The Shelf vs Zorka Agency

Why brands look at these two influencer agencies

When marketers compare The Shelf and Zorka Agency, they are usually trying to understand which partner will actually move the needle on sales, not just likes and views.

Both are full service influencer shops, but they shine in different areas, channels, and campaign styles.

You might be choosing between them for a product launch, ongoing creator program, or performance driven user acquisition push.

To make that call, you need to know how each team thinks, how they work with creators, and what types of brands they suit best.

Table of Contents

• Influencer marketing agency overview
• What each agency is known for
• The Shelf services and style
• Zorka Agency services and style
• How their approaches really differ
• Pricing and how engagements work
• Strengths and limitations
• Who each agency fits best
• When a platform like Flinque makes more sense
• FAQs
• Conclusion: choosing the right partner
• Disclaimer

Influencer marketing agency overview

The primary keyword here is influencer agency choice, because that’s what you’re really trying to solve: which partner should own your creator work.

Both teams position themselves as strategic, creative, and data aware, handling campaigns end to end rather than offering self serve tools.

They typically help with idea development, creator sourcing, contracts, content approvals, posting schedules, and reporting on performance metrics.

Where they start to diverge is in geography, performance focus, and how heavily they lean into paid amplification, content production, or user acquisition.

Understanding those differences can help you match your brief, category, and budget to the right agency partner.

What each agency is known for

Both agencies run influencer campaigns, but their reputations have grown in slightly different directions over time.

Here’s a simple overview of how each tends to be viewed by brands and marketers.

The Shelf in plain language

The Shelf is often associated with visually polished, creative heavy influencer programs across Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and blogs.

The team leans into storytelling, trend aware concepts, and detailed campaign planning for consumer brands, including fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and retail.

They are frequently tapped by brands that care about brand identity, audience alignment, and content aesthetic as much as short term conversions.

Zorka Agency in plain language

Zorka Agency is broadly seen as a performance and growth focused player with strong roots in mobile, gaming, and digital products.

They tend to emphasize measurable results like installs, signups, and purchases, often combining influencers with paid user acquisition tactics.

Their reach spans multiple regions, including Europe and emerging markets, often with a heavy focus on YouTube and content creators in gaming or apps.

The Shelf services and style

To decide if The Shelf is right for you, it helps to look at what they actually do day to day and what kind of brands they typically support.

Core services for brands

The Shelf usually acts as a full service influencer partner rather than a one off matchmaker.

• Campaign strategy and creative concepting
• Influencer discovery and vetting across major social channels
• Contracting, negotiations, and usage rights
• Content briefs, approvals, and quality control
• Reporting and performance analysis after campaigns

Some collaborations also include whitelisting and paid amplification, where brand content or creator content is boosted as ads.

How they tend to run campaigns

The Shelf often starts with a deep dive into your brand story, target audience, and what has or hasn’t worked before.

They then pitch creative angles, such as themed content series, seasonal pushes, or storytelling hooks tailored to each platform.

Influencer shortlists typically reflect a mix of large and mid sized creators, with some micro voices layered in for authenticity and community feel.

Content usually aims to feel native to each platform, with strong visuals and lifestyle storytelling for channels like Instagram and TikTok.

Creator relationships and network

The Shelf does not operate as a traditional talent agency; instead it maintains relationships with a wide roster of independent creators.

They vet influencers for brand fit, audience quality, engagement, and content style, often carefully reviewing past posts and community response.

Longer term collaborations can lead to repeat creator use, building familiarity between influencers and your brand over multiple campaigns.

Typical client fit

Brands that tend to gravitate toward this agency share a few traits.

• Consumer brands in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, CPG, or home
• Companies needing strong visual content plus brand storytelling
• Teams that want agency partners handling almost everything
• Marketers comfortable with multi channel campaigns rather than one off posts

If you’re looking for an influencer led brand refresh or a creative anchor for your social presence, this agency’s style may resonate.

Zorka Agency services and style

Zorka Agency also delivers full service influencer programs, but with a slightly more performance driven lens, particularly for tech and mobile products.

