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Do I Need an Ad Agency? (Maybe. Maybe Not.)
Let’s just get this out of the way—not everyone needs an ad agency.
We know. Wild thing for an agency to say, right? It’s not some weak attempt at reverse psychology either—it’s true! Working with a full-service agency like Ethos is a big step. It takes trust, collaboration, and a true thirst for external perspective. For some organizations, it’s exactly the right move. For others, a freelancer, an in-house hire, or even a solid Canva account might do the trick—for now.So how do you know if an agency is right for you? Let’s talk through it.
What You Don’t Need to Work with an Agency
You don’t need to be a giant company.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
And you definitely don’t need to speak “agency.” If it feels like you do, you probably have the wrong agency.
What do you need? The most important thing is a willingness to work with partners who are going to dig deep, challenge assumptions, and push your brand to be its best. Our best-fit clients aren’t looking for a silver bullet, they’re looking for a strategic and creative partner.
Like some agencies, we’re not a one-size-fits-all shop. And that’s kind of the point.
Signs You Might Be Ready for an Agency
So let’s say you’re on the fence. Here are some clues that it might be time to call in reinforcements:
1. Your marketing feels reactive, not strategic.
You’re putting out fires. You’re throwing things at the wall. Your social posts, emails, and ads all kinda feel like they came from different brands. Or they’re just not feeling fresh. Sound familiar? An agency helps you zoom out, build a plan, and cohesively align your brand across the board.
2. You’re growing—or want to be.
Maybe your business is scaling up. Maybe you’re entering new markets or launching something big. If your current resources are stretched and you need a partner who can help you see the bigger picture (and start thinking a few steps ahead), an agency can help you get there.
3. You want more than just execution.
If you’re looking for someone to “just make a brochure,” a freelance design could be a better fit. The value of an agency partner is the ‘no-look pass:’ the kind of collaborative relationship that brings strategic thinking into what you put in the brochure, who receives it, and how it ladders up to your brand. If you just need someone to execute a singular design, then maybe an agency isn’t the right fit.
4. You need to fill gaps in your skill set—but not full-time hires.
Hiring a full in-house marketing team is expensive. Agencies give you access to strategists, specialists, designers, writers, media planners, developers, and more—without having to put them all on payroll.
But Also… It’s Okay If You’re Not Ready Yet
Seriously. If you’re still exploring your options, trying to figure out your brand voice, or just don’t have the budget right now, that’s okay. We’re big believers in timing—and we’re not here to pressure anyone into a relationship they’re not ready for.
We’d rather you come back when you are ready—so we can hit the ground running.
What Working with Ethos Is Actually Like
We’re committed to making awesome work and having fun along the way—the kind of people you actually want to partner with. We’re in the trenches with our clients. We ask questions. We listen hard. We tell the truth, even when it’s tough. And we show up with ideas that make you say, “Whoa. That’s it.”
We also work best with people who care—about their brand, their audience, and their impact. If that sounds like you, we’ll probably get along great.
An Agency Isn’t for Everyone. But It Might Be for You.
If you’re looking for a team who can help you level up your marketing, stretch your brand, and build real, strategic momentum—an agency might be the right move.
And if you want an agency to feel more like a partner than a vendor? You might be looking for Ethos.
Let’s find out together.
Want to keep the conversation going? We’re always happy to chat. No pressure, no pitch—just people talking about what’s possible.
About Ethos
Ethos is a multiplatform branding agency that develops and executes integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels for companies inside and outside of Maine. At Ethos, we believe that the most effective way to set a company’s marketing course is by finding its core truth – its ethos. We know that once we discover and communicate that core truth, we can truly make a difference for each client’s unique marketing and business objectives. With Ethos, you get more than a marketing agency. You get a long-term partner whose goals are your goals. Learn more about the Ethos approach and the work we’ve done for our clients. Want to have a conversation about your brand’s core truth? Contact us today!
