RSW/US found that 74% use more than two agencies; and 17%, more than five.
They're also keeping project-work in house, hiring specialists galore.
And 40% of marketers expect project-work to increase this year.
While agencies may cringe, RSW/US sees an upside.
Marketers can no longer brush them off with "We already have an agency."
"With more marketers potentially using multiple agencies in the coming year, that objection becomes less of a hurdle, even potentially advantageous," says Lee McKnight, vice president of sales.
Marketers say they're wearied by agencies that claim they're full-service, but aren't, the survey reveals.
Marketers also say they're troubled by agencies "defaulting to digital." Too many have abandoned creativity, customer insight, and expertise in traditional media.
With more opportunities before them, agencies can win business by pitching novel projects, deep category knowledge, or know-how in a particular channel.
