team busy and revenue flowing. Meanwhile, the content agency builds your inbound engine, which will reduce your reliance on outbound over time. Twelve months later, you're in a position where inbound covers your base revenue targets and outbound becomes pure upside.

The trick is making sure both agencies understand their part and don't compete for credit. Clear attribution, separate KPIs, and open communication between all parties make this work.

Top SaaS lead generation agencies by category

Now that you've identified your scenario, here are the top-performing agencies specialized in solving your problem.

We've vetted them for their SaaS focus, proven case studies with specific metrics, and publicly available process documentation.

Agency comparison table

Agency Category Best for (ARR) Process transparency sources Notable case study proof Price range Key differentiator
Belkins Outbound $1M-$50M Documented phases 200% pipeline increase in 3 months $5K-$15K/mo Omnichannel with fast results
Martal Group Outbound $5M-$100M Blog + case studies 971 leads in 15 months $8K-$20K/mo Senior SDR expertise
Grow and Convert Content/SEO $2M-$50M Published framework 215+ monthly signups for Leadfeeder $9K+/mo Focus on bottom-funnel content 
Siege Media Content/SEO $10M-$500M 7-step process $148.6M in yearly client traffic value $60K-$2.5M+/project Design integration for technical buyers
Refine Labs Demand gen $50M+ Public vault 50% pipeline growth in under a year $15K-$50K+/mo Demand creation methodology
memoryBlue SDR services $10M-$200M SMART framework $30M pipeline for Accolite $8K-$25K+/mo Rising Stars hiring pipeline

Category 1: Top outbound and appointment setting agencies

1. Belkins

Best for: Early-stage to growth-stage SaaS companies ($1M–$50M ARR) needing rapid pipeline growth with omnichannel outreach (email, LinkedIn, phone) and full SDR team management.

Core services:

  • Omnichannel appointment setting (cold email, LinkedIn outreach, cold calling)
  • Outsourced SDR teams
  • Lead list building
  • Sales enablement and reporting
  • Account-based marketing

Process transparency:

  1. Discovery phase (Weeks 1–2): Deep dive into ICP, value proposition, and competitive positioning. No quick questionnaires here. This is a thorough examination of who your best customers are and why they buy.
  2. Campaign setup (Weeks 2–3): List building, messaging development, multichannel sequence creation. We hand-pick prospects and craft messaging that's specific to your offering, not generic templates.
  3. Execution phase (Month 2+): Our dedicated SDR team runs campaigns with A/B testing. We assign experienced individuals who operate as an extension of your team.
  4. Optimization: Weekly reporting and monthly strategy calls for continuous improvement. We make adjustments based on what's working, not what's worked for us in the past.

The reason our process works is simple. It's built on the assumption that human-to-human connection matters. While other agencies are leaning into AI-generated scripts and automation, Belkins maintains a team of skilled professionals who understand that relevancy means more than inserting a first name into an email. We use AI as tools for optimization, research, and validation to supplement the dedicated teams we assign to each client.

Why we make the list: We've worked with 100+ SaaS companies, from early-stage startups to established platforms, delivering measurable results across the entire spectrum:

Pricing: Custom pricing based on scope; typically starting at $5,000/month for managed services

Why choose us: We build bespoke campaigns tailored to your business goals, industry, and growth stage. Most agencies cling to playbooks and proprietary all-in-one platforms. We work with your existing tech stack and optimize it. This matters because switching platforms creates vendor dependency, limits your customization options, and creates issues later on that hinder growth rather than accelerate it.

Our approach goes beyond stacking your pipeline. We align your sales and marketing teams and build processes for lasting impact. The effect is internally built capabilities instead of rented results.

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what SaaS leaders say about working with us:

The difference is in how we execute. While other agencies rely heavily on AI-generated scripts and generic automation, we use AI as a tool to enhance — not replace — the human expertise of our dedicated SDR teams. We assign experienced professionals who understand that relevancy means more than inserting a company name into a template. They craft industry-specific messaging that resonates with your target buyers and adapts based on real-time feedback.

Runner-ups

2. Martal Group

Martal Group website page with SaaS case studies

Best for: Mid-market technology companies ($5M–$100M ARR) expanding in North America who need experienced SDRs with deep tech industry knowledge.

Core services:

  • Appointment setting with senior sales professionals
  • Account-based outreach for enterprise prospects
  • Multichannel prospecting (email, LinkedIn, phone)
  • Sales process auditing and optimization

Process transparency: Martal assigns dedicated 3-person executive teams to each client and coordinates email, LinkedIn, and calling campaigns together. They publicly share their methodology via blog posts on the sales process, predictive analytics, and buyer journey optimization.

