Comparison
MBA vs consultant vs agency vs DIY
Same goal, four very different paths. Here is the honest comparison.
| Criterion | Master Brand Audit | Brand Consultant | Marketing Agency | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | Instant audit, 24-48h build | 4-8 weeks | 6-12 weeks | Ongoing, never finished |
| Typical price | Free audit, $3,500 full build | $10,000-$50,000 | $5,000+/month | Your time |
| Fortune 500 benchmarking | Built in, all 11 dimensions | Varies by consultant | Rarely | No |
| Deliverables you can use | Ready-to-publish copy and assets | Strategy deck | Campaign assets | Whatever you make |
| Implementation | Optional Done For You by Tappmedia | Not included | Included at retainer cost | You do it |
| Ongoing content | 12-month brand content plan | No | Yes, at monthly cost | You write it |
| AI assistant on your site | Website + Agentic AI | No | Rarely | No |
| Human review | Donald Tapper on every deliverable | Yes | Account manager | None |