Manny Shah: Time to dump your digital marketing agency? Seven warning signs to watch out for

Most business owners rely on digital marketing agencies to manage their online presence but according to Manny Shah, cofounder and director of Rank My Business, far too many agencies are failing their clients in 2026.
 

"AI has flipped the world of digital marketing on its head, but many agencies are still running the same tired playbook from five years ago," Shah said.
 

"If your agency hasn't changed its strategies since ChatGPT and other AI platforms took off, it could be killing your business."
 

Warning sign one: no AI strategy
 

If your agency is still only talking about keywords and backlinks, that's a red flag. Shah said businesses now need advanced AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) to stay visible in AI-driven search.
 

"If your agency isn't talking about AI, they're already behind," Shah said.
 

Warning sign two: cookie-cutter campaigns
 

Shah warned against agencies that push the same package onto every client.
 

"Digital marketing today has to be precise. If you're getting generic reports and templated campaigns, you're paying for laziness, not results," Shah said.
 

"Every business is different and needs a customised strategy and support."
 

Warning sign three: ignoring social media
 

AI search now works hand-in-hand with social proof. If your agency isn't building your reputation across TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, you're missing half the picture.
 

"Consumers cross-check what they see in search with what they see on socials. If your agency ignores this, you're invisible," Shah said.

Warning sign four: weak websites
 

A simple brochure site is no longer enough. Shah said if your agency hasn't updated your site to demonstrate depth, authority and trust, you've already fallen behind.
 

"Websites need to behave like digital experiences that AI recognises as valuable. Anything less won't survive," Shah warned.
 

Warning sign five: no measurable ROI
 

The ultimate warning sign is an agency that can't prove its worth.
 

"If you don't know how many leads or sales you're getting from their work, dump them," Shah said.
 

"Digital marketing should always be measurable, always trackable and always tied to growth."
 

Warning sign six: too many shiny reviews
 

An agency that only has glowing five-star reviews and no detail in the feedback is another red flag.
 

"Fake or shallow reviews are often used to mask poor performance. A trustworthy agency will have authentic client stories, not just generic praise," Shah said.
 

"Businesses aim to get everything right all the time but sometimes things can go wrong. That is life. A good business works hard to solve things. This feedback should always be included in reviews. If it is not, things are too good to be true."
 

Warning sign seven: high staff turnover and powerless account managers
 

If your account manager changes every few months, or worse, has no authority to actually fix problems when they arise, that's a bad sign.
 

"High turnover often means chaos inside the agency. If your account manager can't solve issues on the spot, you're not dealing with decision-makers, you're stuck in red tape," Shah said.
 

Time to rethink your partnerships
 

Shah said businesses must treat digital marketing as a frontline investment, not an afterthought.
 

"Google is evolving, AI is rising and integrated search platforms are changing everything. If your agency isn't adapting, they're dragging you down with them," Shah said.
 

"The digital battlefield is unforgiving. Businesses that partner with the right agency will win. Those who stick with outdated strategies will disappear.
 

"When you find a good agency, stick with them. Don't swap and change. Genuine relationships are like good wine, they mature and improve over time."

About Manny Shah
 

Manny Shah is the cofounder and director of Rank My Business, a performance-driven digital agency helping small to medium businesses grow through ROI-first strategies across SEO, paid ads, content, social media and web. Rank My Business is leading the AI charge with AEO and GEO strategies, helping clients maintain visibility in a search landscape driven increasingly by generative AI.
 

About Rank My Business
 

Rank My Business is a Melbourne-based digital marketing agency serving clients across Australia, the US, UK, UAE and India. Founded by Kunal and Manny Shah, the agency offers end-to-end services including SEO, Google Ads, social media, content, website design and reputation management. Known for its ROI-first, transparent approach, the agency has grown on a 90 referral rate without paid advertising and is celebrated for its long-term client partnerships. Visit www.rankmybusiness.com.au.