For direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, marketing agencies can be a key driver of growth—but finding the right one is about more than just expertise in ads, SEO, or PR. The best partnerships are built on transparency and a shared strategic vision for success.
According to Geeks360 CEO, Darya Neyburger, the key to a successful agency relationship is alignment. “Marketing isn’t just about running campaigns; it’s about understanding how all the moving parts work together. Most agency relationships fall apart for one simple reason: they focus on tactics, not strategy. The right agency will take the time to learn your business inside and out, take a step back and ask, ‘What does this business actually need to grow?”
If you are a DTC brand looking to expand to or grow in the U.S. market, how do you find an agency that will work alongside you as a partner and help your brand scale? Let’s break it down.
Choosing an agency that becomes a strategic partner
Every brand has unique challenges and goals, and marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. The most effective agencies look beyond individual tactics to develop a strategy that aligns with the brand’s broader business objectives.
“Marketing performance is influenced by so many factors—your audience, your positioning, even your website experience. A good agency will look at the full picture rather than focusing on one specific area,” explains Neyburger. “For example, paid ads work best when they lead to an optimized website experience. SEO is most effective when combined with a content strategy that resonates with your target customers. The key is creating a marketing plan where all these elements work in synergy with each other.”
Agencies that take a strategic approach don’t just execute campaigns—they help brands build sustainable, scalable marketing systems. By combining creativity, data, and business insights, they create long-term value for the business instead of focusing solely on short-term wins.
Key factors to consider when selecting a marketing agency
When evaluating agencies, it’s helpful to consider both expertise and approach. Some of the most important qualities to look for include:
- Transparency and collaboration. A strong agency partnership feels like an extension of your team. Look for agencies that involve you in key decisions, keep you updated on performance, and value your input.
- A deep understanding of your industry. Agencies with experience in your industry will have better insights into audience behavior, competitive trends, and effective strategies for growth.
- Comprehensive reporting and insights. The best agencies provide transparent reporting that connects marketing efforts to overall business goals. Instead of focusing only on individual metrics, they help you understand how marketing contributes to customer acquisition, retention, and long-term brand growth.
- They’re not pushing for generic solutions. A classic example? The default website redesign recommendation. While site improvements can help, a strategic agency will first diagnose whether your website actually has conversion issues before telling you to scrap everything.
- They’re not working in silos. Do you know how landing page optimization is helping your paid ads performance? Are SEO campaigns integrated with your paid strategy? A strategic agency will have a cohesive, 360-degree, full-funnel approach.
How to choose the right marketing agency for U.S. expansion
For international DTC brands looking to enter or grow in the U.S. market, choosing the right marketing partner is even more critical. Navigating a new market involves understanding regional differences, consumer behavior, and competitive positioning—all of which influence marketing strategy.
U.S. consumers interact with brands differently depending on where they are and how they discover products. For international brands, a well-thought-out marketing approach helps ensure that expansion efforts are targeted and effective.
To find the right agency for U.S. expansion, Neyburger recommends to look for the following green flags:
- Proven experience with international brands. Agencies with a track record of helping brands enter the U.S. will have valuable insights into market entry strategies. Make sure you read the case studies showing how they’ve helped non-U.S. brands break in and see how they approach marketing.
- Strong knowledge of the U.S. market. The right agency will understand regional market dynamics and be able to tailor strategies for different audiences. Some agencies operate remotely and are based outside of the U.S., so make sure you verify their U.S. experience.
- Prioritizing long-term growth over quick wins. Expanding into a new market is an investment, and a thoughtful, strategic approach will yield stronger results over time.
Most agencies offer a free exploratory call, which is a great first step. This will help you understand more about their approach and how they will apply it to your business. Geeks360 goes a step further—we offer a marketing plan customized to your business, for free. It helps us immediately understand your business and brand and allows you to see our approach in action.
What makes Geeks360 different?
At Geeks360, our approach is strategic, transparent, and personalized. We believe that successful marketing is about understanding the full customer journey and optimizing every touchpoint.
What sets us apart:
- A 360-degree approach to marketing. We analyze how all marketing efforts—paid ads, SEO, content, and conversion optimization—work together to drive sales and create sustainable growth.
- True partnership. We work closely with our clients, offering ongoing insights, refining strategies, and adapting to market trends to help brands scale successfully.
- Direct access to leadership. Clients don’t just work with account managers; they have direct access to our CEO, ensuring alignment at every stage
Choosing an agency that helps you scale
The right marketing agency isn’t just a service provider—it’s a strategic partner. By focusing on collaboration, transparency, and long-term growth, brands can build agency relationships that drive business results.
“Marketing success is about more than just hitting short-term KPIs,” says Neyburger. “It’s about creating systems that help brands grow in a sustainable way. The best agency partnerships are built on shared goals, open communication, and a commitment to long-term success.”
At Geeks360, we believe that successful marketing requires a 360-degree perspective—looking beyond individual tactics to understand how all channels work together for sustainable growth. Our focus is on partnership; we work alongside our clients, using smart marketing solutions, and making sure every marketing dollar and sale are accounted for.
Ready to see what smart, personalized, strategic marketing looks like?
Let’s talk.
