Setup Blog

At Setup, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the most influential women in marketing over the years—leaders who are driving change and making an impact in their organizations and beyond. Here’s what we’ve learned from their stories.

Great marketers never stop learning—so how are you investing in your team’s growth? From leadership coaching to AI-driven innovation, this blog explores the most effective professional development strategies to keep your marketing team sharp, engaged, and ahead of the curve.

Gratitude is the primary word I think of when reflecting on the 11th anniversary this month for Setup. This anniversary is not just a celebration of Setup—it’s a celebration of you. Whether you’re a client who has placed trust in our process, an agency that has joined our network, a partner who has supported our journey, or a friend who has cheered us on, your support has been invaluable.

The path to growth for marketing Agencies in 2025 is no longer about simply acquiring new Clients; it’s about scaling effectively. With evolving Client demands, technological advancements, and increasing competition, Agencies must focus on strategies that enable sustainable and efficient expansion. 

Based on insights from Setup’s research, expert advice, and industry trends over the last 10 years, here are five key strategies to help Agencies scale effectively in 2025.

The Setup Marketer Speed Dating event is one of our personal favorite longstanding #MarketersBreakfast events  because of the ease and quality of the connections fostered. Established Atlanta Brands and our Agency partners come together to mix, mingle, and enjoy one another’s company in a fast-paced, pitch-free environment where forming a genuine connection is at the core of the interaction.

Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just about football—it was a masterclass in marketing. Each year, brands gamble big (to the tune of $8 million per 30-second ad) for a chance to capture the nation’s attention. With such high stakes, the challenge isn’t just making a good ad—it’s making an ad that resonates long after the final whistle blows.

This year, amid a landscape of economic uncertainty and shifting consumer sentiment, many brands leaned away from risk-taking and played it safe. "Nowstalgia"—pairing rising stars with established icons—dominated, while humor, celebrity cameos, and absurdist comedy took center stage. And while some brands nailed it, others flopped despite their star-studded casts.

Setup CEO + Founder, Joe Koufman, spoke with Sergio Pérez, the Chief Marketing Officer at Emmy Squared, a pizza restaurant founded in 2014 with 10 locations across the East coast. Sergio Pérez champions curiosity, authenticity, and the underdog spirit. 

As competition intensifies and Clients get more selective about what they want, Agencies must navigate hurdles that directly affect their ability to meet Client expectations and learn to adjust. Let’s dive into the core obstacles Agencies are tackling this year, why they’re critical to address, and practical strategies to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. 

Choosing the right marketing Agency in 2025 is about more than finding a vendor—it’s about building a partnership that can adapt to your needs, communicate effectively, and drive long-term results. Start with clear goals, leverage trusted referrals, and prioritize compatibility and communication. Remember, the right Agency won’t just execute campaigns—they’ll act as an extension of your team, helping your Brand navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

While our previous blogs recapping the Marketing Relationship Survey highlight key communication tactics and needs to sustain and improve the Agency-Client relationships, today we’re simply asking: What kind of work is getting noticed and needed by Clients, and what should Agencies prioritize?