Start with Certified by Setup
Certified by Setup gives agencies a stronger way to demonstrate credibility, strengthen trust faster, and create a path into the broader Setup ecosystem.
Complete the application to see if your agency qualifies. If approved, you’ll receive your decision first and can then complete payment to become Certified by Setup.
THE SETUP AGENCY ECOSYSTEM
Three ways agencies work with Setup
Certified by Setup is the entry point for agencies that want to demonstrate credibility. Agency Assessment is the deeper evaluation process that helps Setup understand an agency’s fit, strengths, and positioning. Sustainable Pipeline is Setup’s selective monthly-retainer service and the way Setup introduces accepted agencies to opportunities with brands looking for support.
START HERE
Certified by Setup
A paid credential agencies can use to strengthen credibility now.
Certified by Setup is a new program built on Setup’s 12 years of agency-brand matching experience. It helps agencies show they have met Setup’s Certification criteria across experience, client proof, and readiness.
✔ Apply for free and only pay if your agency is approved for Certification.
✔ Build trust faster with a visible third-party credibility signal.
✔ Use Certification in business development across your website, proposals, decks, and outreach.
✔ Stay visible to Setup for future consideration when relevant brand needs arise.
Certified by Setup does not guarantee leads, introductions, or referrals.
DEEPER EVALUATION
Agency Assessment
A separate paid program for certified agencies that want a deeper evaluation of fit, positioning, and readiness.
Agency Assessment goes beyond Certification. It is designed to help Setup understand how your agency is built, where it is strongest, and whether it is a fit for deeper engagement.
✔ Clarifies ideal client profile, positioning, and proof
✔ Identifies readiness gaps that can weaken conversion or follow-through
✔ Helps Setup evaluate fit for a deeper partnership
✔ Creates a stronger foundation for agencies pursuing Sustainable Pipeline
Agency Assessment is a separate investment for agencies seeking a more strategic relationship with Setup.
CURATED COLLECTIVE
Sustainable Pipeline
Setup’s selective monthly-retainer service for agencies that complete Agency Assessment and are accepted.
Sustainable Pipeline is the deepest agency relationship Setup offers. It is designed for agencies that want a more structured path to qualified opportunities and a closer strategic partnership over time.
✔ A 12-month commitment to deliver qualified opportunities
✔ Opportunities shaped by fit, category relevance, and capability
✔ A closer strategic relationship with Setup
✔ Additional visibility through Setup content, events, and promotion
Sustainable Pipeline is only available to agencies that complete Agency Assessment, meet Setup’s criteria, and are accepted into the program.
CERTIFICATION PRICING
Simple annual pricing based on agency size
Certified by Setup ranges from $1,000/year to $3,000/year, depending on the size of the agency. Agencies apply first and only pay if approved.
WHY START HERE?
Something usable right away
Certified by Setup helps agencies show trust faster, support their claims with a visible signal, and strengthen first impressions in proposals, outreach, procurement conversations, and first meetings.
The value is not based only on referrals. Agencies can use Certification anywhere credibility matters, including sales decks, website trust sections, email outreach, capabilities presentations, and new business conversations.
FOR BRANDS
How Setup works with agencies
Setup supports brands across two levels of agency access: a highly selective Sustainable Pipeline service for deeper partnership needs, and a broader database of Certified by Setup agencies that may be considered when a smaller, faster, or more specialized fit is needed.
Certified by Setup is not meant to turn Setup into a public directory. It expands options for brands while preserving the value of a more deeply vetted collective shaped through Agency Assessment. To learn more, visit the brand page.
WHY THIS EXISTS
A broader database and a deeper collective
Certified by Setup expands Setup’s ability to support a wider range of agency and brand needs without changing what makes Setup valuable.
Certified by Setup database
Agencies that have met Certification criteria and can use that credential publicly.
Sustainable Pipeline collective
Agencies that have completed a deeper evaluation and been accepted into a more selective relationship with Setup.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Built on real agency-brand match experience
Certified by Setup matters because Setup is not simply selling a badge. Setup has spent years helping brands find better-fit agency partners, and Certification gives agencies a credible way to take the first step into that ecosystem.
THE PATH
How an agency can move through the Setup ecosystem
Apply for Certified by Setup
Complete the application. If your agency meets Setup’s Certification criteria, you can become Certified by Setup.
Complete Agency Assessment
Certified agencies that want deeper engagement can complete Agency Assessment so Setup can evaluate fit, positioning, and readiness more fully.
Become eligible for Sustainable Pipeline
Agencies are only eligible for Sustainable Pipeline if they complete Agency Assessment, meet Setup’s criteria, and are accepted into the program.
CERTIFIED BY SETUP FAQ
Questions agencies ask before getting Certified
Certified by Setup is new, so the value should be clear from the start. Here is how the program works and what agencies should expect.
Is Certified by Setup new?
Yes. Certified by Setup is a new program built on Setup’s 12 years of agency-brand matching experience and 1,300+ successful matches.
Does Certification guarantee leads or referrals?
No. Certification does not guarantee leads, introductions, referrals, or a specific volume of opportunities. It is designed first as a credibility signal agencies can use in their own business development.
How might certified agencies be considered for opportunities?
When Setup sees a brand opportunity that is not the right fit for its Sustainable Pipeline collective, Setup may review the Certified by Setup database for relevant agency options.
What does my agency receive if approved?
Approved agencies receive a Certification credential, badge and seal usage, approved language, promotional assets, annual renewal, and placement in Setup’s agency database for future consideration when appropriate.
How much does Certification cost?
Certification ranges from $1,000/year to $3,000/year, depending on agency size. Agencies apply first and only pay if approved.
How should an agency think about ROI?
The ROI is not based only on referrals. Agencies can use Certification anywhere credibility matters: websites, sales decks, proposals, outreach, procurement conversations, and first meetings.
Is this the same as Agency Assessment?
No. Agency Assessment is a separate paid program for certified agencies that want a deeper evaluation of fit, positioning, readiness, and potential fit for deeper engagement with Setup.
Does Certification make us eligible for Sustainable Pipeline?
Certification creates a clearer path, but it does not automatically make an agency eligible. Agencies must complete Agency Assessment, meet Setup’s criteria, and be accepted into Sustainable Pipeline.
NEXT STEP
Enter the Setup ecosystem
Start with Certified by Setup to demonstrate credibility now and create a path toward deeper engagement later.
Complete the quick application. If your agency qualifies, you’ll receive your decision first and can then move forward with payment.
RESOURCES
Resources for agencies ready to grow smarter
Beyond Certification, Setup publishes practical resources to help agencies pitch better, strengthen positioning, and grow more intentionally.
TRUSTED BY LEADING BRANDS WHO HAVE FOUND THEIR PERFECT AGENCY MATCH
Fuel Your Agency's Growth with Expert Insights
STAY AHEAD WITH EXPERT INSIGHTS
Securing the right brand partnerships is just the beginning. Setup provides agencies with valuable resources, industry insights, and strategic tools to help you refine your approach, strengthen client relationships, and scale smarter.
Pitch to Win
Differentiate. Captivate. Convert.
Get the free “Art of the Pitch” playbook–used by top agencies to stand out, tell better stories, and prove ROI every time.
Marketing Tools + Resources to Optimize Your Strategy
Accelerate your agency’s growth with Setup’s expert-crafted resources. Designed specifically to enhance your pitch effectiveness, these resources will consistently help your agency secure more client wins.
Insights + Strategies for Smarter Marketing Decisions
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