1. They Possess a Doctor Strange-Level Strategy A sidekick agency will throw a bunch of tactics at the wall to see what sticks—a blog post here, a social ad there. A heroic agency starts with a masterplan. Like Doctor Strange viewing all 14,000,605 possible outcomes, a top-tier creative agency analyzes your market, competition, and unique position to craft one winning strategy. Before you discuss a single creative idea, they should ask about: Your business objectives and KPIs. Your target audience's deepest pain points. How you will measure success and ROI. If an agency talks about tactics before strategy, they're not seeing the whole picture. 2. They Are Master Brand Storytellers, Not Just Advertisers Advertising shouts. Storytelling connects. In 2025, consumers are tired of being shouted at. They want to invest in brands they believe in, and that belief is built through narrative. When vetting an agency, look at their portfolio. Do they just create flashy ads, or do they build worlds? A truly creative agency will focus on your brand's origin story. They’ll help you answer: Why does your company exist? What is the problem you heroically solve for your customers? What is the epic saga your brand is on? 3. They Have Shuri's Lab: The Right Tech & Tools A great hero needs great gadgets. A great agency needs a cutting-edge tech stack. During your conversation, don't be afraid to ask about the tools they use for: Analytics and Reporting: How do they track progress and prove their value? Project Management: How do they ensure deadlines are met and communication is clear? Marketing Automation: How do they create efficient systems that nurture leads? An agency that invests in its technology is an agency that invests in its clients' success.