EP31: Why Do eCommerce Agencies Suck? Lessons Learned and Red Flags to Avoid

In this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) tackle the complex and often misunderstood world of agencies. From full-service powerhouses to boutique specialists and freelancers, they explore the challenges brands face when selecting, managing, and evolving their agency relationships.

The team dives into the importance of setting clear KPIs, fostering strong communication, and aligning on mutual roles for a successful partnership. They also debate the impact of AI on the future of agencies, predicting cost reductions, increased efficiency, and even a shake-up in traditional agency models

What You’ll Learn: - The pros and cons of full-service, specialized, boutique agencies, and freelancers - Why clear KPIs and communication are crucial for agency success - How AI is transforming the agency landscape and reshaping business models - The debate on performance-based pricing and agency loyalty - Practical strategies for navigating the agency selection process

This episode is a must-listen for marketers and brand leaders looking to make informed decisions about their agency partnerships. Tune in for actionable insights, future-focused predictions, and a few spicy takes along the way! _______
Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

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00:00 Teaser Trailer

00:26 The Impact of AI on Agencies

01:13 Uber vs. Lyft: A Personal Story

03:47 Welcome to the ASOM Pod

05:12 Agency Experiences and Hot Takes

07:03 Choosing the Right Agency

15:22 Full Service vs. Specialized Agencies

32:19 Freelancers vs. Contractors

40:49 Navigating the Agency Selection Process

42:01 Overcoming Business Hurdles

42:26 Choosing the Right Agency

44:29 The Importance of Networking

48:43 Client References and Expectations

56:27 Agency and Brand Relationships

01:00:14 The Future of Agencies with AI

01:04:43 Debating Agency Models

01:18:19 Bryan's Buy or Sell

01:24:15 Next Episode Preview

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Follow Jimmy Kim at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