SmartSites vs HireInfluence

Why brands weigh these influencer agencies

Many brands looking to grow through creators end up choosing between different influencer partners. Two names that often appear together are SmartSites and HireInfluence, even though they have very different roots.

Both work with social talent, but they do not serve brands in the same way. That is why you may feel stuck trying to understand which direction makes more sense for your goals and budget.

Before getting into details, it helps to frame the main choice: do you want a performance driven digital shop that uses creators as one of many tools, or a specialist team focused almost entirely on influencer campaigns?

Table of Contents

• What each brand visibility partner is known for
• SmartSites and how it works with creators
• HireInfluence and how it runs influencer campaigns
• How the two agencies feel different in practice
• Pricing approach and how work is scoped
• Strengths and limitations to keep in mind
• Who each agency tends to fit best
• When a platform alternative may work better
• FAQs
• Conclusion
• Disclaimer

What each brand visibility partner is known for

The primary phrase that fits this topic is influencer marketing agencies. Both companies touch this space, but they approach it from different angles.

SmartSites is widely recognized as a full service digital marketing agency. Its core strengths sit in web design, search ads, social ads, and ongoing performance campaigns.

Influencer work for SmartSites tends to sit inside broader growth plans. Creators support traffic, leads, and sales alongside paid media, SEO, and conversion optimization.

HireInfluence, on the other hand, is positioned as an influencer marketing specialist. Its identity is built around planning and running creator led campaigns from start to finish.

Content, talent selection, brand storytelling, and multi channel creator programs are at the center of what HireInfluence promotes publicly.

So while both are talked about in the same breath, what they are known for in the market is very different. That difference should guide how you think about fit.

SmartSites and how it works with creators

SmartSites started as a digital agency focused on websites and measurable advertising. Over time, it expanded services to cover a wider set of traffic and conversion tactics.

Influencer outreach is not its only focus. Instead, creator work is one of several tools the team can bring into a campaign when it helps hit performance targets.

Services you are likely to use

When brands hire SmartSites, they usually tap into a stack of services instead of only creator outreach. Core offerings often include:

• Website design or redesign, including landing pages
• Search engine optimization for ongoing traffic growth
• Pay per click campaigns on Google and Bing
• Paid social ads across Meta, Instagram, and more
• Email or CRM related marketing support

Influencer efforts may support these channels by driving awareness and feeding traffic into well built funnels, especially around launches or seasonal pushes.

How SmartSites tends to run campaigns

Campaigns from SmartSites generally start with traffic and conversion goals. The team maps channels that can realistically deliver those numbers within the agreed budget.

If creators are involved, they are often integrated with paid campaigns. For example, creator content may be repurposed as ads, or used to boost landing page performance.

This approach can feel structured and data heavy. SmartSites is usually trying to track effect from first click through to lead or purchase, not only top line views.

Creator relationships and selection style

SmartSites does not present itself publicly as a talent management company. Instead, it tends to work with creators as part of broader media plans.

That may mean sourcing influencers through networks, existing contacts, or third party tools, then aligning their content with your site and paid campaigns.

Because the agency is performance oriented, you can expect emphasis on audience fit, click potential, and how content can be reused across other channels.

Typical client fit for SmartSites

Brands that go to SmartSites usually want digital growth, not only social buzz. They often have clear revenue or lead goals and are willing to invest across several channels.

SmartSites tends to suit businesses that:

• Need a stronger website and advertising mix
• View creators as one of many ways to drive sales
• Prefer data heavy reporting and long term optimization
• Operate in sectors where search and paid ads matter

HireInfluence and how it runs influencer campaigns

HireInfluence is positioned almost entirely around creator led marketing. Its brand messaging highlights influencer strategy, creative concepts, and campaign execution.

Instead of offering a wide digital mix, it narrows in on influencers as the main driver of awareness, content, and engagement.

Services centered on creators

While exact services can evolve, HireInfluence typically promotes offerings like:

• Influencer discovery and vetting across platforms
• Campaign strategy and creative concept development
• Contracting, briefing, and managing talent
• Content approvals and coordination during live campaigns
• Measurement of reach, engagement, and campaign impact
• Event based creator activations for live moments

Traditional performance channels such as paid search or web development are not the main focus. The emphasis is on social storytelling through credible voices.

