Marketing Agencies vs WrittenByTed
Agencies assign your newsletter to a junior writer managing 15 other accounts. Your $3,000/month retainer buys about $400/month of actual writing time.
Feature-by-Feature
| Feature | Marketing Agencies | WrittenByTed |
|---|---|---|
| Who writes your content | Junior copywriter managing 10-15 accounts | AI trained on your voice, dedicated to your brand |
| Voice consistency | Varies by writer assignment and turnover | Consistent voice model that improves over time |
| Turnaround | 5-10 business days typical | First draft within hours |
| Revisions | 1-2 rounds included, then extra fees | Unlimited on Scale plan, fast turnaround |
| Strategy included | Often separate engagement or upsell | Content strategy included on Growth and Scale |
| Sending management | Sometimes included, often separate | Fully managed -- design, sending, deliverability |
| Account management | Shared account manager | Direct access, no middleman |
| Contract terms | 3-6 month minimums typical | Month-to-month, cancel anytime |
Where Marketing Agencies Wins
Broader marketing services
Agencies can handle your entire marketing stack -- social, paid, PR, events -- in addition to newsletters. If you need a full-service marketing partner, an agency offers breadth.
Human creative direction
Agency creative directors can provide strategic vision for your brand's content that goes beyond individual newsletter issues.
Where WrittenByTed Wins
Dedicated focus
Ted is dedicated to your newsletter. Not split across 15 accounts. Not distracted by other deliverables. Every cycle focused on making your newsletter better.
Voice consistency
Agency writers change. When your writer leaves (and they will), the voice resets. Ted's voice model is permanent and improving.
Speed and reliability
Hours, not days. Every issue on time. No missed deadlines because the writer was pulled onto another account's crisis.
Transparent pricing
Flat monthly fee. No scope creep charges. No revision fees. No contract lock-in.
Cost Comparison
Marketing Agencies
WrittenByTed
Choose Marketing Agencies If...
- You need a full-service marketing partner for multiple channels beyond newsletters
- You want a human creative director guiding your overall content strategy
- You prefer working with a team of people rather than an AI service
- Your newsletter is part of a larger, integrated marketing campaign
Choose WrittenByTed If...
- You want your newsletter budget to go toward your newsletter, not agency overhead
- Voice consistency matters more than creative variety
- You need faster turnaround and more reliable scheduling than agencies typically deliver
- You want month-to-month flexibility without long-term contracts