A poorly managed ad account can burn through your budget fast, with little to show for it. Explore vetted PPC agencies in the US on DesignRush and compare providers by platform expertise, campaign results, and pricing to find the right fit for your business.

Organic rankings are determined by five factors: top services, reviews, portfolio, awards/press, and team expertise. Sponsored listings pay for a placement that appears above organic positions. Sponsorship does not affect star ratings or review content - read more on our methodology page.

United States × Delivery & Takeaway × $1,000 - $10,000 ×Clear Filters
  • Building Custom Software, Web And Mobile Solutions

    TechAvidus manages PPC across search, display, shopping, video, social, mobile, and remarketing ads, backed by 10+ years of experience. With comprehensive service packages that include strategy, bid management, optimization, and analysis, the US PPC agency has served 100+ clients like GSK and OTS...

    Top Services:

    • AI Development
    • Web Development
    • Software Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $18/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    56 Projects Listed
  • Your Partner in AI-Enabled Development, Marketing, eCommerce, Data Management, BI and Ops.

    Tech2Globe is a name that stands for reliability, efficiency & trust. A team that works hard to provide best solutions to our clients, management that makes sure the timely execution of projects and a collective effort to form long-lasting relations with our clients is what makes us Tech2Globe...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • Web Design
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    16 Projects Listed
  • Your Web Design Agency

    CityTech Design provides 100% unique custom web designs and brand presentations with beautiful graphics, along with various brand materials (logo, business cards, social media). Their unique presentation and pre-development animations will show you what you can expect once they develop your site...

    Top Services:

    • Web Design
    • Logo Design
    • Branding
    • PPC
    • UI/UX Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Wilmington, Delaware
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
    Average Hourly Rate
    $75/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    16 Projects Listed
  • Get found. Stand out. Grow.

    Innovative Flare is a South Florida digital marketing and web development agency established in 2005. We connect SEO, advertising, websites, content, and digital strategy to help businesses get found, stand out, and grow...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Web Development
    • SEO
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    West Palm Beach, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Own consumer consideration.

    Imagine Marketing is a pioneer in affiliate/consideration marketing, offering a service that helps brands own all in-market customers in their industry. Imagine uses levers in affiliate marketing, SEM media buying, and social whitelisting to empower customer acquisition for long term growth...

    Top Services:

    • Affiliate Marketing
    • Media Buying
    • eCommerce
    • PPC
    • CRO
    • Show more
    Location
    St. Petersburg, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed
  • Top Mobile App Development Company in USA, UK, India & UAE

    We are providing businesses with scalable, extensible software and mobile applications to give them a competitive edge in the market...

    Top Services:

    • Mobile App Development
    • Web Development
    • Blockchain
    • WordPress Website Design
    • PPC
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    16 Projects Listed
  • The Honest, Dependable, Transparent Digital Marketing Agency You've Been Looking For.

    We are a results-driven digital marketing agency located in Tampa, FL. Our mission is to help businesses thrive online with high-impact SEO, Google Ads, web design, and local marketing strategies. Your investment matters, and we make sure it works hard to deliver measurable results...

    Top Services:

    • PPC
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    Location
    Tampa, Florida
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed
  • Honest, Practical, & Focused On Results

    Founded in 2005 in Reading (UK) Naxtech is a Digital Agency focusing on helping businesses grow, increase profitability, while attracting new customers via the effective use of technology and digital marketing...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Digital Marketing
    • Mobile App Development
    • SEO
    • Content Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed
  • Marketing That Humans Find And AI Cites

    Silverback Marketing (silverbackmarketing.com) is a boutique digital marketing agency founded in 2007 in Queen Creek, Arizona. We combine SEO/GEO, paid media, web development, and AI automation into one pipeline-measured growth system for B2B and considered-purchase companies, and we publish the open-source...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • AEO
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Digital Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Queen Creek, Arizona
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $250/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Senior Google and Meta ads management. Improve ROAS in 90 days or we work free.

    We run Google Ads and Meta Ads for US service and SaaS brands spending $10,000 to $100,000 a month. That is the entire business. No SEO, no organic social, no full-service bundle.Most agencies optimize toward whatever metric reports well. We optimize toward new customers and revenue. One cosmetic dental...

    Top Services:

    • PPC
    • Media Buying
    • Advertising
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Nashville, Tennessee
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Connecting Businesses With High-Intent Customers

    First Call Solutions helps businesses grow through performance marketing, lead generation, and pay-per-call solutions. We specialize in delivering high-quality leads, inbound calls, and customer acquisition solutions across insurance, healthcare, home services, legal, and financial industries. Our focus is on...

    Top Services:

    • Affiliate Marketing
    • CRO
    • Media Buying
    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Show more
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
    Average Hourly Rate
    $20/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Local SEO That Puts You on the Map.

