Not every agency is a scam. Some are genuinely excellent at what they do — they'll grow your audience, handle the parts of the business you hate, and help you earn more than you would alone.
The challenge is finding those good ones in a sea of scammers and mediocre operators. This guide will help you evaluate agencies systematically so you can make an informed decision.
Do You Even Need an Agency?
Before evaluating agencies, ask yourself if you actually need one. Agencies aren't for everyone.
An agency might be right for you if:
- You're already making money but hit a growth ceiling
- You hate the business/marketing side and want to focus on content
- You have limited time and need someone to handle DMs, promotion, etc.
- You're willing to give up a percentage for expertise and time savings
An agency probably isn't right for you if:
- You're just starting out with no audience (they can't help much)
- You enjoy the marketing and business side
- You're not comfortable giving up 20-40% of your income
- You want full control over every aspect of your brand
⚠️ Reality Check
Most successful creators don't use agencies. They learn the skills themselves or hire individual freelancers for specific tasks. An agency is a shortcut, not a requirement.
What to Look For
1 Track Record You Can Verify
Ask for specific creators they've worked with — not screenshots, but actual names you can look up and contact. A good agency should have at least 3-5 creators willing to vouch for them. If they can't provide references, that's a red flag.
2 Clear Services & Pricing
What exactly do they do for their cut? Good agencies clearly outline their services: social media management, DM handling, content strategy, paid promotion, etc. If they're vague about what you get, they're probably not doing much.
3 Reasonable Revenue Split
Industry standard is 20-40%. Below 20% usually means minimal service. Above 40% is overpriced unless they're providing exceptional value. Be especially wary of agencies wanting 50%+ — that's predatory.
4 Flexible Contract Terms
Look for month-to-month or 3-month terms max. Long lock-in periods (12+ months) only benefit the agency. A confident agency doesn't need to trap you — they know you'll stay because their service is good.
5 Transparent Communication
How will they report to you? Good agencies provide regular updates: weekly or monthly reports showing what they did, what's working, and what's next. If they can't explain their process, they probably don't have one.
6 Niche Expertise
Does the agency specialize in your type of content? An agency that works with fitness creators might not understand the cosplay market. Look for relevant experience in your niche.
Good vs. Bad Agency Comparison
| Aspect | 🟢 Good Agency | 🔴 Bad Agency |
|---|---|---|
| References | Provides verifiable creator names | "Privacy concerns" or vague claims |
| Revenue Split | 20-40% | 50%+ or unclear |
| Contract | Month-to-month or 3 months | 12+ months locked in |
| Upfront Fees | None | "Setup fees" or "marketing deposits" |
| Communication | Regular reports, quick responses | Disappears after signing |
| Promises | Realistic goals, no guarantees | "Guaranteed $10k/month" |
| Video Call | Happy to meet face-to-face | Text only, avoids calls |
The Evaluation Process
Here's how to evaluate an agency step by step:
Step 1: Initial Research
- Google "[agency name] review" and "[agency name] scam"
- Check our agency database for reviews
- Look for their social media presence
Step 2: First Contact
- Ask for their services and pricing in writing
- Request a video call (not just text)
- Note how quickly they respond and how professional they are
Step 3: Deep Dive
- Ask for 3-5 creator references
- Actually contact those references
- Request a sample contract to review
Step 4: Reference Check
- Ask references: How long have you worked with them?
- Ask: What do they actually do for you?
- Ask: Would you sign with them again?
- Ask: What's the worst thing about working with them?
Step 5: Contract Review
- Read every word before signing
- Look for exit clauses and penalties
- Understand the payment terms
- If anything is unclear, ask — or walk away
✓ Pro Tip: Trial Period
Ask if they offer a 1-month trial before committing to a longer term. Good agencies are confident enough in their service to let you test the waters. If they refuse, ask yourself why.
Questions to Ask Yourself
After your research, honestly answer these questions:
- Can I verify their claims with real people?
- Do I understand exactly what I'm paying for?
- Am I comfortable with the contract terms?
- Did they pressure me or give me time to decide?
- Does my gut feel good about this?
If you answered "no" to any of these — keep looking. A good agency is worth waiting for.
Research agencies before you sign
Check our database for reviews from creators who've actually worked with agencies you're considering.
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