Should Your Marketing Agency Pitch for Free?

<p>Are you tired of losing time and money on RFPs? Do you want to start charging for creative strategy? There's a long-standing debate in the agency world about whether or not we should pitch for free. It all comes down to knowing when and how to position a paid strategy.</p> <p>In this episode, we'll cover:</p> <ul> <li>Pitching new clients vs. organic agency growth.</li> <li>How your agency can get paid for the pitch.</li> <li>Should your agency ever work for free?</li> </ul> <p>I talked to Aleena Mazhar, Vice President and Managing Director of the Experiential Division of <a href="https://fusecreate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fuse Create</a>, a marketing and ad agency based in Toronto. Aleena is a self-admitted addict to the fast-paced nature and constant problem-solving of the agency culture. Aleena has experienced both organic growth in her agency as well as growth fueled by pitching the agency's services through the <a href="https://jasonswenk.com/big-brands/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">traditional RFP process</a>. She is here to talk about both methods and when it's ok to give your ideas away for free.</p> <h2>Pitching New Clients Vs. Organic Agency Growth</h2> <p>Aleena says she and her partners at Fuse were fortunate that when they created their agency, they each brought clients with them. This fueled a lot of organic growth, as the agency leaned on these existing clients for input on how to <a href="https://jasonswenk.com/drives-digital-gency-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expand their services to meet their needs</a>. This helped build a stronger relationship with their clients. By being responsive to their needs Fuse was willing to grow alongside their clients. It also brought <a href= "https://jasonswenk.com/fostering-connections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new business through word-of-mouth</a> from those satisfied clients.</p> <h2>How Your Agency Can Get Paid for the Pitch</h2> <p>Aleena feels you should not be pitching for free. Pitching for free is essentially giving a