By the Bear & Shark team · Updated October 2026
Short answer
A digital marketing agency audits your business and market, builds a strategy, sets up tracking, launches campaigns on Google, Meta or search, then tests and optimizes every week and reports results monthly. Paid ads usually bring first leads in 2–4 weeks; SEO usually takes 3–6 months to show movement.
The process step by step
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Strategy call | Goals, budget, offer, market and current results are reviewed. You get a recommendation and a price. | Week 0 |
| 2. Audit | Ad accounts, website, tracking, competitors and keywords are analysed to find quick wins and gaps. | Week 1 |
| 3. Strategy and setup | Channel plan, targeting, ad copy, creative, landing pages and conversion tracking are prepared. | Weeks 1–3 |
| 4. Launch | Campaigns go live with several ads and audiences so the data shows what works. | Weeks 2–4 |
| 5. Test and optimize | Weak ads and keywords are cut, winners get more budget, new creative is added. | Ongoing, weekly |
| 6. Report and scale | Monthly report on leads, cost per lead, sales and next steps. Budget grows where returns are proven. | Monthly |
What the agency handles
- Google Ads: search, display and YouTube campaigns for people already looking for your service.
- Meta Ads: Facebook and Instagram campaigns that create demand and generate leads.
- SEO: technical fixes, content and local SEO for long-term organic traffic.
- Social media: content planning, production and posting.
- Tracking and reporting: conversions, calls, CRM and dashboards.
What you do as the client
- Give access to ad accounts, website, analytics and CRM.
- Share your offer, prices and what makes you different.
- Answer new leads fast. Leads contacted within minutes convert far better than leads called the next day.
- Tell the agency which leads became customers, so campaigns optimize for sales, not just clicks.
Realistic timeline for results
- Month 1: setup, launch, first leads and first data.
- Months 2–3: testing narrows down the best audiences, keywords and ads; cost per lead drops.
- Months 4–6: scaling the channels that work; SEO starts to show movement.
- Months 6–12: compounding results from SEO and a mature paid account.
How Bear & Shark works
Bear & Shark is a performance marketing agency headquartered in Toronto, working with clients in Canada, the USA and the UAE. We start with a free strategy call, reply to new inquiries within 24 hours and report monthly in plain language. We specialise in healthcare clinics, real estate, e-commerce and local service businesses.
Frequently asked questions
What does a digital marketing agency actually do?
It plans, launches and manages your marketing channels: paid ads on Google and Meta, SEO, social media and content. It sets up tracking, creates ads and landing pages, tests what works, and reports results such as leads, cost per lead and revenue.
How long does it take to see results from a marketing agency?
Paid ads usually produce first leads within 2 to 4 weeks and become stable after 2 to 3 months of testing. SEO usually takes 3 to 6 months to show movement and 6 to 12 months for full results.
What do I need to give the agency?
Access to your ad accounts, website and analytics, your offer and prices, examples of your best customers, your monthly budget, and someone who answers leads quickly. Fast lead follow-up matters as much as the ads.
Who owns the ad accounts and data?
You should. A good agency works inside ad accounts owned by your business, so you keep all data and history if you ever switch agencies.
How often will I hear from the agency?
Expect regular updates during launch and a monthly report with results and next steps. At Bear & Shark we reply to new inquiries within 24 hours and report monthly in plain language.