Freedman international blog

Break up with your network agency for maximum efficiency

Written by Emily Hassett | 26-Feb-2026 10:46:43

Do your international campaigns feel like they’re stuck in a bad relationship? You’re constantly giving but getting little in return? If so, it might be time to break up with your network agency…

Many brands remain trapped in these outdated partnerships, despite slow responses, cumbersome processes, and subpar localisation efforts.

But here’s the truth: you deserve better.

It’s time to fall in love with an independent partner that’s agile, collaborative, and ready to give your campaigns the attention they deserve.

Don’t settle for “safe” in your international campaign partner

Sticking with a large network agency might feel like the “safe” choice, but it often means settling for mediocrity. It’s the classic case of “IBM syndrome,” where decision-makers assume no one gets fired for choosing the biggest name in the game. But this really the best choice for a long-term partnership?

Take George (not his real name), a global procurement head. Despite years of promises, his network agency failed to fix the same old problems: poor localisation, endless approval loops, and inflated costs. Why? Big agencies tend to rely on their reputation rather than delivering the quality and care clients deserve.

If your agency relationship feels like a one-sided situationship, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Stop dating dinosaurs: why the network model is over

Network agencies are the dinosaurs of the advertising world – big, slow, and stuck in the past. They promise “borderless creativity” but rarely deliver. Instead, their internal bureaucracy and siloed local agencies result in international campaigns that feel disjointed and out of touch.

These agencies sell the “big idea,” but today’s multi-channel world demands more. Modern campaigns need tailored, data-driven strategies that work across digital platforms and local markets, not just an award-winning pitch deck…

It’s like dating someone who keeps talking about their “glory days” but doesn’t show up for the future you’re building.

Break free from bad tech relationships

Stuck with your network agency’s clunky, outdated tech? Many network agencies lock clients into proprietary tools that might have been cutting-edge years ago but are now slow, costly, and inflexible (the equivalent of dating someone with a flip phone).

Independent agencies like Freedman take a tech-agnostic approach, working with the best third-party tools to keep your campaigns efficient and future-proof. If something better comes along, they’ll help you make the switch. No drama. No strings attached.

Find your perfect match with the independent global campaigns agency: Freedman

The modern marketing world is like dating in the digital age: fast-paced, data-driven, and all about the right match. Independent agencies are the breath of fresh air your global campaigns need. They’re agile, attentive, and ready to commit to your success. Plus, unlike network agencies, they won’t ghost you when things get complicated.

Here’s why independent agencies are the perfect partner:

  • Agility: Quick turnarounds and flexibility to adapt to change.
  • Collaboration over chaos: No politics. No silos. Just a unified, passionate team working towards your goals.
  • Technology agnostic: Instead of forcing you to use their outdated tools, independents bring the best third-party tech to the table, keeping things flexible and stress-free.
  • Cost-effective: Why pay for all the unnecessary baggage of a network agency when independents deliver top-tier talent and results at a fraction of the cost?

Think of it as finding someone who not only understands your quirks but celebrates them!

It’s time to swipe right on independence

Your international marketing deserves a partner that’s in it for the long haul, someone who listens, adapts, and delivers. Breaking up with your network agency might seem daunting, but it’s the first step towards a brighter, more efficient future for your global campaigns.

At Freedman, we’re ready to help you find “the one”, an agency relationship built on trust, agility, and results. So stop settling for the dinosaur model. Break up with your network agency and let’s create something amazing together.

Love shouldn’t be complicated. Neither should your international campaigns.

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If you have an international campaign you think needs our help, get in touch today.