Why they made our list:

What sets them apart: The 3-person executive team model brings consistency and accountability, avoiding the common revolving door of junior SDRs who leave after three months.

Pricing: 12-month minimum contract; estimated $8,000–20,000/month based on scope

📚 Related post: See our full Belkins vs. Martial Group comparison guide here.

Category 2: Top content marketing and SEO agencies for SaaS

3. Grow and Convert

Grow and Convert Website Page

Best for: B2B SaaS companies ($2M–$50M ARR) who need bottom-of-funnel content that drives product signups and qualified demos, not just traffic. Ideal for companies with 3–12 month sales cycles who want measurable ROI from content.

Core services:

  • SEO-focused content marketing (Pain Point SEO methodology)
  • Keyword research targeting buying intent
  • High-quality content creation with SME interviews
  • Link building to accelerate rankings
  • Conversion tracking and ROI measurement

Process transparency: Grow and Convert pioneered “Pain Point SEO” with a documented 4-step process: customer research through detailed interviews, keyword strategy prioritizing “buying keywords” over traffic volume, content creation with internal SME interviews for differentiated content, and strategic backlink acquisition. Their “Customer-Content Fit” framework guides all content decisions, focusing on leads over traffic.

Why they made our list:

  • Scaled Leadfeeder from 0 to 215+ monthly signups through content marketing
  • Grew Leadfeeder's organic traffic to 21,000 monthly visitors with consistent conversion growth
  • 200+ trial signups per month for multiple SaaS clients
  • Publicly shares detailed case studies and methodology articles, and teaches their exact process via a course
  • Known for transparent ROI attribution using hybrid first/last-click models

What sets them apart: They've solved the biggest problem in content marketing: creating content that actually drives revenue. Most agencies create content that ranks well but doesn't convert. Grow and Convert has cracked the code on bottom-of-funnel content that turns readers into customers.

Pricing: $9,000+ per month for 3 articles monthly plus link building (typically with a 6-month engagement)

Runner-ups

4. Omniscient Digital

Omniscient Website Page

Best for: B2B software companies ($5M–$100M ARR) needing product-led SEO strategies and conversion-focused content that drives pipeline.

Core services:

  • SEO and content strategy with a product-led approach
  • Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
  • Content production with SME interviews
  • Link building and digital PR
  • Technical SEO and content optimization

Process transparency:

  1. Research and strategy (analyzing competitors, business model, and industry)
  2. Program implementation (producing high-quality content and backlinks)
  3. Performance monitoring (custom dashboards tracking conversions)
  4. Continuous iteration based on performance data

They emphasize product-led content that showcases how your solution solves specific problems.

Why they made our list:

  • Generated $3.7M in qualified pipeline and a 31,250% increase in blog conversions for Smartling
  • 843% growth in organic traffic and a 340% increase in revenue from organic traffic for AppSumo
  • Grew organic blog sessions by 2,117% and blog conversions 39x for a client
  • Increased page one rankings by 346% and organic blog traffic by 53% in just six months
  • Team includes former growth leaders from HubSpot, Shopify, and Workato

What sets them apart: Omniscient specializes in product-led SEO, creating content that puts your product front and center rather than generic industry topics. They focus on high-conversion intent keywords that drive qualified pipeline, not just traffic.

Pricing: Full-service engagements start at $10,000/month

5. Animalz

Animalz Agency Website Page

Best for: Enterprise B2B SaaS companies seeking integrated content and design that builds authority while maintaining editorial quality.

Core services:

  • Full-service content marketing with integrated design
  • Thought leadership and brand awareness content
  • SEO-optimized blog articles and e-books
  • Case studies and product marketing content
  • Content distribution via social media and email

Process transparency: Animalz builds context by understanding your customers, product, industry, and GTM strategy, then formulates tailored strategies using proven playbooks. They craft quality content purpose-built for your goals with fresh thinking adapted for each channel and analyze performance monthly with customized dashboards to continuously refine their approaches.

Why they made our list:

  • A 500% increase in organic traffic in 12 months for SupportLogic
  • Notable clients include Google, Intercom, GoDaddy, Zendesk, Retool, Amplitude, and Preply
  • Known for high-end editorial quality and visual content experiences
  • An in-house team of writers, editors, and designers (not outsourced)
  • Specializes in thought leadership content that differentiates brands

What sets them apart: Animalz combines content creation with integrated design to create visually compelling content experiences. They're the right choice for companies that refuse to compromise between SEO performance and editorial quality.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on project scope and complexity

6. Siege Media

Siege Media Agency Website Page

Best for: Established SaaS companies ($10M–$500M ARR) needing scalable content production with enterprise-level design and SEO sophistication.

