An embedded agency model means the agency team functions as an extension of your internal marketing team — not a vendor, but a partner with deep context, shared Slack channels, and attendance in team standups. Unlike traditional agency models (retainer for deliverables, managed at arm's length), embedded agencies understand your product, your pipeline, and your internal dynamics. The result is faster iteration and better alignment between marketing strategy and business reality.
For example, rather than submitting a monthly deliverable list and waiting for agency reviews, an embedded team works in your tools, joins your team meetings, and adjusts campaigns in real-time based on what the sales team is hearing in calls.
Embedded is how we operate — we're in your Slack, your HubSpot, and your sprint reviews from day one. It's what separates us from traditional agency models.
Relevant Cactus Services
We implement Embedded Agency strategies for B2B tech startups every day. Book a free 30-minute call to get a concrete plan for your situation.
Book a free strategy call →Fractional CMO
A fractional CMO is a senior marketing executive who works with multiple companies on a part-time or contract basis — providing strategic leadership without the cost of a full-time hire.
Retainer
A retainer is a monthly fee paid to an agency or consultant for ongoing services — buying a defined scope of work or number of hours each month.
Performance Marketing
Performance marketing is any advertising model where payment is tied to measurable results — cost per lead, cost per acquisition, revenue share — rather than flat media fees.
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
OKRs is a goal-setting framework: each Objective is an ambitious qualitative goal, supported by 2–5 Key Results that are specific, measurable, and time-bound.
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
KPIs are the specific metrics used to measure performance against business goals.
Marketing Attribution
Attribution is the process of assigning credit to marketing touchpoints that contributed to a conversion or sale.