Level-Up with Lean Labs: How to Choose a Marketing Partner That Actually Delivers ROI ??

Your next marketing partner could make (or break) your Q2 growth plans.?

If you know you need marketing support but are worried about wasting 6-12 months and thousands of dollars on the wrong partner again, you’re not alone.?

Thankfully, I’ve got the solution: my secret four-step formula for choosing the right partner for your business.

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Let’s dive into the details in this week’s Tactical Takeaway.?

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TACTICAL TAKEAWAY

Key Insight of the Week

Over 80% of companies aren't achieving profitable marketing — and a lot of those companies are using marketing partners!

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Don't become another statistic. Here's your roadmap to choosing a partner who actually delivers:

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1?? Focus on Proven Success: Look for verifiable ROI case studies and recent third-party reviews (less than 12 months old). Your potential partner should have documented wins in your specific industry. Generic promises of instant results without evidence? Run.

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2?? Evaluate Their Growth Methodology: A great marketing partner needs a clear, systematic approach that's driven by data. Look for partners who understand full-funnel metrics and make evidence-based decisions.?

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3?? Verify Communication Standards: The right partner provides regular reporting, clear accountability structures, and defined communication cadences. Don't accept vague timelines or pushy sales tactics. You need a partner invested in your success… not just their monthly retainer.

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4?? Check Their Tech Stack: Ensure their tools and platforms align with your existing infrastructure. A WordPress-focused business shouldn't partner with a HubSpot-only agency. Compatibility upfront prevents costly migrations down the road.

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Remember: The right partner is going to work seamlessly with your business and feel like a part of your team. When you nail your marketing partnership, you’ll be on the right path to profitable, sustainable growth… not just a few expensive traffic spikes.?

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SPEED-ROUND SUMMARY

Core Takeaways

??Pro Tip: Create a scoring framework before evaluating agencies. Rate each potential partner on track record, specialization, process clarity, and value alignment.

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?Quick Win: Find five potential agencies and check their recent client testimonials. Look for stories about working relationships, not just results.

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??Bottom Line: Take time to evaluate thoroughly, but don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. The right partnership starts with clear expectations and shared commitment to results.

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CONTENT CATCH-UP

New Resources

This week, I'm hosting a HubSpot User Group event about?how to get the best ROI from AI!

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I'm sharing: ? Workflows that streamline content & keep your brand voice intact ? Advanced prompts that generate high-impact marketing (not fluff) ? A proven system that helps clients 2–4X productivity in 2 weeks

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It's going down this Thursday, February 6th, at 3:00 PM EST.

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There's limited spots available, so save your seat now!

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That’s my update for the week! Keep an eye on your email for next week’s letter, where I’ll share my thoughts on the biggest problems I see with B2B marketing this year!

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Talk soon,

Kevin Barber

Head of Growth, Lean Labs

P.S. Need help setting up a bulletproof growth system? Our Growth Mapping Sessions will give you the exact plan — reach out now, and we’ll walk you through it.