Why a cheap agency is costing you
Everyone loves a good deal. But when it comes to investing money into your marketing, you get what you pay for.
Sure, the numbers might look good on paper at first, but like the infamous "Boots theory” of economics, where opting for low-quality leads to more expense down the line, cutting corners with a marketing agency can set you up for long-term headaches. If you’re tired of patchwork solutions and “good enough” campaigns that don’t quite stick, it’s time to think about what that bargain is really worth.
The “Boots” theory in action
If you’re chronically online, you’ve probably heard of the "Boots" theory (sometimes known as the “Vimes” theory). It comes from a book by Terry Pratchett, where a character named Sam Vimes explains that struggling people can’t afford to buy quality goods. They end up buying cheap boots that fall apart quickly, forcing them to buy boots again and again.
Over time, someone who buys cheap boots will replace them so often that they end up spending more than if they’d just invested in a quality pair upfront. It’s a great analogy for how cutting costs can trap people into a cycle of higher spending simply because they can only afford quick, short-term fixes.
When you invest in quality from the get-go — whether it's boots, software, or a marketing agency — you're setting yourself up for fewer iterations, fewer issues, and more room to focus your time and money on productive pursuits.
By choosing a marketing agency solely on the best price, you’re essentially buying the “cheap boots.” The initial cost is low, but what you’re really doing is introducing inefficiencies into your marketing efforts. You might save some cash upfront, but the poor foundations these firms lay are going to cost you in the long term — not just in dollars, but in time, resources, and missed opportunities.
Cheap agencies and their hidden costs
Choosing an agency based on price alone doesn’t look at the full picture. Sure, it seems like a great deal at the time, but the real cost often reveals itself later. Here’s why:
Poor quality work
Cheap agencies cut corners — it’s a fact. They’ll often outsource work to the lowest bidder, use cookie-cutter strategies that aren’t tailored to your business, or rush through tasks to meet deadlines. This means that the work you get is likely low-quality, and you’ll find yourself fixing or redoing it later. Bad campaigns lead to bad data, and bad data leads to even worse decisions (plus a costly headache once you do wise up and try to fix this huge, foundational problem).
Lack of strategic insight
Low-cost agencies typically don't have the bandwidth or expertise to offer a deep, strategic partnership. They’re there to “execute” quickly and cheaply, not think long-term with you. If they’re not deeply analyzing your audience or aligning efforts with business goals, you’re basically throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. Instead of iterating and adjusting strategies based on your unique needs, you’re stuck with tactics that might not be the right fit. A higher-quality agency takes the time to test, refine, and optimize, ensuring that each project drives better results as it evolves.
Constant adjustments
Much like the cheap boots falling apart after just a few months of use, cheap marketing efforts often need constant fixing. And while marketing is all about iteration, it’s always better to start with something that has a greater chance of success from the start. That LinkedIn campaign didn’t land? Well, now you need a new plan. That email marketing system wasn’t properly integrated? Great, now we need to redo it from scratch. Each time you pay to “fix” something, you're inching closer to what you could’ve spent on a high-quality agency from the get-go.
Hidden costs: time and energy
It’s not just the dollars. It’s your time and mental bandwidth. Managing a poorly performing agency drains you. From constantly monitoring their work to explaining things over and over — it adds up. And in business, time is your most precious resource. When you lose time, you lose momentum, sales, and potentially the confidence of your team or stakeholders.
Investing in long-term iteration and growth
The takeaway? Choosing a quality agency isn’t just about paying for services — it’s about investing in a partner who’s committed to optimizing your growth from day one. With a solid agency, every step is a step forward — they’ll be refining, adapting, and evolving strategies based on real data, keeping your marketing aligned with your goals. It might seem like a bigger spend upfront, but what you’re really buying is peace of mind, efficiency, and most importantly, growth that builds on itself over time.
A high-caliber agency doesn’t just execute — they’re there to help you evolve, adapt, and iterate, ensuring your marketing is always optimized for growth. That’s the real ROI.
So, when it comes to choosing an agency, ask yourself: is this a quick fix or a foundation for long-term, scalable success? The right partner will help you avoid the cycle of constant rework, inefficiency, and wasted budget.
In the end, investing in quality means investing in results that scale, evolve, and keep you ahead. Don’t settle—invest in success that sticks.
Stop chasing quick fixes. Let’s talk about a marketing strategy that actually scales.
