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Advertising and media
Lead channels for agencies compared
| Channel | What it takes | How fast it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referrals | Asking at the right moment, staying in touch with past contacts | Fast once the network exists | Agencies with satisfied clients and strong relationships |
| Content | One useful piece a week, written by people who do the work | Slow; builds over months | Agencies with clear expertise and a point of view |
| Case studies | Recent cases grouped by buyer problems, with proof and permission | Immediate, after every first call | Turning inquiries into meetings |
| Events | Speaking to target clients or hosting small sessions for them | Medium; depends on follow-up | Agencies selling to local marketing managers |
| Partnerships | Non-competing firms with the same clients, and clear rules | Medium; steady once active | Specialist agencies and freelancers |
| Platforms and directories | A complete profile, real cases and client ratings | Ongoing; works while buyers search | Being found at the moment of need |
| Outbound | Researched personal messages with one concrete idea | Fast to start; needs persistence | Narrow niches with a clear target list |
| Channel | What it takes | How fast it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referrals | Asking at the right moment, staying in touch with past contacts | Fast once the network exists | Agencies with satisfied clients and strong relationships |
| Content | One useful piece a week, written by people who do the work | Slow; builds over months | Agencies with clear expertise and a point of view |
| Case studies | Recent cases grouped by buyer problems, with proof and permission | Immediate, after every first call | Turning inquiries into meetings |
| Events | Speaking to target clients or hosting small sessions for them | Medium; depends on follow-up | Agencies selling to local marketing managers |
| Partnerships | Non-competing firms with the same clients, and clear rules | Medium; steady once active | Specialist agencies and freelancers |
| Platforms and directories | A complete profile, real cases and client ratings | Ongoing; works while buyers search | Being found at the moment of need |
| Outbound | Researched personal messages with one concrete idea | Fast to start; needs persistence | Narrow niches with a clear target list |