    Moon Vibes Media is a results-driven digital marketing agency based in Marquette, Michigan, specializing in local and national SEO, digital advertising, and content strategy. With over 15 years of experience, we help businesses dominate local search, attract more qualified leads, and turn online visibility...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • PPC
    • Show more
    Location
    Marquette, Michigan
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • The brand to grow your brand.

    Hayes Digital Marketing is based in Ponca City, Oklahoma and led by Todd Hayes, the gray-haired geek who's been building brands online since the dial-up modem days! We offer SEO consulting and implementation, optimized website design, and Google ads campaign management...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • Web Design
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Show more
    Location
    Ponca City, Oklahoma
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed
  • Fuel Your Growth

    Roxfire is a performance-driven marketing agency focused on building scalable revenue systems, not just running ads. We help service businesses generate consistent, high-quality leads through Google Ads, Meta Ads, and SEO, all integrated into one optimized acquisition system...

    Top Services:

    • PPC
    • SEO
    • Digital Services
    • Digital Strategy
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Miami, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $50/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • SEO Focused on ROI.

    PressRoom is a US-based, boutique digital marketing agency. We use AI & ML to identify high-value SEO opportunities to improve your Google search rankings, driving lasting increases in your organic traffic and revenue...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • PPC
    • CRO
    • Digital Marketing
    • Content Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • We Build Brands That Grow

    Zonic Media based in Dover DE and we provide Google Business profile services that includes Google Business profile reinstatement and Verification service. Local SEO and Website development services. With a 5 star reviews on Google we are known for our fair and transparent price...

    Top Services:

    • WordPress Website Design
    • Web Development
    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Show more
    Location
    Dover, Delaware
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $15/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Empowering Business Through Tech

    BitCodeSolution boosts your business with super-smart software solutions, business marketing, making innovation and growth a breeze. Were not just any software folks, were here to customize services that fit your unique needs...

    Top Services:

    • Design Services
    • Branding
    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Temecula, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Growth Partners For B2B SaaS

    GrowthSpree is an AI-native marketing agency focused on helping B2B SaaS companies scale their pipeline through proactive demand generation. By combining senior marketing operators with proprietary AI agents, the company delivers faster execution, better lead quality, and measurable revenue outcomes...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Email Marketing
    • CRO
    • Content Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    New Hyde Park, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $70/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Elevate Your Digital Presence

    Ringo Media is a results-driven digital marketing and software development agency with 20+ years of experience. We help businesses scale through SEO, PPC, social media, and custom software solutions. By combining strategy, AI-powered tools, and creative design, we deliver measurable growth. From startups to...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • SEO
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $30/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • The SEO Agency That Delivers Results

    Ranqeo is an SEO agency focused on getting businesses seen where it matters moston Google. We work with local and growing brands to improve their rankings, bring in consistent traffic, and turn that visibility into actual leads and sales. From optimizing websites and Google Business Profiles to building...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Web Design
    • eCommerce Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Mesa, Arizona
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $60/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Brand Agency As A Force For Good

    Offshore Marketers is a digital marketing agency that specializes in data-driven strategies, performance-focused campaigns, and growth systems for brands seeking to scale. The agency provides multi-channel digital marketing solutions designed to turn marketing activity into measurable revenue and business...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • SEO
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • eCommerce
    • Show more
    Location
    Whitehall, Ohio
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $1000/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Women Owned & Operated Digital Marketing Agency

    Think back to the last time you went on a hike in the mountains. When you were surrounded by crisp, clean magnificence, it just did something to refresh and revitalize you. You just felt safer, relaxed, and invigorated by the experience of being out in flawless beauty.  At Mountain Air Marketing, our goal is...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • Content Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Email Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Colorado Springs, Colorado
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Leader in Small Space

    Thevisiontech builds Shopify and eCommerce websites, apps, and marketing strategies with fast delivery and hands-on support. Trusted by boutiques, D2C brands, and growing online stores that want a responsive, reliable partner...

    Top Services:

    • eCommerce Development
    • SEO
    • Web Design
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Hubbardston, Massachusetts
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Navigating Businesses To Sustainable Growth

    Growth Naavik is an AI-powered digital marketing agency committed to helping businesses achieve sustainable and measurable growth in the digital world. By combining advanced AI technologies with data-driven marketing strategies, the company delivers end-to-end solutions including SEO, lead generation, paid...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Strategy
    • Digital Marketing
    • SEO
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $15/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Top Shopify Development Company USA

    eBizTrait Inc. is a trusted Shopify development company in USA, delivering custom Shopify solutions for businesses looking to build high-performance eCommerce stores. As a reliable Shopify development Partner in California, we create scalable, user-friendly, and conversion-focused online stores tailored to...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • SEO
    • PPC
    • Content Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Norwich, New York
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • From Influence To Impact Scale Intelligently

    Pathloft is a digital marketing agency focused on building strong relationships and delivering measurable results. The agency helps brands build trust, generate demand, and achieve sustainable growth across search platforms, AI-driven systems, and go-to-market channels...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Strategy
    • Branding
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • CRO
    • Show more
    Location
    Santa Clara, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $30/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • We Drive Client Growth

    Haven Media Solutions is an Atlanta-based digital marketing agency that helps businesses strengthen their online presence through smart, focused strategies. Our core services include pay-per-click advertising and custom web design, with every project built around performance, usability, and real business...