Core services:

  • Enterprise content marketing with design integration
  • Bottom-funnel content strategy (KOB analysis)
  • Technical SEO and content optimization
  • Visual content and interactive tools
  • Link building and digital PR

Process transparency: Siege Media uses KOB (Keyword Opposition to Benefit) analysis to find high-value, winnable keywords. They pair senior marketers with specialized writers and integrate web and graphic design to enhance content experience.

Why they made our list:

  • Generates $148,646,000+ in yearly client traffic value
  • Increased Zendesk's traffic value by $731,924 in 6 months
  • Grew Zapier's organic traffic by 10+ million with a $6.1M traffic value increase (a 852% rise)
  • A 1,039% increase in organic traffic value for Figma's Resource Library
  • 76+ public case studies with specific metrics

What sets them apart: The design integration is what sets Siege apart. They create interactive tools, visual frameworks, and content experiences that help technical buyers make decisions.

Pricing: Minimum $5,000+ per project; typical engagements at $60,000–$2.5M+ based on scope

Category 3: Top full-funnel demand generation agencies

7. Refine Labs

Refinelabs Agency Website Page

Best for: Mid-market to enterprise B2B SaaS companies ($50M+ ARR) ready to shift from traditional lead generation to modern demand generation. Ideal for companies with complex buying committees and long sales cycles (6–18 months).

Core services:

  • Full-funnel demand generation strategy
  • Demand creation campaigns (brand awareness in total addressable market)
  • Demand capture optimization (paid search, retargeting)
  • ABM execution
  • Revenue operations and attribution modeling
  • Content and creative services

Process transparency:

  1. Demand strategy framework: Their budget allocation is the opposite of what most B2B companies do. Traditional demand gen focuses on capturing existing demand through paid ads and gated content. Refine Labs flips this model by investing heavily in creating demand where none existed.

    • 60–80% budget to demand creation (podcasts, organic social, events, ungated content)

    • 20–40% budget to demand capture (paid search, retargeting, SEO, direct mail)

  2. Pipeline source tracking: Track by intent level and motion (not by department). This ensures attribution is accurate and you understand what's actually driving revenue.
  3. Hybrid attribution model: Combine software-based attribution with self-reported customer insights. They don't trust attribution software alone. They also ask customers how they heard about you.
  4. Buying experience optimization: Framework for form-fill to HIRO opportunity (30-40% benchmark). They optimize the entire funnel for the entire buying experience.
  5. Continuous experimentation: Test and refine what works, documented in their "Vault" knowledge base. They're constantly running experiments and sharing what they learn with clients.

Why they made our list:

  • Clients grow qualified pipeline by an average of 50% in under a year
  • 83% increase in high-intent revenue opportunities (HIROs) for Splash
  • 46% increase in hand-raisers and 59% growth in HIRO pipeline for a client (H1 2023 to H1 2024)
  • Doubled inbound demo requests for dotCMS with "highest quality leads in nearly two decades"
  • Publicly shares methodology via The Vault, State of Demand Gen podcast (top 25 marketing podcast), and hundreds of hours of educational content
  • 300+ mid-market and enterprise clients served with documented case studies
  • Created industry frameworks: Inbound Buying Experience Framework, Pipeline Source Tracking Model

Pricing: Custom pricing for enterprise clients; estimated $15,000–$50,000+ per month based on scope. The Vault membership is available separately.

Why we like them: Their transparency is unmatched. Refine Labs shares their exact frameworks, playbooks, and experimental results through The Vault. They're not afraid to teach other marketers how they do things because they know execution is where the real value lies. If you're tired of agencies that operate like black boxes, Refine Labs is a breath of fresh air.

Runner-ups

8. Belkins

The Belkins landing page for SaaS lead generation services

Best for: Mid-sized SaaS companies and enterprises entering new markets and segments, struggling with a limited TAM, or targeting decision-makers in niche industries.

What we do: Bespoke ABM strategies customized to your specific needs, challenges, competitive advantages, and market position.

What we do best: Tailored ABM campaigns powered by advanced research and continuous optimization, ensuring a predictable pipeline of qualified leads. Despite dealing with a limited TAM in a technical niche, Belkins helped Celerway unlock numerous target accounts, delivering 97 appointments in just 10 months.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on scope; typically starting at $5,000/month

Category 4: Top sales outsourcing and SDR services

9. memoryBlue

memoryBlue landing page for sales lead generation services

Best for: High-growth tech companies ($10M–$200M ARR) who want to test outbound viability or scale rapidly without hiring risks. Ideal for companies entering new markets or validating new product lines. Also excellent for companies that want to recruit trained SDRs long-term.

