clients vs agencies

What Clients and Marketing Agencies Get Wrong… and Why

At the end of the day, we're all on the same team. Clients and marketing agencies, united in the quest for brand domination. (Cue the epic music.)

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As a marketing agency, we’ve seen it all.

Real talk… Insane stuff.

The good, the bad, and the downright facepalm-worthy. And let me tell you, it’s not just the clients who get it wrong. Oh no, marketing agencies have their own set of quirks and pitfalls that can lead to disaster. In this post, we’re going to dive into the top mistakes clients and marketing agencies make, and why they do it.

The Myth of the Overnight Success

Let’s start with the classic misconception: the idea that marketing agencies can wave a magic wand and transform your brand into an overnight sensation. Poof! Instant success! Yeah, not quite. Building a brand is like building a relationship. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of communication.

You wouldn’t expect to marry someone after the first date, would you? (If you would, then hey, no judgment here. You do you.) The point is, creating a successful marketing campaign is a process. It involves research, strategy, creativity, and a sprinkle of trial and error. So, if you’re expecting your brand to go from zero to hero in a matter of days, you might want to adjust your expectations.

The “Client Knows Best” Conundrum

Next up, let’s address the elephant in the room: the “client knows best” mentality. Now, don’t get us wrong. We love our clients. You’re the reason we get up in the morning (well, that and the promise of a steaming cup of coffee). But sometimes, it’s important to remember that you hired us for a reason. We’ve been around the block a time or two. We’ve seen campaigns soar and others crash and burn.

So when we offer our expertise, it’s not because we’re trying to steal your thunder or push our own agenda. It’s because we genuinely want what’s best for your brand. Think of it like going to the doctor. You wouldn’t walk into the exam room and start dictating your own treatment plan, would you? (If you would, then remind us never to schedule an appointment with you.) The same principle applies to marketing. Trust the experts, collaborate with us, and together we’ll create something amazing.

The Budget Balancing Act

Alright, let’s talk money. Cue the awkward silence. Clients often come to us with grand visions and sky-high expectations, but when it comes to the budget… well, let’s just say there’s often a disconnect. Here’s the deal. We’re not saying you need to drain your life savings to fund your marketing campaign. But it’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve with the resources you have. You wouldn’t walk into a car dealership with a piggy bank and expect to drive off in a Ferrari, right? (If you did, please invite us to your next negotiation.)

Marketing is an investment. It’s not a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and, yes, a bit of financial backing. So, when you’re setting your budget, think about your long-term goals and what it will take to achieve them. And if you’re unsure, just ask us. We’re here to help you navigate the complex world of marketing without breaking the bank.

The Need for Speed (or Lack Thereof)

Last but not least, let’s address the age-old “I needed it yesterday” dilemma. We get it. In today’s fast-paced world, everything feels urgent. But when it comes to marketing, rushing the process rarely leads to the best results. Creating a successful campaign is like baking a cake. (Bear with us, we promise this analogy works.) You wouldn’t take a cake out of the oven halfway through and expect it to be a masterpiece, would you? (If you would, please don’t ever bake for us.)

The same goes for marketing. Rushing the creative process, skipping essential steps, or cutting corners will only lead to a half-baked final product. We’re not saying you need to wait months for results. But give us the time and space to do what we do best. Trust the process, collaborate with us, and be patient. The end result will be worth it.

The “We’re a Small Agency, So We Must Be Cheap” Myth

You know what’s funny? When small agencies try to undercut their competition by offering ridiculously low rates. Newsflash: you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a cheap marketing solution, you’re probably going to end up with a cheap marketing solution.

And trust us, you don’t want that. You want a marketing agency that’s going to give you the best possible results, not some fly-by-night operation that’s just trying to make a quick buck. So, don’t be afraid to pay a little extra for quality. Your brand is worth it.

The “We’re a Big Agency, So We Must Be Better” Myth

On the flip side, we’ve seen big agencies try to flex their muscles by charging an arm and a leg for their services. Newsflash: just because you’re big doesn’t mean you’re better. In fact, sometimes those big agencies can be slow-moving and bureaucratic.

They might have a lot of overhead, which means they have to charge more to make up for it. So, don’t assume that just because an agency is big, they’re automatically better. Look for an agency that’s got a good track record, not just a big budget.

The “We’re a Marketing Agency, So We Must Be Creative” Myth

You know what’s funny? When marketing agencies try to be creative, but end up being more annoying than innovative. Newsflash: creativity is not just about being quirky or trendy. It’s about understanding your audience, understanding your brand, and coming up with solutions that actually work.

So, don’t be afraid to ask your marketing agency to explain their creative process. Make sure they’re not just trying to be cool, but actually trying to solve your marketing problems.

The “We’re a Client, So We Must Be Right” Myth

You know what’s funny? When clients try to dictate every little detail of their marketing campaign. Newsflash: you hired a marketing agency for a reason. You want them to bring their expertise to the table, not just follow your every command.

So, don’t be afraid to trust your marketing agency. They’re the experts, after all. Let them do their job, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

The “We’re a Marketing Agency, So We Must Be Perfect” Myth

You know what’s funny? When marketing agencies try to be perfect, but end up being more rigid than flexible. Newsflash: nobody’s perfect, and marketing is all about experimentation and iteration. So, don’t be afraid to try new things, take risks, and learn from your mistakes. That’s how you get the best results.

The “We’re a Client, So We Must Be Nice” Myth

You know what’s funny? When clients try to be too nice, and end up being more wishy-washy than decisive.

Newsflash: marketing is a business, not a popularity contest. So, don’t be afraid to be firm, be clear, and be direct. That’s how you get the best results.

The “We’re a Marketing Agency, So We Must Be Nice” Myth

You know what’s funny? When marketing agencies try to be too nice, and end up being more wishy-washy than decisive. Newsflash: marketing is a business, not a popularity contest. So, don’t be afraid to be firm, be clear, and be direct. That’s how you get the best results.


At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team. Clients and marketing agencies, united in the quest for brand domination. (Cue the epic music.) But to achieve that goal, we need to work together, communicate openly, and trust in the process. So, if you’re considering hiring a marketing agency (or if you’re already working with one), keep these things in mind.

Remember that success takes time, expertise matters, budgets are important, and rushing rarely leads to greatness. And if all else fails, just remember: we’re in this together. Cue the group hug. (Just kidding, we know that’s not professional. A firm handshake will do.)

Now, go forth and conquer the marketing world, you magnificent human beings. And if you need us, we’ll be here, caffeinated and ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.

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