Before you hire anyone: the proof checklist

Ask every provider for these

These are the same items a Few Found reviewer asks for before marking a provider Verified. A provider who has done the work can usually show them within a day.

• Your official business details (registration number, GST, or the equivalent abroad)
• Who is behind the business: the people in charge and their LinkedIn profiles
• One client reference we can contact
• Links to work they delivered, with what they did on it

The four questions behind the evidence

• Client delivery: The work happened and was delivered: contract or invoice excerpts, campaign data, and clients Few Found contacted.
• Team and capability: The people and skills behind the services offered.
• Registration and tax: Company registration and GST or MSME records, checked by a person from documents.
• Commercial transparency: Fee structure, contract terms and any conflicts disclosed to Few Found.

Questions that separate a pitch from a track record

1. Who exactly will work on our account, and can we meet them before we sign?
2. Can we speak to a current client in our industry, not only one you chose for us?
3. What did you get wrong on a past account, and what did you change?
4. How and how often will you report, and which numbers will you show?
5. What happens to our ad accounts, data and creative if we leave?
6. How do you charge, and is anyone else paying you to recommend a tool, network or publisher?

Warning signs

• Results with no client, date or source
• A guarantee of rankings, leads or revenue
• A reference you cannot reach, or only a testimonial on their own site
• Reluctance to name who does the work