A successful digital marketing partnership requires embracing failure as a necessary part of discovery, not just polished success stories. True value lies in an agency's honesty about what doesn't work and their agility to pivot. Beyond the retainer fee, hidden costs include your own strategic time, internal coordination, and the patience required for long-term strategies. Success is measured by leading indicators and a clear "North Star" metric, not just immediate revenue. A strong cultural fit in working style, risk tolerance, and communication is crucial for a productive relationship. Effective strategy means focusing on one or two platforms where your audience truly engages, not being everywhere at once. Ditch the rigid content calendar for a flexible framework that allows for timely, relevant content. Ultimately, the best agencies blend art and science to build meaningful human connections, not just execute tactics.