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 | No platform fee, pay for ad spend |
| 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 |
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
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