Start with Certified by Setup
Certified by Setup gives agencies a stronger way to demonstrate credibility, stand out more clearly, and create a path into the broader Setup agency ecosystem.
Certified by Setup is a standalone program. Agencies that want a deeper relationship with Setup can later pursue Agency Assessment and, if accepted, Sustainable Pipeline.
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 curated monthly-retainer collective and the service through which Setup introduces accepted agencies to opportunities with brands looking for support.
LEAD OFFER
Certified by Setup
A standalone Certification program that helps agencies show credibility more clearly.
✔ Demonstrates that your agency has completed a Certification process
✔ Helps build trust faster with prospective clients
✔ Includes a badge, Certification seal, placement in the Setup database, and Certified by Setup assets
✔ Creates a path toward Agency Assessment and potential consideration for Sustainable Pipeline
Certified by Setup is a standalone program. It does not guarantee leads, introductions, or referrals.
NEXT STEP
Agency Assessment
A separate 3–4 week program for certified agencies focused on evaluating fit, strengths, and positioning to support more strategic, high-value matches.
✔ Clarifies fit, focus, and ideal client profile
✔ Builds a deeper understanding of your agency and how to grow it
✔ Sharpens proof, positioning, and readiness
✔ Helps determine fit for the collective
Agency Assessment is separate from Certification and requires a separate investment.
CURATED COLLECTIVE
Sustainable Pipeline
Our monthly-retainer collective for agencies that complete Agency Assessment and are accepted.
✔ A 12-month commitment to deliver qualified opportunities
✔ More aligned opportunities based on fit and capability
✔ Closer strategic partnership with Setup
✔ Increased visibility through Setup events, blog content, social media, and related promotion
Sustainable Pipeline is selective and only available to agencies that complete Agency Assessment and are accepted into the program.
FOR AGENCIES
Why start here?
Certified by Setup gives agencies a visible credibility signal, while creating a path toward a deeper relationship with the Setup network through Agency Assessment and potentially Sustainable Pipeline.
FOR BRANDS
How Setup works with agencies
Setup includes both an extended network of Certified by Setup agencies and a more selective collective of agencies in Sustainable Pipeline. That collective is shaped through Agency Assessment, a more rigorous vetting process designed to support stronger fit and higher-quality matches. To learn more about how Setup helps brands, visit the brand page.
WHY THIS EXISTS
A broader network and a deeper collective
Certified by Setup expands the Setup ecosystem by giving more agencies a way to show they have completed a real Certification process. Agency Assessment and Sustainable Pipeline represent a deeper layer for agencies that want stronger vetting, closer alignment, and a more structured path to qualified opportunities.
Certified by Setup network
Agencies that have completed the Certified by Setup process and can use that credential with prospective clients.
Sustainable Pipeline collective
Agencies in Sustainable Pipeline that have completed Agency Assessment and been accepted into a deeper relationship with Setup.
THE PATH
How an agency can move through the Setup ecosystem
Become Certified by Setup
Start by showing prospective clients that your agency has completed a formal Certification process.
Complete Agency Assessment
Develop a deeper understanding of your agency, how it is positioned, and how it can grow within the Setup ecosystem.
Join Sustainable Pipeline
Accepted agencies can enter the monthly-retainer collective and receive a 12-month qualified opportunity commitment.
NEXT STEP
Enter the Setup ecosystem
Start with Certified by Setup to demonstrate credibility now and create a path toward deeper engagement later.
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
Explore our expert-driven blog posts designed to help agencies navigate market changes and scale successfully.
