(Did an email marketing agency write this? Yep. But hear us out.)
Email marketing is one of the most powerful revenue drivers in ecommerce. That’s not up for debate. The real question is: are you doing it well enough to make it worth it?
If you're reading this, you probably already know email marketing works, but you just want it to work better. You want stronger strategy, better results, and maybe even fewer “why is our open rate tanking again?” meetings.
So let’s talk about whether hiring an email agency (yes, like us) is the move for your brand right now.
The email marketing edition of “This is fine”
Here are the pain points brands like yours keep bringing to us:
1. Your strategy isn’t…strategic.
You know email is important. But your welcome flow is still from 2021, your segmentation is half-baked, and your “strategy” amounts to sending a campaign whenever someone remembers. Sound familiar?
2. Your team is maxed out.
Maybe email is handled by your overworked marketing generalist, your paid media manager, or someone who “likes writing.” You don’t have the in-house expertise, or the time, to do email right. And honestly? You shouldn’t have to.
3. You’re sitting on great tools…that you barely use.
Klaviyo? Postscript? Malomo? You’ve got the stack. But your setup is messy, integrations aren’t syncing, and you’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible.
4. Your performance is meh.
Low open rates. Emails going to spam. Conversion rates that make you wince. Email feels like a mystery novel, and you’re tired of guessing.
5. Your branding falls apart in the inbox.
Your website is gorgeous. Your paid ads are sharp. Your emails? Not quite matching the vibe. Inconsistent design and off-brand messaging are undercutting your hard work.
Common objections (and why they deserve a second look)
Even brands who know they need help sometimes hesitate. Here’s what we hear, and what we think about it:
“It feels expensive compared to other options.”
That’s fair, especially if you’re comparing agency pricing to a freelancer or internal hire. But with the right agency, you get an experienced team: strategists, copywriters, designers, tech experts, and project managers, all focused on making email your highest-performing channel. Yes, it’s an investment. But when that investment leads to increased revenue, stronger retention, and a better customer experience, it pays for itself. Many of our clients see returns that far exceed the industry average.
“The timeline feels long.”
We hear this often, and it makes sense. When you’re making an investment and are excited to see results, waiting isn’t easy. But here’s why we start with a dedicated discovery process: it allows us to deeply understand your brand, customers, data, and goals before we build. That upfront work sets the foundation for long-term success and faster execution down the road.
In our experience, skipping this step leads to rushed work and missed opportunities. We’d rather get it right, and get you results that last.
“Can’t I just hire someone in-house?”
That’s a valid consideration, and for some brands, building an internal team makes sense. But it’s important to understand what’s really required to run a high-performing email program: strategy, copywriting, design, deliverability, technical setup, ongoing optimization…the list goes on.
Hiring one person who can do it all (and do it well) is rare. More often, it takes a team, plus the time and resources to build and manage that team. With the right agency, you get all of that expertise from day one, without adding headcount or stretching your existing team.
What you actually get with the right agency
Specialized expertise
A great agency offers well-rounded expertise across copy, design, segmentation, automation, deliverability, compliance, and more. They don’t just follow best practices; they tailor strategies to your brand, staying ahead of trends and platform updates to meet both your current needs and long-term goals.
Faster execution & scalability
The right agency already has the systems, workflows, and team in place. You don’t need to build from scratch, hire internally, or manage the process yourself. That means faster launches, more momentum, and less strain on your internal team.
Strategy > tactics
Good agencies don’t just “send emails.” They build and optimize retention ecosystems. That includes the right flows, campaigns, segmentation, testing, and long-term strategy to drive lifetime value and reduce churn.
Stronger deliverability
Email performance depends on infrastructure. The right agency can help you avoid the spam folder, maintain sender reputation, and improve list quality over time. Deliverability isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a long game, and agencies with the right expertise know how to play.
Creative that converts
A great agency doesn’t just create on-brand emails; they understand what converts. With dedicated designers and writers focused on email as a channel, your messages will look good and drive results.
Tech stack optimization
You’re likely already paying for powerful tools like Klaviyo. The right partner helps you make the most of them by fully leveraging audiences, flows, reporting, and integrations, ensuring no feature goes underutilized.
The Fuel Made difference
Yes, we’re going to talk about ourselves a little bit, because not all agencies are the same. Like, at all. Which you probably already know.
But here’s what makes us different and what we stand by:
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In-house, US-based team (no offshoring)
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Senior-level specialists (no juniors learning on your dime)
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AI as a tool, not a team member (real people write your emails)
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Cancel anytime (no long-term contracts)
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Clients stick around (some for over 5 years)
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100% focused on email
And, last, but not least, bona fide results: Klaviyo reports average returns of 75X. Our clients? Many hit 150X. That’s the difference an expert team can make.
When it’s time to hire an agency
We’re not going to pretend every brand needs us. But here’s when you probably do:
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You’ve outgrown the DIY or contractor phase.
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You’re seeing revenue from email but know there’s more.
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You want a true strategic partner, not just an email sender.
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You’re ready to invest in growth (not just keep the lights on).
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Your internal team is stretched, and email isn’t getting the love it deserves.
So, is it worth it?
If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know the answer: it depends on your goals, internal resources, and how seriously you want to treat email as a growth channel.
If you’re still deciding, you can start by asking the right questions. We put together a guide to help you vet potential partners, so you can compare apples to apples and find a team that truly aligns with your needs, goals, and brand.
If you’re ready to have that conversation, we’re ready, too.