    Top Services:

    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Software Development
    • IT Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Buford, Georgia
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Turning Futility Into Utility Since 2008

    Dunsen Design Inc. is a web design and digital marketing company based in West Lafayette, Indiana, serving the Greater Lafayette area and surrounding regions, including Chicagoland. Founded in 2008 by Purdue University graduate Jeff Sunden, the company began with a focus on graphic and web design before...

    Top Services:

    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • SEO
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    West Lafayette, Indiana
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $180/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Managed IT services give small businesses enterprise grade protection and stability without hiring a full tech team. We standardize devices, patch software, monitor systems 24/7, and test backups preventing many outages and speeding recovery when issues happen. You also get clear guidance on policies and...

    Top Services:

    • IT Services
    • Cybersecurity
    • Cloud Consulting
    • Managed Services
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Orlando, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $30/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Marketing That Drives Growth

    InCon, LLC is a dynamic marketing and media agency committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses navigate the complexities of the marketing world. The agency specializes in branding, creative design, market research, and digital marketing solutions. InCon works closely with clients to ensure their...

    Top Services:

    • Branding
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Market Research
    • Web Development
    • Digital Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Elevate your brand.

    Welcome to The Omni Shot Your Trusted Partner in Web Development and Marketing! We specialize in cutting-edge Website Design, Ecommerce Solutions, SEO, and Search Marketing that drive results for your business. Discover why our clients love working with us by browsing our Customer Testimonials. Curious about...

    Top Services:

    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Logo Design
    • Web Development
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Leander, Texas
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Build a Business That Works Smarter While You Sleep

    JayMarketingLab is a results-driven digital marketing agency dedicated to scaling dental and healthcare practices. Headquartered in San Diego, we specialize in transforming local dental offices into high-growth, market-dominant brands...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Strategy
    • Graphic Design
    • Branding
    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Poway, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $49/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • The App Experts of the Middle East.

    AppsLogic is a premier mobile app development and web design company in Dubai, UAE, delivering innovative digital solutions. With a focus on user-centric designs and cutting-edge technology, AppsLogic transforms ideas into seamless, high-performing apps and websites, driving success for businesses...

    Top Services:

    • Mobile App Development
    • Web Design
    • eCommerce Development
    • Web Development
    • Software Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Rutherford, New Jersey
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $15/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Converting Clicks into Customers

    Last Click is a Sydney-based agency that delivers data-driven digital marketing solutions designed to generate sales, leads, and long-term business growth. With expertise spanning SEO, Google Ads, social media, web development, and sales coaching, we dont just manage campaigns, we become an extension of your...

    Top Services:

    • Graphic Design
    • Web Design
    • Branding
    • Software Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $50/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Transforming Ideas Into Digital Impact

    We are a full-service digital agency focused on helping businesses grow through innovation, creativity, and technology. From strategy to implementation, we work closely with our clients to deliver measurable results and long-term success in the digital world...

    Top Services:

    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Software Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Miami, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Your Business, Impossible To Ignore

    BareBones Media is an AI-native marketing agency built for local businesses that want to grow without agency-sized bills. We design conversion-focused websites, run Local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization, and produce cinematic AI video advertising most local shops could never afford...

    Top Services:

    • Video Production
    • Branding
    • Graphic Design
    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Long Beach, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $50/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Driving Digital Growth Across Industries

    Hilton Software Technologies is an IT solutions company based in Hyderabad, delivering customized software, web, and digital services since 2013. The company helps businesses of all sizes accelerate growth through innovative technology, reliable support, and tailored digital solutions...

    Top Services:

    • Software Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Fremont, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

Why companies trust DesignRush

Every agency is independently vetted before it can be listed or ranked

1

Identity Check

We verify businesses and reviewer LinkedIn profiles for integrity.

Agencies vetted
129,940+
2

Portfolio Review

We review agency work, case studies, and results to confirm skill.

Applicants rejected
47%
3

Ongoing Audit

We monitor listings regularly; outdated agencies are removed.

Agencies verified
37

Some agencies pay for sponsored placement, clearly labeled and held to the same vetting standards.

See how rankings and monetization work.

7 FAQs About PPC Agencies in the US

What services does a pay per click agency in the US provide?

