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Agency Darlings

033: Decommoditizing Your Agency: How To Shift From Vendor to Strategic Partner

21 Oct 2025

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Are you tired of feeling like just another option on a client’s spreadsheet? Same. In this episode, we’re calling out the biggest trap agencies keep falling into: commoditization. That’s the fancy word for “clients treating you like you’re interchangeable,” which basically translates to constant price haggling, razor-thin margins, and burnout city. No thanks.Here’s the truth: you’re probably playing into it without even realizing it. Saying yes to the wrong clients. Offering too many “we can do everything” services. Giving generic answers like “we’re collaborative” when asked what makes you different (newsflash: everyone says that).We break down the shifts that pull you out of the price war and into the premium lane: niche with confidence, lead with outcomes (not deliverables), create frameworks that scream authority, and show up as a partner—not a vendor. Oh, and stop hiding your voice. Thought leadership isn’t optional if you want dream clients lining up.This isn’t about playing harder in a broken game. It’s about rewriting the rules so you’re seen as one-of-one, not one-of-many. Buckle up, darling—it’s time to stop discounting your brilliance.If you’ve ever wondered…• Am I competing on price instead of leading with value?• What makes my agency truly one-of-one?• Am I a strategic partner or just cranking out deliverables?…this one’s for you.This episode is brought to you by:Copper | Get 15% off any annual plan with code DARLINGS at https://copper.com/agencyChapters:(00:00:00) The Race to the Bottom and How to Escape It(00:11:56) Commoditization Is a Choice(00:17:20) Niching, Outcomes, and the Power of Process(00:26:29) From Vendor to Partner: The Thought Leadership Shift(00:31:29) Choosing Differentiation as Your Growth StrategyWant To Dive Deeper On These Topics?• Apply to join our exclusive Agency Darlings Slack Community: agencydarlings.com/community • Join our agency advice column: agencydarlings.myflodesk.com/signupConnect with Melissa & Meredith:• Waverly Ave: waverlyave.com• Instagram: instagram.com/waverlyave.co • Le Chéile: lecheile.co/contact • Instagram: instagram.com/lecheile.co

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