Why you should avoid "Full-Service" agencies like the plague
key takeaways
Jack of All Trades, Master of None
One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Overhead Costs and Inflated Fees
Sluggish Response Times
Compromised Quality and Creativity
High Staff Turnover and Inconsistent Service
Missed Opportunities for Agility
BY james
July 18 2024
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Imagine you've been experiencing persistent back pain and decide to seek medical advice. You have two options: You could go to a general practitioner, who treats a wide array of ailments but lacks in-depth knowledge in any specific area; or you could consult a specialist orthopaedic surgeon, whose practice revolves entirely around issues related to the spine and musculoskeletal system. The general practitioner might offer basic treatment options—perhaps pain medication or general physiotherapy exercises. The orthopaedic surgeon, on the other hand, would employ years of specialised training to conduct detailed diagnostics, perhaps including an MRI scan, before suggesting targeted treatments that could range from specific exercises to surgical options. They understand the nuances, complications, and latest advancements in their field, and their advice is laser-focused on resolving issues like yours.
Just as a specialist orthopaedic surgeon can offer unparalleled expertise in a specific medical field, a specialist marketing agency brings to the table an in-depth understanding of a particular industry. It has always struck me how often the value of specialisation in marketing tends to be overlooked. While "full-service agency" may sound convenient, it often belies a Jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none scenario. These agencies are perpetually scaling a learning curve with each new client, thereby diluting their expertise and spreading their resources quite thin. As a client, you’re the subject of trial and error, which is why there are so many horror stories out there. Have you had a bad experience with an agency before? I bet it wasn’t a specialist one. In sharp contrast, a specialist agency like Grow focuses exclusively on their area of expertise—in our case, creating B2B growth strategies aimed at revenue growth. Every penny you invest is targeted towards a customised plan that suits the nuances of your specific market. Unlike agencies that concentrate only on generating leads, we focus on the entire customer lifecycle, because leads alone don't equate to revenue growth.
Working with specialists who know the field and have mastered their craft, invariably leads to fewer mistakes and far higher success rates. It's not just about doing business; it's about doing business well, wouldn't you agree?
So the next time you're considering a new agency, remember that choosing a specialist is like opting for that skilled orthopaedic surgeon—both make a world of difference when it comes to precision, expertise, and ultimate success.
I would be genuinely interested to hear your thoughts on this and whether you have experienced the benefits or drawbacks of agency specialisation in your own endeavours.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Pardoe
CEO
Starting his first business at age eight, James Pardoe has been building, marketing and growing businesses ever since. He has helped hundreds of businesses double their annual revenue within a few short years.
James holds a unique combination of skills spanning business, psychology, design, development and data science. He has shaped Grow’s approach to encompass all of these disciplines, to build an ecosystem that plugs into businesses and builds sustainable long-term growth.
James is also a father of three, a consultant for Google, and a partner in a branding agency.
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