<div class="gn-article"><div class="gn-hero gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-hero__image"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fa70f55e74b2911dc1bfcb_top-10-dark-green-banner-3-68ac8a29eaf53399371703.jpeg" alt=""></div> <div class="gn-hero__head"> <span class="gn-kicker"><span class="dot"></span>Growth</span> <h1 class="gn-title">Top 10: Client Questions You Should Know to Ask</h1> <div class="gn-meta"> <strong>The GO Network</strong> <span class="pip"></span> <span>12 August 2025</span> <span class="pip"></span> <span>5 min read</span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="gn-body"> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#01</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">What does success look like to you and to your stakeholders?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Success is rarely one-dimensional. For one stakeholder it might be leads, for another it could be brand awareness, and for someone else it may be about impressing the board. Asking this question early helps you uncover whether everyone is aligned or if there are competing expectations beneath the surface.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">It also allows you to frame your approach in terms that feel personal and relevant to the client. Instead of assuming success is about impressions or engagement, you can tie your recommendations directly to the metrics that matter most inside their organisation. This is the foundation of being seen as a partner rather than a vendor.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#02</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">What has or has not worked with previous agencies?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Every client has a backstory. If you do not ask, you risk repeating the mistakes that caused the last agency relationship to fail. This question draws out frustrations, unmet expectations, and non-negotiables. It also highlights what they valued and want to see again.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">For example, you may learn that they disliked slow communication, or that they loved when a past agency was proactive with new ideas. Knowing this helps you shape both your pitch and your ongoing service. It shows the client you are willing to learn from the past rather than blindly repeating it.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#03</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Who is actually involved in the decision and delivery process on your side?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Decision-making is rarely straightforward. The person giving you the brief may not be the one with final approval, and the people involved day-to-day may not be the same ones signing off budgets.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">By asking this question, you begin to map out who holds influence, who manages delivery, and where potential bottlenecks might lie. This awareness allows you to adapt your approach, tailoring strategic arguments for senior leaders while building practical trust with operational contacts.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Clients often appreciate the foresight, because it reduces the risk of miscommunication later in the process.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#04</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Why is this project or brief happening now?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Timing tells you a lot about urgency and internal pressure. A project launched "now" could be the result of new leadership, a competitor threat, a looming KPI deadline, or even unused budget that needs allocating before year-end. By asking this question, you get insight into the hidden drivers that shape the brief.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">It helps you distinguish between a must-win initiative that needs urgency and a "nice to have" project that could stall. Understanding context also strengthens your pitch because you can show not just what you will deliver, but why it matters at this moment.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#05</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">What internal resources or constraints should we be aware of?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Even the best project can be derailed by limited client capacity. Some teams have strong in-house support, while others are stretched across multiple priorities. By asking about resources and constraints, you uncover whether they can contribute meaningfully to delivery or whether they expect your agency to carry the full weight.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">This question also surfaces potential blockers, such as legal approvals, IT restrictions, or content bottlenecks. Anticipating these challenges allows you to set more realistic timelines, manage expectations, and position your agency as a proactive partner who plans around reality, not theory.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#06</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">What other priorities or initiatives could impact this project?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Clients rarely have one focus at a time. A new product launch, a rebrand, or even an internal restructure can suddenly shift attention away from your project. By asking about other priorities, you show that you are thinking holistically, not just about your slice of the work.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">You may discover overlaps that create opportunities to align or piggyback on other initiatives. You may also identify risks, such as competing campaigns that could dilute attention. Either way, the question positions you as a partner who sees the bigger picture.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#07</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">What communication style works best for you and your team?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Clients vary dramatically in how they prefer to work. Some want weekly calls and detailed decks. Others want short emails with three bullet points. Some expect formality, others prefer quick Slack updates.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Asking this upfront prevents mismatched expectations that can sour relationships. More importantly, it shows adaptability. By adjusting to their preferred style, you demonstrate respect for their time and ways of working.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Over the long term, this builds rapport and reduces friction, allowing the partnership to feel seamless rather than strained.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#08</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">What would make this partnership a long-term success in your eyes?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">This question reframes the relationship from a transaction to a partnership. It encourages the client to think beyond the immediate project and articulate what would make them stick with your agency.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Their answer may include things like proactive strategy, consistency of delivery, or helping them look good internally. Whatever they say becomes valuable intelligence that guides how you show up in the months ahead.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Asking this question signals that you are not chasing a one-off win. You are committed to building something sustainable.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#09</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">What concerns do you have about appointing a new agency?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">It is a brave question, but one that pays off. Every client has fears, from budget blowouts to cultural fit. If you do not ask, those concerns remain unspoken, and you never get the chance to address them.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Asking directly surfaces objections early and allows you to provide reassurance. It also shows confidence. Rather than ignoring the elephant in the room, you invite it in and deal with it together. This approach builds trust, because clients see you as honest and unafraid of difficult conversations.</p> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#10</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Is there anything you wish we had asked but have not?</h3> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">This is a powerful way to close a meeting or call. It communicates humility and curiosity, while often sparking the most revealing answers. Clients may share frustrations, strategic goals, or practical constraints they had not thought to mention.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">It also gives them space to lead the conversation, which makes them feel heard. Agencies that ask this question often uncover insights their competitors miss, creating a stronger foundation for partnership.</p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <p class="gn-reveal">The agencies that stand out are rarely those who talk the most. They are the ones who ask the right questions and truly listen to the answers.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">These 10 questions do more than gather information, they show the client that you are invested, thoughtful, and capable of seeing the bigger picture. Use them consistently, and you will not just pitch better, you will build stronger, longer-lasting client relationships.</p> </div></div>