What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring A Women‑owned Marketing Agency

We know that partnering with a women‑owned marketing agencies isn’t just about hiring a service—it’s about gaining a team that brings fresh perspectives, strategic creativity, and a nuanced understanding of diverse audiences. From our experience working with brands across industries, we’ve seen how the right agency can transform campaigns by blending data-driven insights with authentic storytelling. Before making this critical decision, it’s crucial to ask targeted questions that reveal not just capabilities, but alignment with your brand’s vision, values, and growth goals. In this guide, we share the key questions we wish every client asked—so you can confidently choose a partner who delivers measurable results while reflecting the heart and voice of your brand.

Quick Answers

Women-Owned Marketing Agencies

A women-owned marketing agency is led and majority-owned by women. They bring fresh, inclusive perspectives, deliver innovative campaigns, and focus on authentic audience connections. Look for verified listings, certifications like WBENC, and agencies with proven results. Services often include branding, social media, SEO, and full marketing strategies tailored to your goals.

Top Takeaways:

• Check experience: Review past campaigns and results. Ensure they match your goals.
  
  

• Understand their approach: Ask how strategies are developed and adapted.
  
  

• Evaluate the team: Know who works on your account and their roles.
  
  

• Confirm communication: Check update frequency and reporting methods.
  
  

• Align on values: Make sure their mission and style fit your brand.

Hiring a women‑owned marketing agency can bring unique advantages, from fresh creative perspectives to a deeper understanding of diverse audiences. But not all agencies are the same, and asking the right questions ensures you select a partner who truly aligns with your brand and business goals.

Key Areas to Explore:

• Experience & Expertise: Ask about the agency’s past campaigns, industries served, and measurable results. Understanding their track record helps gauge whether they can deliver on your objectives.
  
  

• Strategic Approach: Learn how they develop marketing strategies. Do they combine data insights with creative storytelling? Do they customize solutions for each client or rely on one-size-fits-all tactics?
  
  

• Team & Collaboration: Find out who will be working on your account and how communication is managed. Strong collaboration ensures your vision is understood and executed effectively.
  
  

• Values & Vision Alignment: A women‑owned agency may bring unique perspectives and priorities. Ask about their mission, values, and how these translate into the work they do.
  
  

• Pricing & ROI: Clear, transparent pricing and a focus on measurable outcomes are critical for ensuring your investment drives real results.

We've seen firsthand that clients who ask these questions end up with partnerships that are not only productive but transformative. Taking the time to explore these areas helps you hire an agency that delivers both creativity and measurable impact.

"From our experience partnering with brands across industries, the right women‑owned marketing agency doesn’t just execute campaigns—it brings fresh perspectives, authentic storytelling, and strategies tailored to your audience. Asking the right questions upfront ensures you find a partner who delivers measurable results while truly reflecting your brand’s vision."

Essential Resources

We know that finding the right women‑owned marketing partner isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about connecting with a team that understands your brand, brings fresh perspectives, and drives measurable results. These resources are ones we rely on and recommend to clients looking for verified, credible, and high-performing agencies.

1. WBENC – Certify and Connect with Top Women‑Owned Businesses

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the gold standard for verifying women‑owned businesses. Use it to ensure the agency you consider is genuinely women-led and gain access to networking opportunities with major brands.

Source: https://www.wbenc.org/

2. WBENC Certification Overview – Know the Benefits Before You Commit

Understanding the WBENC certification process helps you see why certain agencies stand out. From eligibility to application benefits, this guide ensures you’re working with credible partners who meet trusted standards.

Source: https://www.wbenc.org/certification/

3. BuyWomenOwned Directory – Discover Certified Women‑Owned Agencies

This searchable directory makes it simple to find qualified, certified women‑owned marketing agencies. We use it ourselves to spot emerging talent and connect clients with agencies that deliver results.

Source: https://buywomenowned.com/women‑owned‑directory/

4. NAWBO – Learn from Experienced Women Business Leaders

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) provides education, advocacy, and community. Tap into this network to gain insights from women who’ve built and scaled successful businesses, just like we have at The Sax Agency.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Association_of_Women_Business_Owners

5. National Women’s Business Council Resources – Stay Informed

NWBC curates resources on trends, policy, and supplier diversity programs. These tools help you make informed decisions and understand the landscape of women‑owned businesses, saving you time and research effort.

Source: https://www.nwbc.gov/resources/

6. Female Agency Owner Collective – Peer Support and Strategy Sharing

A tight-knit community of women agency founders sharing strategies, mentorship, and lessons learned. We’ve seen firsthand how connecting with peers here can elevate agency performance and client outcomes.