Core services for brands

While offerings vary by brief, Zorka commonly covers these areas.

• Influencer strategy tied to growth or user acquisition goals
• Creator sourcing with strong coverage on YouTube and gaming channels
• Integrated campaigns combining influencers and performance media
• Creative concepts and scripting support for video content
• Tracking setup and performance reporting focused on conversions

The team often works hand in hand with product and growth teams, especially for apps, games, and digital services.

How they tend to run campaigns

Zorka Agency often starts with a clear numeric goal, such as installs, registrations, or purchases, and builds campaigns backwards from that target.

They may focus heavily on YouTube videos, streams, or TikTok content that blends entertainment with clear calls to action.

Testing and optimization can be baked in, with multiple creatives or creators trialed to see which drive the strongest results.

This approach suits brands that want clear performance feedback and willingness to adjust mid campaign based on results.

Creator relationships and network

Zorka typically works with a broad range of creators, with noticeable strength in gaming, tech, and entertainment categories.

They often build relationships with regional and international creators, including niche channels that convert well for specific products.

These connections can be useful if you’re trying to tap into communities around mobile gaming, crypto, fintech, or other digital first areas.

Typical client fit

The brands that often find a strong fit with this agency share a few common points.

• Mobile games and apps looking for installs and active users
• Digital products, fintech, and tech services aiming for signups
• Brands needing measurable performance and data backed iteration
• Companies targeting Europe, CIS, or global digital audiences

If your leadership team is very focused on direct response metrics and user growth, their approach may line up well with your goals.

How their approaches really differ

On the surface, both teams deliver influencer campaigns, but your experience working with them can feel quite different.

Brand building versus performance tilt

The Shelf tends to weigh heavily toward brand storytelling, aesthetic content, and nurturing long term customer perception.

Zorka leans more into performance, treating influencers as one channel within a larger growth and user acquisition picture.

That doesn’t mean either ignores the other side, but it does shape how briefs are translated into concepts and metrics.

Channels and content styles

The Shelf often emphasizes Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and blogs, focusing on polished visuals and lifestyle scenes.

Zorka frequently taps into YouTube, gaming, and performance heavy platforms, with content framed around gameplay, app usage, or product walkthroughs.

Your target audience, category, and budget will heavily influence which combination of channels makes the most sense.

Geography and audience reach

Both can work globally, but Zorka has particular strength in European and gaming communities, while The Shelf is often associated with North American consumer audiences.

If you’re trying to scale in specific regions or subcultures, ask each team for examples from those markets.

Collaboration style with in house teams

The Shelf may feel like an extension of your brand and social teams, with more emphasis on messaging, visuals, and narrative.

Zorka might plug in closely with performance marketing, analytics, and product squads focused on growth and experimentation.

Neither approach is better by default; the right choice depends on where influencer work sits inside your organization.

Pricing and how engagements work

Exact pricing for either agency will depend on your brief, markets, channels, and how many creators you need.

Both typically use custom quotes rather than public, fixed packages, because creator fees and deliverables vary widely.

Common pricing elements

• Agency strategy and management fees
• Influencer fees based on audience size, reach, and content type
• Production or editing costs for higher end content
• Optional paid media or whitelisting budgets
• Usage rights or content licensing, especially for ads

Expect to discuss minimum campaign budgets and timelines during early calls with either team.

Engagement structures

Both agencies may offer one off campaigns or ongoing retainers, depending on your needs and budget.

Retainers are common when brands want continuous creator activity, always on content, or multiple bursts across the year.

Single campaigns are more likely for product launches, seasonal pushes, or testing the waters before a longer commitment.

Payment structures usually include an upfront portion and staged payments tied to timelines or deliverables.

Strengths and limitations

Every agency has areas where it excels and places where it may not be the perfect match.

Where The Shelf tends to shine

• Strong creative ideas and themed campaigns for consumer brands
• Visually cohesive content that fits your brand identity
• Multi platform storytelling across Instagram, TikTok, and blogs
• Support for brands that want “done for you” execution

A common concern is whether heavy creative focus will overshoot budget or overshadow performance tracking.

