NOTE: This article is an update of this article originally published in 2020.

If only we had a nickel (or a dime) for every new client that's told us they've felt nickel-and-dimed by Marketing firms they've worked with in the past. This client complaint is so common—and so avoidable, as long as both the client and marketing partner know how to avoid scope creep and other success killers. With tight budgets and the threat of a recession, it's not good business to risk extra unexpected expenses when working with vendors. However, that doesn't mean you should pull up stakes and move all marketing functions in-house. That could also be expensive.

Consider this article a quick primer to avoid those pesky "that-will-be-an-additional-charge" emails that pop up when everyone isn't on the same page. Instead, here are seven tips for staying within scope and on budget when working with a marketing partner.