How HireInfluence typically structures campaigns

Most campaigns start with a brand story or theme. The team then recommends platforms, content styles, and creator types that can bring that idea to life.

Campaigns may span Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, blogs, and other spaces, depending on the audience you want to reach.

Expect a strong push toward cohesive messaging, creative hooks, and branded experiences rather than only short term clicks.

Creator relationships and talent handling

HireInfluence presents itself as heavily involved in talent relationships. Its public materials emphasize hand selected creators and white glove management.

That means more time spent on matching values, aesthetics, and audience demographics with your brand, not just raw follower counts.

Because the agency is so focused on influence, it often looks for long term partnerships or multi wave campaigns, not just one off posts.

Typical client fit for HireInfluence

Brands that gravitate to HireInfluence usually put a premium on storytelling, cultural relevance, and memorable creative.

They often want:

• Big awareness pushes or launches powered by creators
• Social first campaigns that feel native to each platform
• Hands off management of many moving parts and partners
• Deeper collaboration with influencers, not just simple ads

How the two agencies feel different in practice

When you look closely, the contrast between these two options becomes clearer. One is a broad digital shop; the other is a focused creator specialist.

Approach to strategy and planning

SmartSites tends to start with what will drive measurable performance across channels. Influencers are additive, usually tied to advertising and conversion paths.

HireInfluence tends to begin with stories, social trends, and cultural fit. Performance matters, but brand perception and buzz often sit at the center.

So if your main question is “how do we turn traffic into sales,” SmartSites may feel more natural. If your question is “how do we spark talk and engagement,” HireInfluence may resonate more.

Scale and type of work

SmartSites commonly supports ongoing marketing programs with consistent monthly work across search, social, and web. It feels like a long term growth partner.

HireInfluence often leans toward defined influencer campaigns or seasonal pushes. While relationships can be long term, work is grouped around creator activations.

You can think of one as always on digital support, and the other as a specialist for creator centered moments or sustained influencer programs.

Client experience and communication

SmartSites usually works with clients who want regular reporting on leads and sales across multiple channels. Communication can feel structured and analytics driven.

HireInfluence interactions often center more on creative ideas, content previews, and talent updates. The experience can feel closer to a production and casting process.

*A common concern is whether your team will be overwhelmed by creator logistics or analytics dashboards.* Matching the style of each partner to your internal comfort level matters.

Pricing approach and how work is scoped

Neither agency sells simple pre set software plans. Both typically use custom quotes shaped around scope, duration, and complexity.

For SmartSites, cost is usually based on services like web design, SEO, PPC, and any added creator outreach. Budgets may include:

• One time project fees for website builds
• Monthly retainers to manage ads and SEO
• Media budgets for paid campaigns
• Any additional costs tied to influencer fees

For HireInfluence, most costs link directly to influencer work. Common elements include:

• Agency fees for strategy and campaign management
• Creator compensation and usage rights
• Production or event costs for complex shoots
• Reporting and wrap up work

Neither side publishes universal pricing because creator rates vary by niche, audience size, content format, and exclusivity terms.

Expect to discuss rough budget ranges early. Agencies then respond with what is realistic in terms of influencer quantity, content volume, and campaign length.

Strengths and limitations to keep in mind

Both options bring real advantages, but neither is perfect for every brand or every stage of growth.

Where SmartSites tends to shine

• Strong when you want creators tied directly to measurable funnels
• Useful if your website and ads also need work
• Good fit for performance driven founders and marketing teams
• Helpful if you want one partner across several digital channels

Because influencer outreach is one part of a larger mix, you may get a more holistic view of how creator content affects traffic, leads, and sales.

Where SmartSites may feel limited

• Less ideal if you want a pure influencer specialist
• May not go as deep into creator culture as a niche agency
• Influencer work could feel secondary to ads and SEO focus

For brands chasing bold creator led stunts or heavy cultural relevance, a generalist digital agency might not always push creative boundaries as far.

