Agency review · Australia
Digital Six review
Brisbane digital marketing agency with comprehensive services and traditional retainer pricing. We compare it with a performance-aligned model that ties our success to your results.
- Brisbane, Australia
- Founded 2020
- 11-50 employees
- digitalsix.com.au
Compare a performance-aligned quote
See how pricing that moves with your results compares to a fixed Digital Six retainer.
Agency models compared
Two ways to work with an agency
Digital Six has grown quickly in the Brisbane market with Google Partner certification. That's not easy to achieve.
Their full-service approach and local presence makes them a solid choice for Queensland businesses wanting comprehensive support. However, as a newer agency (founded 2020), their processes and reporting systems may still be maturing. And like most traditional agencies, their fixed retainer model means your costs stay the same whether campaigns deliver exceptional results or struggle.
Digital Six
Established digital marketing agency
Agency information
Key highlights
- Established Brisbane digital marketing agency since 2020
- Google Partner certified agency with qualified professionals
- Full-service digital offering across SEO, PPC, social media, and web design
- Mid-sized team (11-50) providing personalized attention with comprehensive coverage
- Strong focus on local Brisbane and Queensland market expertise
- Professional case study portfolio demonstrating client results
The Accountability Gap
Fixed retainer models create a fundamental misalignment: the agency gets paid the same whether they deliver 2x ROAS or 6x ROAS. At 3P Digital, our flex-retainer means we're financially motivated to push for exceptional results, because we only earn more when you earn more. That's true accountability.
A real result from our performance-aligned model
A Construction (building) client we worked with under our performance-aligned model. These are their real numbers, not a projection.
1.2% to 4.7%
Conversion rate (+292%)
$247 to $91
Cost per lead (63% lower)
47 to 21 days
Sales cycle (55% shorter)
Who each model suits best
Digital Six's traditional model
Fixed 12-month retainer
Traditional retainers provide budget certainty and access to established teams. You know exactly what you are paying each month, which makes financial planning straightforward.
Works well for:
- Established businesses with predictable budgets who value consistency
- Companies who prefer fixed costs for easier financial planning
- Businesses seeking a local Brisbane agency with hands-on support
- Clients who value comprehensive full-service digital marketing packages
- Organisations wanting a mid-sized team with diverse expertise
3P Digital's flex-retainer
Performance-aligned, month to month, no lock-in
The flex-retainer aims to reduce risk during the ramp-up phase and lets you invest more confidently when results are strong. If we underperform, we aim to charge you less.
Works well for:
- Growth-stage businesses who want agency costs to scale with results
- Performance-focused companies who prefer variable costs tied to outcomes
- Businesses seeking reduced fees when campaigns underperform
- Clients who want to invest aggressively when campaigns are winning
- Organisations seeking a true risk-sharing partnership with their agency
Side by side
How each pricing model works
A transparent look at how each model plays out in practice.
| Factor | Digital Six (traditional retainer) | 3P Digital (flex-retainer) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee structure | Fixed retainer ($4,000+) | Variable retainer (adjusts with KPIs) |
| Underperformance | Full payment still required | 20 to 50% fee reduction |
| Target performance | Full payment | Full payment |
| Overperformance | Same payment (no shared upside) | Increased payment (shared upside) |
| Budget predictability | High (fixed cost) | Medium (adjusts monthly) |
| Risk allocation | Client carries the risk | Both share risk and reward |
| Performance alignment | Fees not tied to outcomes | Built into the pricing structure |
| Best for | Budget certainty, established brands | Dynamic investment, growth focus |
How the flex-retainer works
When results fall short of expectations, our fees reduce automatically. No awkward conversations needed.
Hit the agreed targets and you pay the full retainer. Fair pricing for meeting the KPIs.
Exceed the targets and you invest more, but the return justifies it. We share in your success.
See your custom pricing scenario
Get a personalised comparison showing how your agency investment would adjust under different performance scenarios with our flex-retainer model.
Making your decision
Which model fits your business
Neither model is inherently better. The right choice depends on your situation, risk tolerance and growth stage.
Digital Six's traditional retainer suits you if:
- You need predictable monthly costs for financial planning
- You value working with an established, well-known brand
- You prefer the security of a large team and proven processes
- You want comprehensive, full-service support
3P Digital's flex-retainer suits you if:
- You want agency costs to move with results
- You are happy to invest more when performance is strong
- You prefer a risk-sharing partnership model
- You want to invest with more confidence when campaigns are winning
Questions to ask any agency (including us)
- 1How do you measure success, and how is that tied to your fees?
- 2What happens if campaigns underperform in the first 3 to 6 months?
- 3Can you show me case studies with specific, real numbers?
- 4How do you handle disputes about whether KPIs were achieved?
- 5What is your process for scaling investment when campaigns are working?
Want to explore the flex-retainer model?
See how your agency investment could adjust under different performance scenarios, with no lock-in contract.
Frequently asked questions
Questions, answered honestly
Common questions about Digital Six and how a performance-aligned model compares.
Looking for a performance-aligned partner?
Most agencies bill a fixed retainer whether results land or not. Our model is performance-aligned, month to month, with no lock-in contract.
Traditional agencies
- Fixed monthly retainer, regardless of results
- Often locked into long-term contracts
- You carry the risk during the ramp-up
The 3P Digital model
- Performance-aligned investment that moves with results
- Month to month, no lock-in
- We aim to share the risk, not just the upside