Retainer Model
Why Smart Brands Are Ditching Project-Based Agencies
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Retainer Model
Written by
Project-based agency relationships are broken. Here's why subscription retainers deliver better results.
Let's be honest about project-based agency relationships: they're designed to benefit agencies, not clients.
Think about it:
• You wait weeks for proposals
• You negotiate scope for every request
• You get surprise invoices for "out of scope" work
• You start from zero with context every new project
• You lose momentum between engagements
There's a better way. And it's why we built our entire model around monthly retainers.
The Hidden Costs of Project-Based Work
Context Loss
Every new project requires re-onboarding. Your agency spends the first 2-3 weeks re-learning your brand. You're paying for that every time.
Misaligned Incentives
Project agencies make more money when projects take longer or expand in scope. Their incentive is complexity, not efficiency.
Inconsistent Execution
Different projects might get different team members. Your brand voice and visual consistency suffer.
Delayed Speed
Need something urgent? Get in line. Project teams juggle multiple clients with shifting priorities.
Why Retainers Work Better
A retainer model flips every one of these problems:
• Accumulated Context: Your team knows your brand inside-out
• Aligned Incentives: We succeed when you succeed
• Consistent Team: Same people, same quality
• Prioritized Speed: You're our client, not an occasional customer
• Predictable Costs: One monthly fee. No surprises.
What a Month With Debate Marketers Looks Like
Here's a real example from a Core Plan client:
Week 1:
Strategy call to align on priorities. 5 new ad creatives delivered. Landing page optimization recommendations.
Week 2:
Blog post drafted and published. Social content calendar created. Campaign performance review.
Week 3:
New landing page designed and developed. Email sequence created. Ad campaign adjustments.
Week 4:
Monthly performance report. Next month strategy planning. Quick-turn urgent request handled same-day.
All for one predictable monthly fee. No proposals. No negotiations. No surprises.
The Bottom Line
The subscription model has transformed software, entertainment, and fitness. Marketing is next.
Brands that embrace it get better results, better service, and better peace of mind.
Tired of agency roulette? Explore our predictable, powerful retainer plans.
More articles
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
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Zero-Click Marketing
Zero-Click Is Killing Your Traffic. Here's How to Win Anyway.
Google's AI Overviews answer 65%+ of queries without clicks. Learn how smart brands adapt with omnipresent strategies.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
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How modern design systems are reshaping brand experiences
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, design systems have become the backbone of successful product development. They're not just a trend—they're a fundamental shift in how we approach digital design and development. As organizations scale their digital presence, the need for systematic, efficient, and consistent design practices has never been more critical.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
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Brand vs Performance
The Great Marketing Debate: Brand Building vs. Performance Marketing
CMOs are torn between brand and performance. Here's why the debate is outdated—and how to win at both.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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AI in Marketing
AI Won't Replace Your Marketing Team. But Teams Using AI Will Replace Yours.
The AI debate in marketing is settled. Winners use AI as an amplifier, not a replacement. Here's how.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
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The New Wave of Design Animation
How motion design is transforming user interfaces in 2025
Motion in digital design has evolved far beyond simple transitions. Today's animation serves as a powerful tool for storytelling, user guidance, and brand expression. As devices become more powerful and users more sophisticated, thoughtful animation has become crucial for creating engaging digital experiences.
Retainer Model
Why Smart Brands Are Ditching Project-Based Agencies
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Retainer Model
Written by
Project-based agency relationships are broken. Here's why subscription retainers deliver better results.
Let's be honest about project-based agency relationships: they're designed to benefit agencies, not clients.
Think about it:
• You wait weeks for proposals
• You negotiate scope for every request
• You get surprise invoices for "out of scope" work
• You start from zero with context every new project
• You lose momentum between engagements
There's a better way. And it's why we built our entire model around monthly retainers.
The Hidden Costs of Project-Based Work
Context Loss
Every new project requires re-onboarding. Your agency spends the first 2-3 weeks re-learning your brand. You're paying for that every time.
Misaligned Incentives
Project agencies make more money when projects take longer or expand in scope. Their incentive is complexity, not efficiency.
Inconsistent Execution
Different projects might get different team members. Your brand voice and visual consistency suffer.
Delayed Speed
Need something urgent? Get in line. Project teams juggle multiple clients with shifting priorities.
Why Retainers Work Better
A retainer model flips every one of these problems:
• Accumulated Context: Your team knows your brand inside-out
• Aligned Incentives: We succeed when you succeed
• Consistent Team: Same people, same quality
• Prioritized Speed: You're our client, not an occasional customer
• Predictable Costs: One monthly fee. No surprises.
