Most PPC agencies promise the same thing: managed ads, monitored metrics, and a monthly report you barely glance at. Sound familiar? Probably, because this is what most agencies are doing. Therefore, you’ll get results that most agencies can give.

The digital advertising game has changed. Platforms like Google and Meta have become increasingly automated, handling tasks that once required entire teams. The real value of a PPC agency isn’t in adjusting bids or launching more campaigns, it’s in developing a growth strategy that actually moves the needle for your business.

Don’t believe us, let’s take a look at some of the impressive results we’ve been able to see from our clients while working together. Who doesn’t want to see their Shopify revenue go up and up? 

So, is your PPC agency doing enough? Or are they just draining your budget? Let’s break down the signs that it’s time for a change.

1. They’re Focused on Outdated Practices

Via Panobly Blog

If your agency is still relying on old-school tactics, they’re already behind. PPC has evolved, but many agencies still operate like it’s 2015—running the same generic playbook for every client instead of adapting to the new reality.

Here are some outdated strategies that should have been ditched years ago. If your agency is doing at least 2 of these, it’s time to rethink your strategy. 

• 1000s of keywords: With today’s automation, broad keyword coverage is more effective than hyper-segmented lists.
• GA attribution: Google Analytics is great, but it doesn’t paint the full picture. Your agency should be analyzing customer LTV and true profitability, not just what GA says.
• Single keyword ad groups (SKAGs): Machine learning has made SKAGs irrelevant. If your agency still swears by them, they’re stuck in the past.
• Lookalike audiences: With privacy changes, old-school lookalike audiences aren’t as effective. More advanced audience targeting is required.
• Platform ROAS: Looking only at in-platform ROAS ignores what actually drives profit. Your agency should be optimizing for revenue, not vanity metrics.
• Meta descriptions: If they’re still spending time optimizing meta descriptions for ads, they’re missing the bigger picture.

What You Should Do

• Ask how they’re adapting to automation – If they’re still focused on granular manual optimizations, they’re wasting time and money.
• Look for forward-thinking strategies – Your agency should be leveraging machine learning and AI to drive better performance.
• Make sure they’re focused on business outcomes – If they’re only tweaking ad settings without aligning with your growth strategy, that’s a red flag.

2. They’re Not Focused on Real Business Impact

Clicks and impressions don’t pay the bills—profitability does. Yet, most agencies still report on surface-level metrics instead of aligning their strategy with your actual business goals.

• A strong PPC strategy should be built around:
  • Product profitability: Not all products should be advertised equally. Your agency should be prioritizing the ones that drive real revenue.
  • Customer acquisition costs (CAC): If your agency isn’t tracking CAC, they’re missing a huge piece of the puzzle.
  • Returning customer rate: Are your ads bringing in one-time buyers or customers who stick around?
  • Seasonal and economic trends: A good agency adjusts spend based on real-world factors, not just ad performance.

Here’s a big one. Remember those Shopify revenue numbers we showed you at the beginning? If this is not a concern for them, you’ve got a problem. Does your current PPC agency even have access to your Shopify dashboard?  

If your agency isn’t factoring in these aspects, they’re leaving money on the table.

What You Should Do

• Evaluate their reporting: If all they talk about is CTR and CPC, they’re not thinking big enough.
• Make sure they track key business metrics: They should be monitoring profit margins, customer LTV, and how PPC fits into your full funnel.
• Expect them to adjust strategies: If your goals or market conditions shift, your agency should pivot accordingly. Static strategies lead to stagnant growth.

3. You Have No Idea What’s Happening Next

Via Roadmunk

Ever feel like your agency is just running your ads on autopilot? That’s a problem. If you don’t know what’s coming next or why certain decisions are being made, it’s a sign they’re not thinking proactively.

• A strong PPC agency should:
  • Give you a clear roadmap: You should always know what’s next and why.
    • Digital Position provides every client with a 3-month plan before onboarding. If you want one of these, reach out to us today and we’ll get you set up! 
  • Be transparent about changes: They should explain shifts in performance and what they’re doing about it.
  • Regularly review your business metrics: If they’re not analyzing your website conversion rates, margins, and overall growth, they’re missing the full picture.

What You Should Do

• Ask for a clear strategy: If your agency doesn’t have a long-term plan, they’re winging it.
• Demand transparency: You should understand exactly why they’re making certain optimizations.
• Expect deeper insights: If your only communication is a monthly report with no real analysis, that’s not enough.

So… Is It Time to Make a Switch?

If any of this sounds familiar, your PPC agency might not be doing enough. The right agency should be more than just an ad manager—they should be a true partner in your business growth.

Here’s How to Find the Right Agency:

• Evaluate Your Current Results: Are you seeing meaningful growth, or just maintaining the status quo?
• Look for a Business-Focused Approach: Your PPC strategy should align with your broader business goals, not just drive more clicks.
• Find a Strategic Partner: You need more than an account manager. Look for an agency that offers insights into profitability, customer behavior, and long-term growth.
• Demand Regular Deep-Dive Reviews: Your agency should consistently analyze performance and adjust strategies based on what’s working.

If your current agency isn’t delivering on these, it’s time to move on. Let’s talk about how we can build a PPC strategy that actually fuels real business growth. Reach out today, and let’s make it happen. 🚀