The best way to run Google Ads?

Tripwire vs Agency vs Freelancer vs DIY

  Comparison: Tripwire vs Agencies vs Freelancers vs DIY
  
    
        Criteria
        Tripwire Mentoring
        Traditional Agency
        Freelancer
        DIY
      

    
        Account ownership
        ✅ You keep full control (logins, data, strategy)
        Often gated, shared logins, or black-boxing
        Mixed — depends on person
        Full (but risky)
      

        Seniority
        Senior-only (15+ yrs experience)
        Mixed team — senior sells, juniors execute
        Varies (could be strong, could be green)
        N/A
      

        Cost model
        $250 + GST/hr (sessions) or $1,500+ (sprints). No retainers.
        $3K–$15K/month retainers + % of spend + setup fees
        $80–$200/hr or fixed bid
        Time only, but opportunity cost
      

        Transparency
        Clear action plan + Loom recap every session
        Reports + decks, often unclear on real changes
        Variable — depends on freelancer
        Full (but no external input)
      

        Speed to impact
        Days–weeks (audit → quick fixes → test plan)
        Weeks–months (onboarding, decks, layers)
        Varies
        Trial & error
      

        Knowledge transfer
        ✅ High — you learn as we go
        Low — agency dependency
        Medium — depends on freelancer
        N/A
      

        Breadth of support
        Google Ads, GA4, UTMs, Meta, Shopping, Automation
        Mostly paid media, may upsell other services
        Narrow (depends on skills)
        Limited by your expertise
      

        Best for
        Founders & in-house teams wanting control + skill
        Companies wanting “done-for-you”
        Small projects, budget constraints
        Tinkerers
      

  
Finish with: Why founders pick Tripwire: senior help only when needed, measurable improvements, zero lock-in. Tripwire