Where HireInfluence tends to shine

• Strong focus on creator selection and relationship building
• Good for social first storytelling and brand awareness
• Helpful when you want polished, on brand content at scale
• Experienced with multi creator or event based activations

Campaigns can feel tailored, visually strong, and aligned with platform trends, especially around Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Where HireInfluence may feel limited

• Not a full stack digital shop for web, SEO, and ads
• Less focused on deep site optimization or search funnels
• Impact on sales may rely on your existing digital setup

If your website, analytics, or paid programs are weak, creator campaigns alone may not unlock the full value of the attention you gain.

Who each agency tends to fit best

Your choice should match stage, budget, and how involved you want to be in marketing decisions.

When SmartSites is usually a better match

• You need a new or improved website alongside influencer work.
• You want creators feeding directly into measurable ad funnels.
• Your team prefers detailed, performance based reporting.
• You see influencer campaigns as one lever in a larger plan.

SmartSites often makes sense for small to mid sized businesses and growing brands that rely heavily on search and paid social for customer acquisition.

When HireInfluence is usually a better match

• You want creator led branding or big awareness pushes.
• You value unique concepts, storytelling, and polished content.
• Your internal team does not want to manage talent logistics.
• You already have basic digital infrastructure to capture demand.

HireInfluence can be especially helpful for consumer brands in lifestyle, fashion, beauty, entertainment, and other visually driven categories.

When a platform alternative may work better

Some brands want creator led growth but are not ready for full agency retainers. Others have internal teams eager to stay very hands on.

In those cases, a platform based option like Flinque can make sense. Instead of hiring a traditional agency, you use software to manage much of the work yourself.

Flinque typically focuses on helping brands discover creators, track outreach, and manage collaborations from a central place. This can reduce reliance on external teams.

A platform route may fit if you:

• Have in house marketers comfortable with campaign planning
• Want tighter cost control and lower ongoing fees
• Prefer building long term direct relationships with creators
• Need to test influencer marketing before major investment

However, this approach also demands more time and know how from your team. There is no done for you creative or logistics layer like with a classic agency.

FAQs

How do I choose between a digital agency and an influencer specialist?

Start with your main goal. If you need traffic, leads, and a better site, a digital agency is likely better. If you want creator led storytelling and buzz, an influencer specialist usually fits more naturally.

Can I hire both types of partners at the same time?

Yes, many brands do. One partner can handle website and ads while the other runs creator campaigns. Just be sure they coordinate on messaging, tracking, and timelines.

Do these agencies work with small budgets?

Most full service and influencer agencies prefer meaningful budgets, especially when multiple creators are involved. If your resources are limited, starting with a smaller pilot or a platform tool can be smarter.

How long does it take to see results from influencer work?

Awareness can spike quickly once content goes live, but sales impact often shows over several weeks. Timelines depend on your offer, website quality, and how well campaigns are integrated with other channels.

What should I prepare before speaking with any agency?

Clarify your goals, rough budget range, ideal timeline, target audience, brand voice, and any non negotiable guidelines. Sharing past campaign data, even if limited, also helps agencies shape realistic recommendations.

Conclusion

Choosing between these paths is less about which name is better and more about what your brand truly needs right now.

If you want a partner to rebuild your digital foundation and tie creator work directly into performance channels, a full service digital agency like SmartSites may be the safer move.

If you already have a solid site and ad setup, and your focus is on memorable, creator driven storytelling, a dedicated influencer shop like HireInfluence may give you more depth.

For teams that prefer full control and lower ongoing costs, a platform such as Flinque can offer a middle route, trading service for flexibility and hands on management.

Start with honest answers about budget, internal capacity, and risk tolerance. From there, speak openly with each potential partner, ask how they would handle your exact situation, and choose the one whose plan feels clearest and most aligned with your goals.

Disclaimer

All information on this page is collected from publicly available sources, third party search engines, AI powered tools and general online research. We do not claim ownership of any external data and accuracy may vary. This content is for informational purposes only.