If you're choosing between Marketing Savvies and a traditional agency, the answer depends on what you actually need. Below is the honest comparison — what each model is good at, where they differ, and when to choose which.
Side by side
The cleanest way to see the difference is by what each model commits to.
- Unit of value — agencies: hours and deliverables. Us: working acquisition system.
- Pricing — agencies: hourly or retainer. Us: build + optimisation retainer scoped to outcomes.
- Ownership — agencies: often in agency accounts. Us: client-owned from day one.
- Reporting — agencies: monthly deliverables report. Us: weekly outcome dashboard.
- End state — agencies: rolling retainer. Us: month-to-month after the 90-day build.
Is it more expensive?
Per month: similar. Most retainers are in the $3k–$8k range either way.
Per booked call: materially cheaper after month three because the system we build compounds. Outputs go up while costs stay flat.
When an agency is the right call
If you need a campaign — a launch, a brand refresh, a paid push — hire an agency. Agencies are excellent at finite, deliverable-shaped work. We're built for pipelines, not campaigns.
Running both
Frequently the right answer. Many of our clients have a creative or paid agency alongside us. We handle the system layer (AEO, automation, content, funnel); the agency handles the creative or media. The two complement each other when scoped clearly.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from hiring an agency?
Agencies sell deliverables. We sell systems. You pay for an engine that produces booked calls, not a stack of content pieces.
Is it more expensive?
Per month, similar. Per booked call, materially cheaper after month three because the system compounds.
What if I already have an agency?
We frequently run alongside agencies handling creative or paid. We focus on the system layer underneath.
What if I just need a website?
Hire a designer or web agency. We build systems; a standalone site isn't our offer.