Should I Go With a Big Agency or a Boutique One?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is: Should I hire a large agency or a smaller, boutique firm? The truth is, both models can deliver great results, what matters most is what you need from the relationship.

Here’s how to think through the trade-offs:

Why Choose a Larger Agency?

• Scalability: Great for multi-channel campaigns with large budgets

• Integrated Services: Offers everything in-house, from strategy to production

• Name Recognition: May bring credibility with external stakeholders

But big agencies often come with higher overhead, more layers of communication, and less day-to-day senior attention, especially for mid-sized clients.

Why Choose a Boutique Agency?

• Flexibility: Faster, leaner, and often more responsive

• Specialized Focus: Deeper category expertise or unique creative point-of-view

• Senior Attention: Smaller teams often mean direct access to experienced leaders

The key is evaluating your project’s scope, budget, and need for hands-on collaboration. A $50K product launch may not get the love it deserves at a holding company agency, but it might shine with a smaller shop that sees it as a marquee win.

At Fetch & Forge, we help you define those needs before you ever speak to an agency, ensuring you find a partner with the right fit, not just a recognizable name.