Is Your Digital Marketing RFP Built to Find Winners or Waste Time?
Are You Hiring a Real Marketing Partner or Just Buying Hype?
Picture this: you've got your RFP all dressed up, sent into the world like a proud parent—only to have it come back with agencies throwing marketing buzzwords at you like confetti at a parade. Here at three&six, we know you didn’t write that RFP to play marketing bingo; you need actual answers. Done right, an RFP separates the real deal from the BS merchants. Our goal? To give you the tools to make your RFP work harder than a double-espresso-fueled startup founder.
The RFP Process: Finding Substance, Not Just Glitter
Here’s the brutal truth: most RFPs don’t ask the right questions and only attract flashy sales presentations, not real results. Crafting an effective RFP for digital marketing isn’t about getting agencies to dazzle you with eye-catching sales decks—it’s about making them show their work, like math class all over again. You need a partner who’s done more than talk a big game—they can prove they’ve actually driven traffic, increased bookings, and show up like Gandalf at dawn on the fifth day.
Separating Real Results from Empty Promises
Agencies love throwing big, shiny numbers at you, hoping they’ll stick. But just because they can turn up the sparkle doesn’t mean they’ll turn up your revenue. You need to go deeper. Ask for proof of real results—stats, case studies, and hard KPIs that mean more than a double-digit “traffic boost.” And don’t settle for vague bragging rights. You want clear, measurable proof that this agency can deliver outcomes that’ll last longer than a Hollywood marriage.
The Power of Asking the Right Questions
Crafting an RFP isn’t about tossing out generic questions—it’s about getting specific and unapologetically direct. The right questions force agencies to pull back the curtain, showing who’s got real substance and who’s just memorized buzzwords. You’re not here for fluff; you’re here to see if they know their stuff. With the right RFP questions, you’ll separate the partners who can deliver from those who inflate ROAS like they’re blowing up a cheap party balloon
Red Flags to Watch for in Agency Responses
When reviewing RFP responses, watch for red flags that could mean trouble. Agencies might impress with glossy metrics and polished case studies, but check if they’re sidestepping the real questions. Are they sneaking in hidden costs by inflating CPCs or funneling your budget into questionable ad spend? Look for transparency. A credible agency will be upfront about how your marketing dollars are spent, laying out the costs, approach, and ROAS without the usual smoke and mirrors.
Ready to Get Real Results?
If you’re tired of vague promises and wasted ad spend, three&six has you covered. We’ve crafted an RFP guide and template packed with direct questions to help you uncover agencies that actually deliver—and, because good questions need good answers, we’ve also included guidance on what you should look for in responses. Think of it as the Marauder’s Map for your RFP: just say, “I solemnly swear I am up to no good digital marketing and need help.” (Alright, it’s a bit longer than Harry’s version, but you get the idea.)
Download the FREE RFP Guide and the RFP template here. Or visit https://www.threeandsix.agency/products-tools/
three&six is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in hospitality. With a focus on innovation, the team delivers cutting-edge solutions that drive client success across all digital channels.
Tristan Heaword
Co-Founder
three&six
