The Right Way to Run Ads Depends on Your Situation
Three options exist for managing your advertising: hire an agency, do it yourself, or use AdFlint. Each has tradeoffs. Here's how to choose.
Quick comparison
| Feature | DIY | Agency | AdFlint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Free (your time) | $2k–$10k/mo | Free, or $20–$50/mo |
| Setup time | Weeks to learn | 2–4 week onboarding | Under 10 minutes |
| Expert required | Yes | Provided (expensive) | No — AI handles it |
| 24/7 optimization | No | Rarely | Yes |
| Platforms covered | 1–2 (complexity limits) | 2–3 typically | Google, Meta, LinkedIn |
| Transparency | Full | Limited (black box) | Full — review everything |
Monthly cost
DIY
Free (your time)
Agency
$2k–$10k/mo
AdFlint
Free, or $20–$50/mo
Setup time
DIY
Weeks to learn
Agency
2–4 week onboarding
AdFlint
Under 10 minutes
Expert required
DIY
Yes
Agency
Provided (expensive)
AdFlint
No — AI handles it
24/7 optimization
DIY
No
Agency
Rarely
AdFlint
Yes
Platforms covered
DIY
1–2 (complexity limits)
Agency
2–3 typically
AdFlint
Google, Meta, LinkedIn
Transparency
DIY
Full
Agency
Limited (black box)
AdFlint
Full — review everything
Deep-dive comparisons
When each option makes sense
Choose AdFlint if...
- You want ads live fast without an agency budget
- You're running on a lean team or solo
- You want to test multiple platforms simultaneously
- You'd rather pay for results than retainers
Choose an agency if...
- You have $5k+/month for full-service management
- You need high-touch, dedicated account strategy
- Your campaigns are unusually complex (large catalog, global markets)
Go DIY if...
- You genuinely enjoy learning ad platforms
- You have 10+ hours per week to dedicate to optimization
- You only need one platform and want total manual control
See if AdFlint works for your business
Buy credits and launch your first campaign to see if AI ad management delivers results for your business.
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