Do you really need an email agency?
Hey there,
If you’re managing email marketing for a DTC brand, you’ve possibly asked yourself this:
“Should we build our in-house team, or bring in an agency?”
It’s a good question—and the stakes are high. Budgets, brand voice, and customer experience all hang in the balance. But here’s the truth: It’s no longer an either/or decision.
There’s a spectrum of options—and this newsletter will help you figure out where your brand fits best.
When You Don’t Need an Email Marketing Agency
This probably sounds strange coming from an agency, but at RetainIQ, we believe in fit over force. Here are three valid reasons you might not need an agency (yet):
You’re Tight on Budget: If you can’t tap into the full range of agency services, you won’t get the ROI you’re hoping for.
Short Term Requirements: Agency contracts often involve commitments. If you need short-term help, it’s not a good fit.
Your In-House Team Is Crushing It: Sometimes, internal teams are already driving strong results. A good audit can confirm that—and if that’s the case, you’re better off doubling down internally.
Not sure if your in-house team is crushing it? Get a free email audit done - our team will analyze your current performance, offer strategic advice and let you know where you stand. Everything is free and we expect no commitments—you can take the audit and walk away!
When an Agency Is the Right Move
Some DTC brands are primed to benefit from agency support, especially in these three situations:
1. The Scale-Up Sprinter
You’ve nailed your product and built a strong operational foundation. Now it’s time to scale—and fast. A full-service agency can inject the speed, tools, and expertise you need to grow efficiently.
2. The Growth Reviver
Your brand’s established, but growth has stalled. Agencies offer new perspectives, creative ideas, and advanced strategies to revitalize your email program.
3. The Niche Expert
Operating in a complex space like luxury, CBD, or SaaS? Partnering with an agency experienced in your vertical helps navigate unique challenges—like compliance and customer expectations.
The Cost Factor
One thing you need to consider if you’re building an in-house team—how much will it cost? Here’s a typical cost comparison of an in-house team, an agency and RetainIQ.
Want to understand how RetainIQ gives above-average performance with such a low price tag? It’s because we heavily leverage AI to reduce operational costs, while maintaining quality and results.
When Freelancers or In-House Might Be Better
Not every need calls for an agency. Consider in-house or freelance support when:
You’re Tackling Short-Term Projects: Launching a new flow? Running a one-off campaign? Freelancers or your internal team can cover this without long-term contracts.
You Want Full Control: Need direct oversight of branding, timing, and execution? In-house teams offer seamless integration across departments—and faster decision-making. Agencies, while valuable, naturally involve shared ownership.
Why Not Both?
There’s a third option that’s increasingly popular: the hybrid model.
Hiring an agency doesn’t mean replacing your in-house team. A flexible agency partner can fill key skill gaps, handle overflow work, and support big-picture growth—while your team stays focused on the day-to-day and brand vision.
Looking for an agency that gets hybrid teams? You’ve found us.
Let’s scale smarter—together.