What Every South African Business Must Ask Before Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency
In South Africa’s competitive digital landscape, choosing the right marketing agency can transform your business. However, many businesses face challenges such as unclear contracts, hidden costs, and disputes over digital assets. Asking the right questions before signing a contract ensures transparency, protects your brand, and sets your business up for long-term success.
1. Who Owns the Digital Assets?
All digital content created by a marketing agency—including website designs, logos, videos, written content, and social media posts—should belong to your business. Without a clear contract, your intellectual property could be at risk.
Legal Reference: Copyright Act, 1978 (Act No. 98 of 1978) – protects ownership of original works, including digital content.
What to Expect from an Ethical Agency:
A contract explicitly stating that your business owns all content.
Documentation ensuring you can use, modify, or transfer assets even if you part ways with the agency.
Owning your digital assets protects your brand, prevents disputes, and gives you control over your online presence.
2. Will You Receive Regular KPI Reports?
A professional agency provides transparent reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs), including engagement, website traffic, leads, and ROI.
What to Ask:
How often will reports be provided?
Which metrics are included?
Can you see examples of past client reports?
Why It Matters:
Regular reports keep you informed and hold the agency accountable for delivering results.
3. What’s Included in the Scope of Work?
Clarify deliverables, timelines, and costs upfront. A detailed scope of work prevents misunderstandings and ensures both parties are aligned.
Legal References:
Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act No. 68 of 2008) – ensures clear and fair contracts.
Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (Act No. 25 of 2002) – governs digital contracts.
What to Ask:
Which services are included?
What are the timelines for deliverables?
Are there any additional costs?
Clear scope of work protects your budget and expectations.
4. Who Provides and Licenses Images and Media?
Using unlicensed content can lead to legal complications.
Legal References:
Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) Code of Conduct – enforces ethical advertising standards.
Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 – governs data protection.
Agency Approach:
Client-provided materials must be properly licensed.
Stock images and media are sourced ethically, ensuring your business retains full ownership.
This ensures your campaigns comply with legal requirements and protect your business.
5. Are Non-Compete and Confidentiality Clauses Included?
Protect sensitive business information and strategies by confirming that your contract includes:
Non-compete clauses to prevent agencies from working with direct competitors.
Confidentiality agreements to safeguard proprietary information.
Legal Reference: Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995).
These clauses protect your competitive advantage and ensure your business data is secure.
6. What Happens If You Terminate the Contract?
Ensure exit terms are clear, including access to digital assets, ongoing costs, and transition support.
Questions to Ask:
Will I retain access to all assets after termination?
Are there any termination fees?
Will the agency assist with transitioning to a new provider?
Clear terms prevent disputes and ensure continuity if you switch agencies.
7. Can They Provide References or Case Studies?
A trustworthy agency will provide proof of results.
What to Ask:
Can you share examples of past work?
Are client references available?
References and case studies validate the agency’s expertise and reliability.
Red Flags to Watch For
Vague or unclear contracts
Poor communication during onboarding
Agencies promising guaranteed results
A reputable agency focuses on transparency, compliance, and long-term results rather than quick fixes.
Why Choose Bubble Bekkie Advertising?
At Bubble Bekkie Advertising, we prioritise ethical, transparent, and results-driven digital marketing services tailored for South African businesses.
Transparency: Clear contracts that protect your rights and digital assets.
Compliance: Strict adherence to advertising, copyright, and data protection laws.
Results-Driven: Strategies designed for sustainable growth, not quick gimmicks.
Take Control of Your Marketing Investment
Hiring the right digital marketing agency can define your business’s online success. Protect your brand, ensure transparency, and work with an agency that prioritises ethical practices.
Contact Bubble Bekkie Advertising today for a free consultation.
Visit: www.bubblebekkie.co.za
