PPC performance needs more than an agency…

Let’s face it. When it comes to PPC, you’ve probably asked yourself this before: Should we outsource to an agency or run with software? Well, here’s the thing. The digital ads world has changed. A lot.

Performance Max, Microsoft’s AI features, rising CPCs, tighter margins—you name it. The PPC landscape is now more of a strategic game than a mechanical one.

So, choosing the right partner (or tool) isn’t just about “who runs my campaigns?” It’s about who helps me reach my business goals.

What agencies bring to the table

Agencies shine at:

  • Offering hands-on campaign management
  • Bringing external strategic input (sometimes)
  • Taking work off your plate—especially when resources are tight

But here’s the catch:

  • Many still rely on outdated, manual workflows
  • They struggle with the lack of control in PMax
  • And let’s be honest: you’re often paying for overhead, not outcomes

And if key people leave? So does your performance.

What smec does differently

We’re not a typical agency. We’re also not “just” a software company. smec gives you:

  • Tech that steers AI: Our software lets you guide Google’s automation with business-relevant product segmentation.
  • Control, not chaos: You set the product goals, we help you translate them into campaigns that hit actual KPIs.
  • Expert brains on call: Our PPC specialists work as your strategic co-pilots, not ticket responders. With over 17 years of PPC experience, we work closely with you to enhance your in-house expertise.

So instead of throwing your catalog into a black-box campaign and hoping for the best, we help you design it around your business strategy—profitability, stock, seasonality, whatever matters to you.

Comparison at a glance: Agencies vs Software tools vs smec

Choosing the right PPC partner isn’t just about picking tools or ticking boxes. It’s about how you want to run your campaigns—and how much control you’re willing to give up. Below, we’ve broken down how traditional agencies, standalone software tools, and smec stack up when it comes to what really matters: performance, control, and business impact.

A comparison table of capabilities of typical agency, typical software tool and smec

Still debating? Maybe it’s time to rethink what you actually need in a PPC partner.

With smec, you don’t have to choose between powerful tech and expert support—you get both. Our software gives you the control to steer your campaigns toward real business outcomes, while our experts help you make sense of the chaos and stay ahead of the curve. Agencies might run your ads. smec helps you grow your business.

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