Define the problem you are hiring for
Describe the work needed: a website, local visibility, content production, advertising or a broader strategy. Include the intended audience, service area and desired action. A provider can respond more accurately when the problem is specific.
Separate service requirements from preferences about style. A visually appealing site still needs a working enquiry process, and an advertising campaign needs an offer the business can fulfil.
Look at work that is relevant to your project
Look at live work and case studies. Ask what the provider actually did, what remains in use and how results were measured. If a provider shows traffic or revenue results, ask what period and project the figures cover.
For an illustrative local comparison, a service company may place more weight on clear quoting journeys than on product-catalogue features. Look for work that matches your need.
Compare proposals against the same brief
Check deliverables, planning, content, revision allowances, responsibilities, schedule and recurring costs. Ask about advertising spend, third-party fees and what is excluded. Confirm the currency and payment terms in writing.
A lower headline fee can cover a narrower scope. A detailed proposal gives you a way to assess the work without assuming that every package contains the same items.
Keep control of essential business assets
Confirm ownership and access for the domain, hosting, social Pages, advertising accounts and source files. Use appropriate platform roles and an agreed secure access process. Ask how backups, account changes and handover are handled.
Clarify who can approve public content and spending. Make sure a business owner remains able to remove access or move the work when the engagement ends.
Agree how progress will be reviewed
Choose a few questions that matter: can customers find the relevant information, does the enquiry path work, are suitable prospects responding and what needs improvement? Set a review rhythm and explain which measurements are available.
DSDillon Marketing starts with a defined scope, clear responsibilities and agreed reporting. Our brief builder helps you organise the information needed for that first discussion.