Source: https://www.femaleagencyowners.com/

7. Women Agency Owners (HubSpot Community) – Collaborate and Gain Visibility

This HubSpot-focused community is ideal for discovering women‑owned agencies with proven digital marketing expertise. Engage here to see who’s innovating in the space and who aligns with your goals.

Source: https://www.womenagencyowners.com/

Supporting Statistics

We've seen firsthand how women‑owned businesses transform marketing strategies with fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving. These statistics highlight their growing influence and why choosing a women‑owned marketing agency can benefit your brand:

• Women Own Nearly 40% of U.S. Businesses
  
  

• 39.2% of all U.S. firms are women-led
  
  

• Employ 12.9 million people
  
  

• Generate $3.3 trillion in annual revenue
  
  

• Insight: Women-led agencies bring this scale of experience and economic impact into client campaigns

Source: nwbc.gov

• Rapid Growth Among Women‑Owned Firms
  
  

• Growth rate 94% of men-owned businesses (2019–2023)
  
  

• Reflects a surge in female entrepreneurship
  
  

• Insight: Agencies riding this growth leverage agility and innovative approaches for measurable results

Source: sba.gov

• Broad Presence in Employer and Nonemployer Firms
  
  

• 42.7% of nonemployer businesses are women-owned
  
  

• Over 1.3 million employer firms led by women
  
  

• Insight: Agencies offer a spectrum of experience—from boutique strategies to enterprise-level campaigns

Source: census.gov

These statistics underscore how women-owned marketing agencies are shaping modern brand growth, especially as the importance of sustainability in marketing continues to influence strategic decision-making and consumer expectations.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a women‑owned marketing agency is more than a checklist—it’s about finding a partner who delivers strategy, creativity, and results.

Key Takeaways from Our Experience at The Sax Agency:

• Look for Alignment
  
  

• Ensure the agency’s expertise and values match your brand’s vision.
  
  

• Collaboration and communication are critical for success.
  
  

• Leverage Their Unique Perspective
  
  

• Women‑owned agencies often combine bold creativity with deep audience empathy.
  
  

• They craft campaigns that resonate while driving measurable results.
  
  

• Use Data and Growth Trends
  
  

• Women‑owned businesses are growing rapidly, generating trillions in revenue, and employing millions.
  
  

• Agencies with this scale of experience bring tested strategies and insights to clients.

Our Opinion:

• The right women‑owned marketing agency is more than a service provider—it’s a strategic partner.
  
  

• They can elevate your marketing through authentic storytelling, innovative campaigns, and measurable impact.
  
  

• Asking the right questions upfront ensures you hire a partner who delivers results and reflects your brand’s values.

Next Steps

Follow these actionable steps to find a partner who delivers results and aligns with your brand:

• Define Your Goals and Needs
  
  

• Clarify marketing objectives, target audience, and budget.
  
  

• Identify priority services: social media, branding, digital ads, content marketing.
  
  

• Research and Verify Agencies
  
  

• Use directories like WBENC and BuyWomenOwned to find verified agencies.
  
  

• Review portfolios and case studies for industry expertise and past results.
  
  

• Prepare Your Questions
  
  

• Ask about experience, team structure, strategy approach, and measurable outcomes.
  
  

• Include questions about values and vision alignment.
  
  

• Request Proposals or Consultations
  
  

• Narrow your list to 2–3 agencies.
  
  

• Evaluate both ideas and how well they understand your brand.
  
  

• Assess and Decide
  
  

• Compare creativity, strategy, proven results, and alignment with your goals.
  
  

• Choose the agency that combines expertise, collaboration, and innovation.
  
  

• Build a Partnership
  
  

• Establish clear communication, expectations, and success metrics.
  
  

• Treat the agency as a partner, not just a vendor, to maximize impact.

FAQ on Women-Owned Marketing Agencies

• Q: What is a women-owned marketing agency?
  
  

• A: A marketing agency led and majority-owned by women.
  
  

• Brings fresh, inclusive perspectives to campaigns.
  
  

• Q: Why hire a women-owned agency?
  
  

• A: They deliver innovative, diverse marketing solutions.
  
  

• Campaigns often connect authentically with audiences.
  
  

• Q: How do I find a trusted women-owned agency?
  
  

• A: Check verified listings or WBENC certifications.
  
  

• Ask for personal referrals and proven results.
  
  

• Q: What services do they provide?
  
  

• A: Branding, social media, SEO, and full marketing strategies.
  
  

• Focus on storytelling and audience engagement.
  
  

• Q: Are their services affordable?
  
  

• A: Pricing varies with scope and goals.
  
  

• Most offer customized packages with clear value.