When it comes to finding the right marketing partner, fit is everything.

Ok, that’s an understatement. At least, according to Firebelly’s Head of Revenue, John Simpson.

This obsession with client-agency ‘fit’ spearheads a philosophy he’s refined over years of helping food and beverage brands grow through social media.

“Finding an agency is like finding a therapist,” claims John. “It has to be a good fit for both sides.

“Or it’ll never work out.”

It’s a playful analogy, but it captures something real about how the best partnerships form. 

They do not succeed when fueled only by pressure or promises. 

But through alignment and trust.

Start with shared goals

Before you sign a contract or review a proposal, step back and ask: Do we want the same things?

“A healthy client and agency relationship starts with shared expectations and mutual respect,” John explains. “You’re rowing in the same direction. The client’s vision drives the strategy, but the agency steers the ship.”

That kind of collaboration creates clarity and keeps everyone focused on results instead of noise.

“At Firebelly, we only work with people we genuinely want to work with,” John says. “That’s always been our approach. When both sides respect each other’s expertise, the work gets better every time.”

RELATED: How to Choose the Right Social Media Agency for Food and Beverage Brands

Think long-term, not transactionally

Many brands approach agency selection like a bidding war: gather quotes, compare prices, and pick whoever promises the most for the least.

But, according to John, that mindset is woefully misinformed.

“Anybody who asks for an RFP before we’ve even talked . .  that’s a red flag,” he says. “You don’t know us yet!”

He smiles and adds, “In the words of Method Man, you don’t know me, you don’t know my style.”

Firebelly helps food and beverage brands grow through expert social media strategy.

When potential clients focus only on cost, they often get what they pay for. 

“We’ve seen brands come to us saying they got a great rate,” John explains. “But then they realize they didn’t get any actual results.”

The lesson’s simple: Choose an agency for the value it brings, not the price it quotes. 

“The first call should always be about seeing if we’re the right fit for each other,” John says. “If not, we’ll still try to connect you with someone who is.”

Look for collaboration, not control

When choosing an agency partner, John suggests looking for one that wants to co-create.

Because the alternative is giving orders.

“We like to build plans with clients, not for them,” he says. “When we develop strategies together, there’s more buy-in and stronger outcomes.”

That collaboration begins from day one. “You only get one chance at a first impression,” he adds. “We want that first project to feel like a partnership. It’s a balance between staying flexible and keeping things within scope.”

Prioritize quality content

In social media, content is the engine that powers everything else.

“High-quality content wins,” John says. “It’s not about being the loudest voice on social media. It’s about being the most meaningful.”

He credits Firebelly’s creative team for setting a high bar. “Bryce, Sydney, and the team produce incredible work,” he says. “When clients see that quality, they come back for more. That’s the best sign of success.”

It’s proof that the best agency partnerships are built on consistency, trust, and craft rather than volume or noise.

“Finding an agency is like finding a therapist. It has to be a good fit for both sides, or it’ll never work out.”

-John Simpson, Head of Revenue, Firebelly Marketing

Don’t chase vanity metrics

One of the most common mistakes brands make: Focusing too much on follower counts or likes.

“People get hung up on follower numbers,” John says. “But what is a follower really worth if they aren’t a potential customer?”

He offers an example. “If you have one hundred thousand followers in Florida but your product is only sold in Michigan, that reach doesn’t help you. Quality engagement beats quantity every time.”

For food and beverage brands in particular, local relevance matters more than raw numbers. 

“Reach your real audience,” John says. “Engage where your product actually lives.”

Choose a partner who values retention

A successful agency partnership isn’t just about the first few months of results. It’s about creating something that lasts.

“When I joined Firebelly, I was impressed by how long our clients have stayed with us,” John says. “That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s because the team consistently delivers.”

He also notes how this is a rarity in the social media industry. 

“More than sixty percent of clients working with an agency say they are open to switching within a year,” he explains. “But many find the process overwhelming. We make it simple by being clear about what they can expect from us and what we expect from them.”

That clarity keeps relationships strong and results steady.

Partnership over promises

John sums it up with one last analogy. 

“You don’t hire a financial advisor and then tell them what stocks to buy,” he says. “So why hire an agency and then tell them how to market?”

The best partnerships happen when both sides trust each other to do what they do best.

Because when everyone is rowing in the same direction, good things happen.

Ready to find your perfect fit?

If you’re a food or beverage brand looking for a true social media partner (one who values collaboration, creativity, and clarity), let’s talk.

👉 Book a consultation today.