If you’re an ecommerce brand that’s partnered with an ad agency, chances are you expected better results: higher ROAS, smoother workflows, and a team that understands your brand. But for many brands, the agency experience ends in frustration, with vague reporting, lack of transparency, and little to no performance lift.

The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. Whether you’re locked into a contract or planning to move on, it’s possible to take back control of your advertising performance. Here’s how.

1. Audit What’s Working (and What’s Not)

Start by evaluating your current performance. Which platforms are driving conversions? Are your creatives converting? Is your spend optimized? Dig into metrics beyond top-line ROAS, including CPA, CTR, and frequency.

If you’re not getting access to granular data from your agency, that’s a red flag. Transparency is the foundation of accountability.

2. Reclaim Visibility into Your Accounts

Make sure you have direct access to all your ad accounts: Meta, Google, TikTok, and others. Some agencies manage campaigns under their own business managers, which can limit your visibility. You should have ownership or at least full admin rights.

This ensures you can monitor spend, performance, and creative testing directly, not just rely on weekly decks.

3. Use the Right Tools to Regain Control

AI-powered ad management platforms can help you take the reins back without needing to manage everything manually. Look for tools that support cross-channel media buying, real-time performance insights, and creative analysis.

This empowers your team to move faster and smarter, even if you’re still transitioning away from an agency model.

4. Reset Expectations or Transition

If your agency is underperforming, have an honest conversation about goals and expectations. Share your performance concerns and see if there’s a path forward.

If not, prepare for a smooth transition. Document all assets, data, and account access to ensure continuity.

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing your ad campaigns shouldn’t mean giving up control. Today’s ecommerce brands need transparency, agility, and performance-first thinking—and sometimes, that means taking ownership of your media buying strategy.