This is worth raising in early conversations, especially if your leadership team wants strict ROI reporting.

Potential limitations for The Shelf

• May feel less tailored for hardcore performance or gaming heavy briefs
• Creative heavy concepts can require larger budgets and longer lead times
• Not ideal if you only want a handful of small one off posts

Where Zorka Agency tends to shine

• Performance driven campaigns with clear conversion goals
• Strong background with mobile apps, games, and digital products
• Good fit for YouTube and gaming creators
• Comfort working with growth and user acquisition teams

Many brands quietly worry that a performance heavy partner might neglect deeper brand storytelling.

If that matters to you, ask for examples showing how they protect brand tone alongside conversion goals.

Potential limitations for Zorka Agency

• May not be the first choice for purely aesthetic lifestyle pushes
• Heavier emphasis on measurable goals might feel rigid for some brand teams
• Less natural fit for tiny test budgets or ultra boutique brands

Who each agency fits best

To make your decision easier, think through where your brand sits on a few simple axes: brand building versus performance, visual storytelling versus product demos, and markets you care about most.

When The Shelf is likely a better fit

• You’re a consumer brand in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, or home goods.
• You value on brand visuals and storytelling as much as sales.
• You want a partner that handles creative details end to end.
• Your campaign involves Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest in a big way.
• You have room for thoughtful creative development and production.

When Zorka Agency is likely a better fit

• You’re a mobile game, app, or digital service with growth targets.
• You need measurable installs, signups, or revenue from influencers.
• You care about YouTube, gaming creators, or tech focused audiences.
• Your leadership team pushes hard on user acquisition metrics.
• You’re active in or expanding into European and global digital markets.

When a platform like Flinque makes more sense

Agencies are not the only option. Some brands prefer to manage influencer programs in house using software designed for discovery and workflow.

Flinque is an example of a platform first alternative rather than a full service agency partner.

Why you might choose a platform

• You have internal marketers who want direct relationships with influencers.
• You’d rather invest in tools and build a repeatable in house playbook.
• Your budget is smaller and full agency retainers feel out of reach.
• You want more control over day to day creator communication.
• You plan to run many small campaigns or always on seeding programs.

In this setup, platforms help you search creators, organize outreach, and track campaigns, while your team handles strategy and management.

Agencies, by contrast, are usually better when you need heavy creative support, complex logistics, or simply lack internal bandwidth.

FAQs

How should I brief these agencies for the first call?

Prepare a simple summary of your brand, goals, target audience, budget range, and timelines. Share examples of past campaigns you liked, channels you care about, and any must avoid topics or creators. Clear direction helps both teams respond with realistic ideas.

Can I test with a small campaign before a long term deal?

In many cases, yes. Both agencies may be open to a single campaign or pilot project before moving into a longer engagement. Keep in mind that very small budgets can limit creator options and may not show full potential.

Do these agencies only work with big brands?

They often highlight larger logos in their portfolios, but mid sized brands are common clients. What matters most is whether your budget, category, and goals align with their strengths and minimum engagement levels.

How long does it take to launch an influencer campaign?

Timelines vary, but you should typically allow at least six to eight weeks from brief to posts going live. This window covers strategy, creator outreach, contracts, content production, revisions, and scheduling.

Should I hire an agency or build an in house team?

If you need fast ramp up, senior guidance, and complex campaign management, an agency is often the better near term choice. If you have time, budget, and headcount to grow internal expertise, a platform plus in house team can pay off long term.

Conclusion: choosing the right partner

Choosing between these influencer partners comes down to your goals, category, and how you like to work.

If you want story driven, visually cohesive campaigns for consumer products, The Shelf may align more with your needs.

If your focus is user growth, measurable performance, and digital products or games, Zorka Agency may be the stronger option.

For brands that want full control and have internal capacity, a platform like Flinque can be a flexible alternative.

Start by clarifying your budget, success metrics, and timeline, then talk to each partner with a clear brief and open questions about fit.

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.