What a Month With Debate Marketers Looks Like
Here's a real example from a Core Plan client:
Week 1:
Strategy call to align on priorities. 5 new ad creatives delivered. Landing page optimization recommendations.
Week 2:
Blog post drafted and published. Social content calendar created. Campaign performance review.
Week 3:
New landing page designed and developed. Email sequence created. Ad campaign adjustments.
Week 4:
Monthly performance report. Next month strategy planning. Quick-turn urgent request handled same-day.
All for one predictable monthly fee. No proposals. No negotiations. No surprises.
The Bottom Line
The subscription model has transformed software, entertainment, and fitness. Marketing is next.
Brands that embrace it get better results, better service, and better peace of mind.
Tired of agency roulette? Explore our predictable, powerful retainer plans.
More articles
Zero-Click Marketing
Zero-Click Is Killing Your Traffic. Here's How to Win Anyway.
Creativity and Consistency
How modern design systems are reshaping brand experiences
Brand vs Performance
The Great Marketing Debate: Brand Building vs. Performance Marketing
AI in Marketing
AI Won't Replace Your Marketing Team. But Teams Using AI Will Replace Yours.
The New Wave of Design Animation
How motion design is transforming user interfaces in 2025
Retainer Model
Why Smart Brands Are Ditching Project-Based Agencies
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Retainer Model
Written by
Project-based agency relationships are broken. Here's why subscription retainers deliver better results.
Let's be honest about project-based agency relationships: they're designed to benefit agencies, not clients.
Think about it:
• You wait weeks for proposals
• You negotiate scope for every request
• You get surprise invoices for "out of scope" work
• You start from zero with context every new project
• You lose momentum between engagements
There's a better way. And it's why we built our entire model around monthly retainers.
The Hidden Costs of Project-Based Work
Context Loss
Every new project requires re-onboarding. Your agency spends the first 2-3 weeks re-learning your brand. You're paying for that every time.
Misaligned Incentives
Project agencies make more money when projects take longer or expand in scope. Their incentive is complexity, not efficiency.
Inconsistent Execution
Different projects might get different team members. Your brand voice and visual consistency suffer.
Delayed Speed
Need something urgent? Get in line. Project teams juggle multiple clients with shifting priorities.
Why Retainers Work Better
A retainer model flips every one of these problems:
• Accumulated Context: Your team knows your brand inside-out
• Aligned Incentives: We succeed when you succeed
• Consistent Team: Same people, same quality
• Prioritized Speed: You're our client, not an occasional customer
• Predictable Costs: One monthly fee. No surprises.
What a Month With Debate Marketers Looks Like
Here's a real example from a Core Plan client:
Week 1:
Strategy call to align on priorities. 5 new ad creatives delivered. Landing page optimization recommendations.
Week 2:
Blog post drafted and published. Social content calendar created. Campaign performance review.
Week 3:
New landing page designed and developed. Email sequence created. Ad campaign adjustments.
Week 4:
Monthly performance report. Next month strategy planning. Quick-turn urgent request handled same-day.
All for one predictable monthly fee. No proposals. No negotiations. No surprises.
The Bottom Line
The subscription model has transformed software, entertainment, and fitness. Marketing is next.
Brands that embrace it get better results, better service, and better peace of mind.
Tired of agency roulette? Explore our predictable, powerful retainer plans.
More articles
Zero-Click Marketing
Zero-Click Is Killing Your Traffic. Here's How to Win Anyway.
Creativity and Consistency
How modern design systems are reshaping brand experiences
Brand vs Performance
The Great Marketing Debate: Brand Building vs. Performance Marketing
AI in Marketing
AI Won't Replace Your Marketing Team. But Teams Using AI Will Replace Yours.
The New Wave of Design Animation
How motion design is transforming user interfaces in 2025
Ready to Stop Marketing
and Start Winning?
Book a 30-minute strategy session with our founding team. No pitch deck. No pressure. Just a clear roadmap for your next phase of growth.
Join 100+ brands across education, retail, technology, and enterprise who chose to debate.
Ready to Stop Marketing
and Start Winning?
Book a 30-minute strategy session with our founding team. No pitch deck. No pressure. Just a clear roadmap for your next phase of growth.
Join 100+ brands across education, retail, technology, and enterprise who chose to debate.
Ready to Stop Marketing
and Start Winning?
Book a 30-minute strategy session with our founding team. No pitch deck. No pressure. Just a clear roadmap for your next phase of growth.
Join 100+ brands across education, retail, technology, and enterprise who chose to debate.