Launching a new business can feel like stepping into a whirlwind.One where you’re expected to master marketing, branding, tech, and social media before you’ve even finished your first cup of coffee. For many women founders, the pressure to “make it happen” fast can be intense. You’re told to move quickly, pivot often, and chase the next “sure thing” that promises instant results.
But, the truth is that speed isn’t always the secret to success. In fact, there’s one hidden habit that can quietly sabotage your growth before you’ve even had the chance to scale. And, it’s one that Manny Shah – cofounder and director of digital agency Rank My Business – sees far too many ambitious women make when building their dream business. Here’s why she believes that slowing down on switching agencies, might be one of the quickest ways to small business growth,
In the race to grow a business in today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to believe that faster is better, cheaper is smarter and newer is always more exciting. However, there’s one costly mistake I see time and again. Especially among ambitious small to medium business owners and it’s wrecking growth before it ever has a chance to take off.
It’s not a bad product, it’s not a lack of marketing budget, it’s agency churn.
Too many businesses are trapped in a cycle of hiring and firing digital marketing agencies every few months. Convinced the next one will finally deliver. While this might feel like decisive leadership, the reality is brutal: every switch resets your momentum to zero.
Each new agency means onboarding, brand audits, rebuilding campaigns, retesting audiences and realigning goals. You waste time, lose data continuity and often end up paying to undo the mess left behind by the last provider. It’s the marketing equivalent of pulling up your tomato plant every 30 days because it hasn’t fruited yet.
What many don’t realise is that digital results compound. Especially in areas like SEO, paid ads and conversion optimisation, traction doesn’t come in weeks, it comes in months. By jumping ship too early, you could be walking away right before results kick in.
Let’s be clear: not every agency is the right fit. The real issue isn’t just churn, it’s choosing poorly in the first place. Picking a flashy agency based on price or promises without vetting their track record, niche experience or values is a setup for disappointment. It’s like hiring a food blogger to build your fashion brand. You’ll get content, but not conversion.
The best marketing partnerships are just that; partnerships. They’re not vendors delivering transactions, they’re collaborators invested in your growth. The most successful clients we work with are the ones who see us as an extension of their team. They involve us in planning, push us to innovate, and stick around long enough to see serious ROI.
In fact, some of our longest-standing clients have grown from scrappy side hustles into multi-million-dollar brands because they trusted the process, committed to the relationship and gave their strategy time to evolve.
If you’re constantly changing agencies, it’s time to stop and ask yourself why. Is it the agency or is it a lack of alignment, patience or clear direction?
Smart founders know that great marketing isn’t about finding someone to run ads. It’s about finding a partner who understands your goals, challenges your thinking and builds alongside you. That kind of consistency breeds confidence and confidence leads to results.
So, before you hit reset again, remember: the next big win isn’t in the next agency. It’s in the one you trust enough to grow with.