Growth guides.

Straight answers on ads, SEO and AI search, conversion and retention for consumer-brand startups.

• Pricing

  Marketing agency pricing models: flat retainer vs % of ad spend vs performance

  Marketing agencies charge four ways: a flat monthly retainer, a percentage of ad spend (usually 10–20%), a hybrid minimum-or-percentage, and performance fees. Retainers suit SEO, email...

  Read guide · 5 min
• Choosing an agency

  Fractional CMO vs growth agency: what a startup actually needs

  A fractional CMO sets strategy a few days a week and typically costs $5,000–$20,000 a month in 2026, but doesn't run the channels. A growth agency...

  Read guide · 4 min
• Pricing

  Digital marketing packages for startups: what $2K, $5K and $10K a month buys

  In 2026, $2,000 a month buys one channel from a boutique agency or a senior freelancer. $5,000 buys two channels, or one channel at a mid-size...

  Read guide · 5 min
• Measurement

  What is MER, and why it beats ROAS for startups

  MER (marketing efficiency ratio) is your total revenue divided by your total marketing spend. Unlike platform ROAS, it can't be double-counted or thrown off by tracking...

  Read guide · 5 min
• Pricing

  How much does a growth marketing agency cost for a startup in 2026?

  Most growth agency engagements cost $3,000 to $25,000 a month, and paid media is often billed at 10–20% of ad spend. A full growth team runs...

  Read guide · 5 min