A: Setup starts by understanding your goals, scope, timing, budget, category, internal resources, and what kind of agency relationship would create the most value.

From there, we recommend the path that best fits the need. That may mean introducing you to one of our deeply vetted network agencies, considering a Certified by Setup agency from our private database, or conducting a broader Custom Agency Search.

The goal is not to force your need into one model. The goal is to help you find the right-fit agency partner for the work you actually need.

You can choose between:

• In-Network Search: A fast, no-cost option that connects you with top agencies in our vetted network.

• Custom Agency Search: A paid, in-depth agency vetting process that goes beyond our network to find specialized partners tailored to your specific challenges.

Not sure which option is right for your needs? Let’s talk through your goals. We’ll help you determine the best approach to finding an agency that fits your business.

A: Setup may recommend one of three paths:

In-Network Search: A faster, often no-cost option for brands whose needs align with agencies in Setup’s vetted network.

Certified by Setup Database: A broader private database of agencies that have met baseline certification criteria and may be considered when a brand needs a more specialized, local, boutique, nimble, or project-based partner.

Custom Agency Search: A broader search process for brands with complex needs, highly specific criteria, or situations where the strongest-fit agency may sit outside Setup’s current ecosystem.

A: That is exactly where Setup can help.

Not every brand need requires a large full-service agency. Sometimes the right fit is a boutique agency, specialist, local partner, social-first content shop, website partner, PR firm, or project-based team.

Setup helps evaluate the need first, then recommends the agency path that makes the most sense.

A: Certified by Setup is a credential for agencies that have met baseline Setup criteria.

For brands, it gives Setup a broader private database of agencies to consider when a need is more specialized, nimble, local, boutique, or project-based.

Certified by Setup does not replace Setup’s deeper vetted agency network. It expands our ability to help brands find the right-fit partner for a wider range of marketing challenges.

A: No.

Setup’s deeper agency network includes agencies that have gone through a more selective evaluation process and may be better suited for larger, more strategic, or broader opportunities.

Certified by Setup agencies have met baseline certification criteria and may be considered when a smaller, specialty, or right-sized partner is a better fit.

Both can be valuable. The right choice depends on the brand need.

A: For many agency matches, yes. Setup’s In-Network Search is free for brands because our participating agency partners support the model.

If your needs require a more customized search beyond our existing agency ecosystem, we may scope that as a paid Custom Agency Search.

Either way, our recommendation is guided by fit: the right agency, the right scope, and the right partner model for your needs.

A: Timing depends on the complexity of the need.

For many In-Network Search opportunities, Setup can often identify qualified agency options within 1–2 weeks.

A broader Custom Agency Search may take longer depending on the specificity of your criteria, stakeholder needs, category requirements, and whether a more formal evaluation process is needed.

The first step is a conversation so we can understand the need and recommend the right path.

A: After introductions are made, your team leads the agency conversations and decides which partner is the best fit.

Setup can help guide next steps, provide context for the agencies, support feedback collection, and help clarify where things stand as you move through the selection process.

Our role is to make the process easier, more focused, and more aligned from the beginning.