Why Choosing the Right AI Agency Matters
The AI automation market is booming, and with it comes a flood of agencies promising transformative results. For MKB businesses, picking the wrong partner can mean wasted budget, delayed timelines, and solutions that don't fit your actual needs.
What to Look For
1. Industry Understanding
A good AI agency should understand your industry and the specific challenges MKB businesses face. Ask for examples of similar projects they have delivered.
2. Transparent Pricing
Watch out for agencies that are vague about costs. Look for project-based pricing with clear deliverables rather than open-ended retainers.
3. Practical Approach
The best agencies start with your business problem, not the technology. They should be able to explain their approach in plain language.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Overpromising: Claims of 10x ROI without understanding your business
- Technology-first thinking: Pushing specific tools before understanding your needs
- No clear process: Vague timelines and undefined deliverables
- No references: Inability to share past project examples
Green Flags
- Discovery-first approach: Starting with understanding before proposing solutions
- Clear project scoping: Defined deliverables, timelines, and success metrics
- Knowledge transfer: Planning for your team to maintain and extend the solution
- Honest about limitations: Willing to say "AI is not the right solution here"
Want to see how we approach AI projects? Book a discovery call.