How agencies are scored
v1 · updated 2025-05-28Seven public-evidence pillars, weighted to 100. We score from the same sources we would ask of any agency in a pitch: case studies with named clients, press and podcast coverage, certifications, and what their own operators publish. Payment does not move the number.
Proof of Measurable Outcomes
Public, verifiable evidence that the agency has driven measurable business outcomes for clients.
Looks for: Named client case studies with disclosed metrics · Third-party verified results (press, awards, podcasts) · Incrementality or MMM-backed reporting
Category Fit & Specialization
Depth of focus and demonstrated specialization in the relevant channel, vertical, or motion.
Looks for: Channel-specific operator team · Public POV / thought leadership in category · Roster concentration in the category
Creative-Media Integration
Evidence the agency operates creative and media as a single feedback loop rather than siloed services.
Looks for: In-house creative testing process · Documented creative velocity and refresh cadence · Joint media-creative reporting
Reputation & Third-Party Validation
Independent signals of credibility. Press, awards, partnerships, certifications, peer reviews.
Looks for: Platform partner / certification tier · Independent press coverage · Award history and peer endorsements
Operating Maturity
Indicators of a stable, repeatable operation. Tenure, leadership clarity, team retention.
Looks for: Years in operation and team size · Disclosed leadership and named operators · Defined service catalog and pricing model
Buyer Fit & Use-Case Clarity
How clearly the agency communicates who they are for. Stage, budget, vertical, and motion.
Looks for: Published budget thresholds · Explicit ICP and stage fit · Clear scope and engagement model
Freshness & Evidence Quality
Recency and quality of the evidence used to score the agency.
Looks for: Sources published within the last 18 months · Primary sources over secondary · Multiple corroborating sources per claim
Score tiers
- Top-tier
- 85–100
- Strong
- 70–84
- Solid
- 55–69
- Emerging
- Below 55
Updates and corrections
Each agency listing carries a "Last reviewed" date. Listings are re-scored when new public evidence is available or when an agency submits a correction. Suggest corrections via the correction form on any profile page.