Core services:

  • Appointment setting service
  • White-labeled SDR teams fully integrated into operations
  • SDR training and development (memoryBlue Academy)
  • Sales recruiting and placement (Rising Stars program)
  • Marketing as a Service (MaaS) for demand generation

Process transparency:

  1. Campaign strategy: Align with the sales team on ICP, messaging, and territory. They work directly with your sales leadership to ensure alignment.
  2. SDR integration: Dedicated team operates as a white-labeled extension (no branding visible). When prospects engage with memoryBlue SDRs, they think they're talking to your internal team.
  3. Multitouch cadence: Orchestrated email, phone, and social outreach. That means coordinating outreach across email, phone, and LinkedIn for maximum impact.
  4. Consultative development: SDRs handle intro calls, follow-ups, and meeting progression. They do more than just book meetings; they nurture relationships through the early stages of the buyer journey.
  5. Process optimization: Proactive audits of the sales process, demo structure, and pipeline scoring. They execute while also helping you refine your entire sales operation.
  6. Talent pipeline: 550+ SDRs trained annually, with the option to bring trained reps onto in-house teams. This is a unique differentiator. You essentially get to “try before you buy” SDRs and hire them once they've proven themselves.

Why they made our list:

  • 988 outbound SQLs with an 8.8/10 average lead score for CentralSquare
  • Generated $30 million in pipeline for Accolite
  • A 100% increase in outbound demos (16 per month) for Doppler, plus a strategic pivot to enterprise targets
  • 216 placements for Darktrace following IPO (an exclusive hiring partner)
  • 83% of hires come through their Rising Stars program pipeline
  • A transparent transition model: Clients can hire SDRs directly with clear conversion fees
  • Public case studies with specific metrics and testimonials

Pricing: Custom pricing based on team size and scope; typically $8,000–$25,000+ per month, depending on SDR count and services

Why we like them: The Rising Stars program solves one of the biggest challenges in scaling sales: recruiting and training SDRs. Instead of hiring unproven reps and training them yourself, you can work with memoryBlue's trained SDRs and bring the best performers onto your team. It's like an extended trial period with no risk.

📚 Related post: See our full Belkins vs. memoryBlue comparison guide here

Runner-ups

10. Belkins

Best for: Early-stage to growth-stage SaaS companies needing dedicated SDR teams without the overhead of hiring, training, and managing in-house staff.

What it does: Fully managed outbound SDR services with dedicated teams operating as extensions of your sales organization.

What it does best: Omnichannel SDR campaigns across email, LinkedIn, and phone, with experienced professionals who understand your industry and can articulate your value proposition authentically. We align your sales and marketing teams and build processes that create lasting impact beyond our engagement.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on scope; typically starting at $5,000/month

Your vetting toolkit: Buyer's guide and questions to ask

You've identified your category and have a shortlist. Here's a framework to help you make the final decision with confidence.

These 5 evaluation factors can be applied to any SaaS lead generation agency, regardless of their specialization or your situation.

1. True SaaS specialization (Do they speak your language?)

There's a difference between an agency that has worked with a few SaaS companies and an agency that specializes in SaaS.

Ask yourself: 

  • Do they understand recurring revenue models? 
  • Can they speak intelligently about CAC, LTV, churn, and expansion revenue? 
  • Do they know the difference between a product-led growth motion and an enterprise sales motion?

Generic B2B agencies often apply the same playbook whether they're working with a software company or a manufacturing distributor. That doesn't work. SaaS has unique challenges — long sales cycles, multiple decision-makers, freemium models, PLG motions — all requiring specialized knowledge.

How to verify: Look at their case studies. Are they all SaaS companies, or is SaaS just one vertical among many? Read their blog. Are they writing about SaaS-specific challenges, or generic marketing topics? Talk to their team. Do they use SaaS terminology naturally, or do you find yourself explaining basic concepts?

2. Verifiable case studies and client testimonials

Case studies are easy to fake. Anyone can write “increased pipeline by 150%” without context or proof.

Here's what to look for in a legitimate case study:

  • Specific metrics with timeframes: “Generated 330 appointments in 15 months” is verifiable. “Significantly increased pipeline” is not.
  • Before-and-after context: What was the baseline? What changed? How long did it take?
  • Attribution clarity: How do they measure success? How are they attributing results and success to what they did? What metrics are they watching?

