eCommerce Fuel cover image

eCommerce Fuel

The Unfiltered Truth About Marketing Agencies: Why Most Are Terrible And How to Find the Few Worth Hiring

Apr 18, 2025
Kevin Simonson, the CEO of AdMixed and seasoned ad expert, shares his candid insights into the world of marketing agencies. He discusses the chaos of hiring agencies, revealing how to spot the good ones and set realistic expectations. Kevin opens up about his unusual journey, including his stories from scaling DTC brands like Vuori. AI's transformative role in advertising also gets a spotlight, along with effective strategies for navigating agency relationships and the pros and cons of in-house versus freelance talent.
01:11:28

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Many marketing agencies underperform, making it crucial for store owners to evaluate client retention rates and employee satisfaction before hiring.
  • Clear and consistent communication with agencies enhances alignment on goals, ensuring effective marketing strategies that adapt to evolving business conditions.

Deep dives

Challenges in Finding Quality Marketing Agencies

Many store owners face significant difficulties when trying to find effective marketing agencies to assist with their advertising needs. There are numerous agencies available, but the overwhelming consensus is that a majority perform poorly, leading to frustration among business owners. It's highlighted that with over 20,000 marketing agencies operating in the U.S., statistical averages indicate that at least half are below par in terms of service quality. Consequently, to help identify the right agency, store owners are urged to focus on key performance indicators such as client retention rates and employee satisfaction within the agency.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner