Agencies.co vs Quiet Light: Agency M&A Compared
Choosing the right platform or advisor for your agency M&A transaction is one of the most important decisions you will make. Both Agencies.co and Quiet Light offer pathways to buying or selling a business, but they differ in focus, approach, and the type of seller they serve best. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
We believe in honest comparisons. Quiet Light has genuine strengths, and there are situations where they may be the better fit. Our goal is to help you understand the differences so you can choose the right partner for your specific situation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Agencies.co | Quiet Light |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Marketing agencies only | Online business brokerage |
| Deal Size Range | $500K – $30M+ | $200K – $30M |
| Pricing Model | Transparent tiered pricing | Commission-based (10-15%) |
| Advisory Support | Full M&A advisory included | Full brokerage with founder-advisors |
| Time to Close | 90 days average | 3-6 months typical |
| Buyer Network | Vetted agency buyers | Online business buyer community |
| Free Valuation | Yes | Yes |
About Agencies.co
Agencies.co is a marketplace and advisory platform built exclusively for marketing agency M&A. Every aspect of the platform — from valuation methodology to buyer network to deal structuring — is designed specifically for the marketing and communications agency sector. Founded to help agency owners navigate the complex process of buying, selling, or merging their businesses, Agencies.co offers transparent pricing, hands-on advisory, and a vetted network of agency-focused buyers. With a target close time of 90 days, the platform is built for speed, simplicity, and outcome.
About Quiet Light
Quiet Light is a well-respected online business brokerage founded by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. Their advisory team consists largely of former business owners who have built and sold their own companies, bringing first-hand founder experience to the advisory process. They broker a range of online businesses including SaaS, content sites, e-commerce, and some service businesses. Quiet Light has built an excellent content marketing presence with their podcast, blog, and educational resources that attract both buyers and sellers. Their founder-to-founder approach resonates with business owners who want advisors who truly understand the emotional and practical aspects of selling a business you have built.
Key Differences
Advisor Background
Quiet Light advisors are former entrepreneurs who have personally built and sold businesses. Agencies.co advisors specialize specifically in marketing agency M&A. Both approaches have merit — Quiet Light offers empathetic founder-to-founder guidance, while Agencies.co brings deep, specific knowledge of agency valuation drivers, buyer behavior, and deal structures in the marketing services sector.
Content and Education
Quiet Light has built exceptional educational content through their podcast, blog, and resources. Agencies.co focuses educational content specifically on agency M&A topics — valuation multiples, preparation checklists, and buyer landscapes in the marketing services space. Sellers benefit from content that addresses their specific situation.
Business Type Focus
Quiet Light brokers a wide range of online businesses including SaaS, e-commerce, and content sites. Agencies.co focuses exclusively on marketing and communications agencies. Agency businesses have unique characteristics — retainer revenue models, creative talent considerations, client relationship dynamics — that benefit from specialized advisory.
Who Should Use Quiet Light
Quiet Light may be a better fit if you are selling a SaaS, e-commerce, or content business rather than a service agency, value the founder-to-founder advisory approach and want an advisor who has personally been through a business sale, appreciate Quiet Light’s educational content and community, or want a full-service brokerage with a broad buyer reach across online business types.
Who Should Use Agencies.co
Agencies.co is a better choice if you are selling a marketing, creative, PR, or digital agency and want advisors with deep agency-specific expertise, need a buyer network focused on agency acquirers, want transparent published pricing rather than commission-based fees, or value speed — the 90-day target close timeline reflects a structured, agency-specific process.
Pricing Comparison
Quiet Light charges commission-based fees typically in the 10-15% range, consistent with industry norms for online business brokerages. Agencies.co publishes transparent tiered pricing with multiple service levels. Both models align incentives around successful closings.
The Verdict
Quiet Light is an excellent brokerage with a strong reputation and a unique founder-focused culture. For SaaS, e-commerce, and general online businesses, they are one of the best options available. For marketing agency owners specifically, Agencies.co offers the advantage of deep agency specialization — understanding of retainer economics, creative talent valuation, and the specific buyer landscape for marketing services. If your business is a marketing agency, Agencies.co’s specialization gives you an edge in positioning and buyer matching.
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Whether you are leaning toward Agencies.co or still evaluating options, the best next step is to understand what your agency is worth. Our free valuation gives you an honest, data-driven assessment with no obligation.
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