TL;DR
A startup with an innovative clothing product came to Torro Media for marketing help. After deep discovery, we realized they were still in early MVP stages — no search demand, limited budget, and high risk. Instead of taking their money, we recommended they start lean, gather data, and come back when ready to scale. This approach protects their resources and sets them up for sustainable growth. So, should you hire a digital marketing agency? Sometimes, no.
The Challenge: A Great Product in a Brand-New Niche
Every so often, a new product idea lands in our laps that’s so obviously brilliant we can’t help but get excited. That was the case when a small e‑commerce startup approached us at Torro Media.
Their concept? A completely new type of clothing designed specifically for professionals in a niche industry — a solution to a problem everyone in that field experiences daily. The product was innovative, the need was clear, and their passion for solving it was contagious.
But there was one major hurdle: no one knew this product existed yet. And when people aren’t searching for your solution (because they don’t know it’s even an option), the marketing strategy has to be built differently.
The Reality of Marketing Something Brand-New
After an in‑depth discovery session — including meetings, product demos, and brainstorming strategy — we mapped out exactly what we’d do if we were in their shoes:
- High-Quality Content Creation: Professional photography and video to show the product in action and build instant trust.
- Meta Ads for Awareness: Leveraging lookalike audiences and any existing email lists to introduce the product visually to potential buyers.
- Aggressive First 90 Days: Recommending a $15,000–$20,000 investment covering content, campaign buildout, and three months of ad management to make an early splash.
It was the right strategy — but also a significant spend for a brand-new company still finding its footing.
Why We Ultimately Said “Not Yet”
At Torro, we’re proud of the results we deliver, but we also value being honest with prospective clients. In this case, that meant recognizing a hard truth:
- The startup was still in the MVP (minimum viable product) stage.
- Their marketing budget represented almost all their available funds.
- We couldn’t confidently predict returns this early because there was no search demand yet.
Rather than take their money and hope, we gave them a different recommendation: start lean, gather data, and circle back when ready to scale.
The Advice We Gave Instead
We outlined how they could test the market on their own with lower costs:
- Launch a simple MVP website or landing page.
- Run small-budget ads themselves to gauge response.
- Use early data to confirm product-market fit.
By approaching it this way, they could protect their resources and know exactly when it makes sense to bring in an agency like us for a bigger push.
Why This Matters (And Why We Share It)
Not every agency will tell a prospective client “no.” But for us, protecting a founder’s limited runway is part of being a good partner. We’d rather see them succeed later than struggle now.
When the time comes to invest — once there’s proof of demand and budget for proper execution — we’ll be ready to help them scale fast.
FAQs: Deciding If an Agency Is the Right Fit
How do I know if my business is ready for a marketing agency?
If your product is proven, you’ve made some early sales, and you have a marketing budget that won’t put the rest of your business at risk, you’re likely ready. If you’re still testing the waters, start smaller and gather data first.
What budget should I plan for when hiring an agency?
Agencies vary widely, but for high-quality content creation and ad campaigns, expect at least $10,000–$20,000 for the first 90 days if you want meaningful results.
What if my product is brand new and no one is searching for it yet?
Search-based marketing won’t work initially — you’ll need awareness-driven campaigns (like Meta or TikTok ads) and strong creative to introduce your product to people visually.
How do I know if an agency is honest about fit?
A good agency won’t take your money if they know you’re not ready. They’ll explain why, outline next steps, and encourage you to come back when conditions are right.
Can I start small and scale later?
Yes — and often, it’s the smarter move. Start lean, validate your idea, and then scale with an agency once you have proven demand and budget stability.
Final Takeaway
Sometimes, the smartest marketing move is waiting. By testing lean, learning fast, and coming back ready to invest, startups set themselves up for sustainable growth — and agencies like ours can deliver predictable results.
When you’re ready to scale, we’re here to help you make the splash your product deserves.
