How we rank agencies
Every list uses the same five criteria and the same weights. An agency's score out of 100 decides its position. Nothing else does.
The five criteria
Weights reflect what matters most to a business hiring an agency: evidence first, then fit, then cost and conduct.
Proven results
30%Case studies with named clients, numbers and dates we can check.
What earns points
- Named clients, not "a leading retailer"
- Before and after figures with a time period
- Work recent enough to reflect how the agency operates now
Fit for the niche
20%Real work in the industry or city the list is about, not a generic claim.
What earns points
- Published work in that sector or location
- Staff or content showing specific knowledge
- A stated focus, not "we serve everyone"
Pricing clarity
20%Published prices or a stated minimum, and no long lock-in.
What earns points
- Prices, ranges or a minimum on the website
- Contract length stated up front
- Clear statement of who owns accounts and assets
Client reviews
15%Volume, recency and detail of reviews on independent platforms.
What earns points
- Reviews on platforms the agency does not control
- Recent reviews, not only old ones
- Detail that suggests a real client relationship
Reporting
15%What the client sees each month and who they talk to.
What earns points
- Sample reports or a described reporting routine
- A named point of contact
- Metrics tied to leads or revenue, not impressions
How a list is made
The same steps for every list.
Long list
We collect agencies that offer the service in the sector or city concerned.
Check
Each one is checked against its site, case studies, pricing and independent reviews.
Score
Points are given on each criterion and weighted into a score out of 100.
Publish and recheck
The list goes live with its sources and a date, and is rechecked on a schedule.
Rules we hold ourselves to
- Adziq sells marketing services, so Adziq is never included in its own rankings.
- Agencies cannot pay for a position or a higher score.
- If a link on a list earns us a commission, the page says so at the top.
- Each list shows the date it was last checked.
- Factual errors are corrected and the change is noted.
Where the information comes from
Agency websites, published case studies, public pricing pages and independent review platforms. Where a fact could not be confirmed, the list says so.
Limits of the method
We score what can be checked from outside. We have not worked with every agency we rank, and a strong score is not a guarantee of results for your business. Treat a list as a shortlist, then interview the agencies yourself.
Corrections
Agencies and readers can write to [email protected].