Pay per click agencies in the US offer a full spectrum of specialized services that integrate paid media into the broader marketing and revenue strategy and enable businesses to acquire more customers and grow demand on targeted channels. 

Guided by data to make spend decisions, eliminate waste, and maximize return on investment (ROI), the role of these specialists is to make each advertising dollar accountable.  

As part of its portfolio, a PPC agency provides campaign planning, keyword research, ad creation, copywriting, bid management, budget allocation, A/B testing, and performance tracking.

Professional PPC services are greatly sought after, as the majority of companies (60%) outsource PPC managementto agencies, while 20% work with freelancers, and only one in five businesses maintains an in-house paid media team.

How much does a pay-per-click agency charge in the US?

PPC companies in the US typically charge from $100 to $150 per hour. In addition to hourly-based models, these agencies operate on the following pricing models: 

  • Fixed monthly fee or a subscription: Ranges from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the campaign size and scope 
  • Percentage of ad spend: Typically falls between 10-30%, with the percentage often decreasing as ad spend increases 
  • Performance-based pricing: Payment is tied to results, such as the number of leads or conversions generated 
  • Project-based pricing: Entails a one-time fee for a specific project, unaffected by ad spend 

Predominantly, agencies price their services based on a % of monthly ad spend, with over 50% of PPC companies using this model as their primary. Following closely at 33%-35% are agencies charging a flat monthly fee. 

What do US pay-per-click agencies charge that most buyers don't expect?

 Setup fees, creative production, tracking implementation, and tool costs rarely appear in the proposal. Here’s what to expect: 

Add-on Typical range 
One-time setup fee$500 – $2,500
Conversion tracking setup$300 – $1,500
Ad creative production$300 – $1,500/month
Tool subscriptions$100 – $500/month
Early termination fee1 - 3 months retainer

Before signing, ask for a sample first invoice from a client at your scope level. 

How do I know if I'm hiring the right pay per click company in the US for my budget?

Most PPC agencies have an effective minimum. Below roughly $3,000 in monthly ad spend, there is not enough data volume for the bidding algorithm to optimize, and not enough margin for the agency to staff the account with anyone senior. If an agency is willing to take any budget without flagging this, that is worth noting. 

Budget fit also affects how you should think about pricing. An agency charging a percentage of ad spend earns more when you spend more. Considering that, at lower budgets, misalignment is manageable, but above $20,000 a month, it becomes a real incentive problem. 

Before signing, ask directly how their fee structure changes as your spend scales. 

What is a realistic timeline to see results from a PPC agency, and what should I expect week by week?

A well-run PPC engagement should show directional movement in cost-per-conversion within three months. 

Here is what the agency should be delivering at each stage: 

  • Days 1 to 30: Conversion tracking confirmed, campaign structure built, baseline CPA or ROAS established, and a documented hypothesis about what will move performance and why. 
  • Days 30 to 60: Active testing underway with ad copy variants, audience segments, and match type adjustments. You should be able to see what is being tested and what the agency expects to learn from it. 
  • Days 60 to 90: Early performance data available. The agency should be able to tell you what did/didn’t work and what changes are planned for the strategy going forward. 

How can I tell if my current PPC strategy is underperforming before I hire anyone?

Check these five things before you brief a single agency: 

  • Conversion tracking is recording the wrong events. If your campaigns are optimizing toward page views or session starts instead of form fills, calls, or purchases, every performance number in your account is built on a bad signal. 
  • Your search terms report is full of irrelevant queries. If you are paying for clicks from searches that have nothing to do with what you sell, your negative keyword strategy is either absent or neglected. 
  • Cost per conversion has been climbing with no change in targeting. Gradual CPA increases without a plausible explanation usually mean the account has not been actively managed; automated bidding running on its own is not optimization. 
  • Your best-performing campaigns have never been tested. If ad copy, landing pages, and audience segments have been static for more than 90 days, the performance is not being optimized; it is merely running. 
  • You have no visibility into which campaigns are driving revenue. If your reporting stops at leads or clicks and does not connect to closed business, you cannot tell what is working. 

What are the red flags when evaluating PPC agencies in the US?

Here are some common warning signs to watch out for in PPC agencies in the US: 

  • They guarantee specific results. PPC runs on an auction. No one controls what competitors bid, how the algorithm weights signals, or how your landing page converts.  
  • Their reporting lives in a proprietary dashboard you cannot export. If your performance data only exists inside their platform, you own nothing when the relationship ends. 
  • They have never worked in your vertical. Industry context affects keyword intent, competitor behavior, and conversion patterns. Specialized sectors often require tailored approaches, such as dedicated PPC strategies for law firms. An agency learning your space on your budget is a real cost.
  • They push to increase the budget before the current spending is profitable. Scaling an unprofitable account spends more money at the same losing rate.