How to verify: Ask for client references and actually call them. Don't just read the testimonial. Try talking to the person who worked with the agency. Ask what didn't work, not just what did. Every agency has failures; the question is how they handled them.

3. Process transparency and onboarding

Agencies that hide their process are agencies that don't have a repeatable system. They're winging it, hoping to figure it out as they go.

Credible agencies document their process and share it publicly. They're confident enough in their execution that they're not worried about competitors copying their playbook.

Look for agencies that can answer these questions clearly:

  • What happens in the first 30 days?
  • Who will I be working with, and what's their experience?
  • How do you define success for a client like me?
  • What does the onboarding process look like, and how long does it take?

A lengthy onboarding process can be a warning sign. If it takes three months before they start executing, you're losing valuable time. The best agencies have streamlined onboarding that gets you results within 60 days.

How to verify: Ask for a walkthrough of their process during the sales call. If they can't clearly articulate what happens week by week, they probably don't have a system. Ask how long it takes to see initial results. If they can't give you a timeline, they could be hedging.

4. Reporting and accountability (What gets measured?)

“We're driving awareness” is not a KPI. Neither is “Engagement is up.” These are vanity metrics that don't necessarily correlate with revenue.

The best agencies tie their work directly to the pipeline and revenue. They track:

  • MQLs (Marketing Qualified Leads) and SQLs 
  • Meeting volume and meeting quality (lead scores)
  • Pipeline generated and revenue influenced
  • CAC and ROI

They also report on leading indicators, which are metrics that predict future performance. For outbound, that might be positive engagements and sales velocity improvements. For content, that might be rankings for buying-intent keywords.

How to verify: Ask to see a sample report. Does it include the metrics that matter to your business? Ask how they handle attribution. If they claim credit for every deal that touched their channel, they're inflating their impact. The best models use hybrid attribution that combines software tracking with self-reported data from customers.

5. Team and culture fit

You're going to be working with these people for at least six months, probably longer. If you don't enjoy talking to them during the sales process, it's not going to get better after you sign.

Pay attention to:

  • Communication style: Are they responsive? Do they explain things clearly, or do they hide behind jargon?
  • Transparency: Do they set realistic expectations, or are they overpromising to close the deal?
  • Curiosity: Do they ask good questions about your business, or are they pitching a one-size-fits-all solution?
  • Accountability: Do they take ownership of results, or do they blame external factors when things don't work?

The best agency partnerships feel like collaborations, not vendor relationships. You should feel like they're invested in your success, not just collecting a retainer.

How to verify: Trust your gut. If something feels off during the sales process — pushy tactics, vague answers, lack of preparation — it's probably a sign of how they'll operate once you're a client.

5 must-ask questions before signing a contract

These questions will separate agencies that have their act together from those that are still figuring things out.

1. “Can you walk me through a time a campaign failed for a client like us and what you learned?”

What you're listening for: Self-awareness, accountability, and evidence of continuous improvement. The best agencies will walk you through a specific failure, explain what went wrong, and tell you how they changed their process as a result.

 2. “What is your process for defining and handing off a sales-qualified lead?”

What you're listening for: A clear definition of what qualifies as an SQL, how they verify qualification before handing off the lead, and how they align with your sales team on lead scoring. If they ask to see your current lead qualification criteria and suggest improvements, that's a good sign.

3. “How do you measure success for a client at my stage and in my industry?”

What you're listening for: Stage-appropriate metrics and realistic timelines. For an early-stage company, success might be “30 qualified meetings in 90 days.” For a growth-stage company, it might be “a 15% reduction in CAC over 12 months.” The best agencies will reference specific benchmarks from similar clients.

4. “Who will actually be doing the work, and what's their experience?”

What you're listening for: The names, titles, and LinkedIn profiles of the people who will be doing the work. Ask to meet them before you sign. If the agency won't let you talk to the team, that's a red flag.

5. “How have you collaborated with other agency partners for a mutual client in the past?”

What you're listening for: If you're running a two-pronged strategy (outbound + content, for example), you need agencies that can play nice with others.

Subscribe to our blog

Get the ultimate insights on the B2B trends and hands-on tips from sales professionals.

Agree to Privacy Policy by submitting data.
Orange ellipse
Jeffrey Lupo
Author
Jeffrey Lupo
Freelance B2B content writer
Jeffrey is a digital content marketer for B2B technology startups and marketing agencies. His background is in hard-close sales, teaching English, and creative writing. He's worked with B2B marketing agencies, SaaS, DevOps, Martech, and cybersecurity companies. Jeffrey was raised in and is currently based out of Houston, Texas.