How fast are requests?

Most complete within 24–48h. Larger scopes are split into sequential drops with proofs.

Do I own everything you create?

Absolutely. You own all final assets, website code, design files, and even my custom style libraries. No ongoing license fees—it's 100% yours forever.

Can I pause my subscription?

Yes, anytime. Billing pauses immediately and any remaining days are banked for when you return. Perfect for seasonal businesses or busy periods.

What's included vs. out of scope?

Included: websites, brand essentials, images, short video, light CRO. Out of scope: complex custom apps, extensive print, long-form video edits.

How do website sprints work?

5–10 days for up to 5 pages. Copy assist, mobile performance, analytics, basic SEO, handoff with repo and CMS (if applicable).

What does onboarding look like?

15‑min scope call, intake form, board set up within 24h, first deliverables ETA communicated.

Is there a guarantee?

For subscriptions, pause anytime; unused days roll forward. For new clients, a 7‑day fit check can be arranged on request.

ThatFakeAgency — Human + AI Marketing for Growing Businesses

Traditional marketing agencies charge $10K-50K/month with hidden fees and endless timelines. Here's how growing businesses get the same quality work for 70% less with fixed pricing and faster delivery.

The Agency Cost Reality

• Average agency retainer: $15,000-50,000/month
• Hidden fees add 20-40% to quoted prices
• 6-month minimum contracts lock you in
• You don't own the work they create
• 3-6 month timelines for basic projects

Why Agencies Are So Expensive

Marketing agencies aren't expensive because they're better—they're expensive because of their overhead structure:

Where Your Agency Money Goes:

Account Managers

People who don't do the work, just manage it

25%

Office Overhead

Rent, utilities, fancy downtown offices

20%

Senior Partner Salaries

Multiple layers of management

30%

Actual Creative Work

The people who actually create your content

25%

The Hidden Costs Agencies Don't Tell You About

Scope Creep Fees

High Impact

Every revision, change, or "small addition" costs extra

$500-2,000 per revision round

Rush Fees

High Impact

Need something faster than their timeline? Pay extra

50-100% markup for "rush" work

Asset Licensing

Medium Impact

You don't own the work—you're just licensing it

$200-500/month ongoing fees

Minimum Commitments

High Impact

Must spend minimum amount even if you need less

$10K minimum even for $2K worth of work

Contract Termination

High Impact

Breaking contract early costs 2-3 months fees

$30K-90K termination fee

Meeting Overhead

Medium Impact

Billable hours for meetings, calls, emails

$200-500/hour for "strategy" calls

Real Cost Comparison: Agency vs Alternative

Service

Traditional Agency

Freelancer

Fixed-Price Alternative

Website Design

$15,000-30,000

$5,000-12,000

$3,995-7,995

Brand Identity

$8,000-20,000

$2,000-8,000

$1,995-3,995

Monthly Content

$8,000-15,000

$3,000-8,000

$3,995-7,995

Social Media

$5,000-12,000

$2,000-5,000

$1,995-3,995

Potential Annual Savings

50-70%

less than traditional agency retainers

What You Actually Get vs What You Pay For

Timeline

Traditional Agency

3-6 months for basic projects

Fixed-Price Alternative

24-48 hours for most requests

Revisions

Traditional Agency

2-3 rounds included, then $500+ per round

Fixed-Price Alternative

Unlimited revisions until perfect

Ownership

Traditional Agency

You license the work, ongoing fees

Fixed-Price Alternative

You own everything, no ongoing fees

Communication

Traditional Agency

Account manager → creative team

Fixed-Price Alternative

Direct access to person doing the work

Flexibility

Traditional Agency

6-12 month contracts, hard to change

Fixed-Price Alternative

Pause or cancel anytime

How to Choose a Cost-Effective Alternative

Not all alternatives are created equal. Here's what to look for:

1. Is pricing truly fixed?

→No hidden fees?
→No scope creep charges?
→What's included vs extra?
→Can you pause anytime?

2. Do you own the work?

→Full IP ownership?
→Source files included?
→No ongoing licensing fees?
→Can you take it elsewhere?

3. What's the quality like?

→Can you see their portfolio?
→Do they have case studies?
→What do clients say?
→Is it professional quality?

4. How fast do they work?

→What's their typical timeline?
→Can they handle rush work?
→Do they meet deadlines?
→What if they're late?

Red Flags: When "Cheap" Isn't Worth It

🚩 No Portfolio

Can't verify quality before paying

🚩 Vague Pricing

Hidden fees will surprise you

🚩 No Ownership

You're just renting the work

🚩 Long Timelines

Slow delivery defeats the purpose

🚩 No Support

You're on your own after delivery

🚩 Poor Communication

Frustration and delays

Bottom Line: You Don't Have to Pay Agency Prices

The Math is Simple:

✓ You can get:

Same quality work
Faster delivery (days vs months)
Full ownership of everything
Unlimited revisions
Direct communication

✓ For 70% less cost

No agency overhead
No account manager fees
No office rent markup
No hidden charges
No long-term contracts

Ready to Stop Overpaying for Marketing?

Get professional marketing work for 70% less than agencies. Fixed pricing, fast delivery, full ownership—no surprises.

Marketing Agency Too Expensive? Here's How to Get Professional Results for 70% Less

The Agency Cost Reality

Why Agencies Are So Expensive

Where Your Agency Money Goes:

The Hidden Costs Agencies Don't Tell You About

Scope Creep Fees

Rush Fees

Asset Licensing

Minimum Commitments

Contract Termination

Meeting Overhead

Real Cost Comparison: Agency vs Alternative

Potential Annual Savings

What You Actually Get vs What You Pay For

Timeline

Revisions

Ownership

Communication

Flexibility

How to Choose a Cost-Effective Alternative

1. Is pricing truly fixed?

2. Do you own the work?

3. What's the quality like?

4. How fast do they work?

Red Flags: When "Cheap" Isn't Worth It

Bottom Line: You Don't Have to Pay Agency Prices

The Math is Simple:

Ready to Stop Overpaying for Marketing?