What is an AI agency?
An AI agency helps businesses implement AI — from initial strategy to a working solution in production. This is what an AI agency does exactly, what it costs and when you bring one in.
Definition
Een AI agency An AI agency is a specialised company that guides other organisations in selecting, building and implementing artificial intelligence. An AI agency combines strategic advice with actual technical construction — from initial analysis to working AI in production. For SMEs this typically means: a working AI Agent in 6-8 weeks, integrated with existing software such as Exact Online, AFAS or HubSpot.
What does an AI agency do?
An AI agency takes responsibility for the complete AI implementation journey. This is what distinguishes an AI agency from a consultant (who only gives advice) or a software development agency (which only builds). An agency does both and more:
- 1
Process analysis
Mapping where AI adds the most value in your business. Which processes are repetitive, time-consuming, error-prone? Which knowledge is untapped?
- 2
Strategy and roadmap
Making concrete choices: which AI tools, which architecture, which priority? Including realistic ROI calculation and timeline.
- 3
Build and integration
Actually building the AI Agents and connecting to existing software: Exact Online, AFAS, HubSpot, Salesforce, Microsoft 365, etc.
- 4
Training and handover
Teaching employees to work with the AI. Documentation, governance, next steps. So you don't remain dependent on the agency.
AI agency vs AI consultant vs building in-house
| Approach | What you get | Timeline | Costs (SME) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI agency | Strategy + build + integration + training | 6-8 weeks | €5,000-€25,000 |
| AI consultant | Advice and strategy only | 2-4 weeks | €2,500-€10,000 |
| Building in-house | Full control, but a lot of work | 6-12 months | €150,000+ |
When do you bring in an AI agency?
- You want to deploy AI but don't have an internal AI team
- You've tried to build it yourself and got stuck
- You want quick results (within 8 weeks) without investing 6-12 months
- You want certainty about GDPR compliance and EU hosting
- You need specific integrations with business software (Exact, AFAS, HubSpot)
- You want to start small first and only scale after proven results
How do you choose the right AI agency?
Four criteria that make the difference between a good and a mediocre AI agency:
- Proven experience Proven experience in your sector or with comparable businesses — ask for concrete case studies
- Integrations Integrations with your existing software — no integration = no working solution
- GDPR compliance GDPR compliance and EU hosting — required for customer data in the EU
- Transparent pricing Transparent pricing models without hidden costs — ask for a fixed price per phase
Looking for an AI agency for SMEs?
UnifyAI is an AI agency specialising in SMEs and growing organisations. Strategy, build and implementation — live in 6-8 weeks. GDPR-compliant, EU hosting, integration with Exact Online, AFAS and HubSpot.
Questions about AI agencies
What is an AI agency?
An AI agency is a specialised company that helps other organisations select, build and implement AI solutions. An AI agency combines strategic advice, technical construction and integration with existing software. For SMEs this means: from initial analysis to working AI Agent in production, usually in 6-8 weeks.
What is the difference between an AI agency and an AI consultant?
An AI consultant only gives advice. An AI agency advises and builds and implements. An agency takes responsibility for the entire journey: strategy, software development, integration with existing systems (Exact Online, AFAS, HubSpot) and employee training. A consultant often only delivers a report.
What exactly does an AI agency do?
An AI agency does four things: (1) analysis of business processes to see where AI adds value, (2) selection of the right AI tools and architecture, (3) build and integration with existing software, (4) training of the team so they can work with it. Specifically for SMEs this often means: building AI Agents for invoicing, customer service, lead follow-up or recruitment.
When do you bring in an AI agency?
Bring in an AI agency when: (1) you want to deploy AI but don't have an internal team, (2) you've tried to build it yourself and got stuck, (3) you want quick results without investing 6-12 months in internal staff, (4) you want certainty about GDPR compliance and EU hosting.
What does an AI agency cost?
Standard AI implementations at AI agencies typically cost €5,000-€25,000 per project, custom builds €25,000-€75,000. At UnifyAI the rates are lower: an advisory programme costs €1,000-€5,000, a working AI Agent from €2,500 (bespoke €5,000-€15,000) and hosting €50-€200+ per agent/month. An average SME project starts around €7,500 including integration and training, with a payback period of 3-6 months.
How do you choose the right AI agency?
Look at four criteria: (1) proven experience in your sector or with comparable businesses, (2) integrations with your existing software (Exact Online, AFAS, HubSpot etc.), (3) GDPR compliance and EU hosting, (4) transparent pricing model without hidden costs. Always ask for concrete case studies and honest ROI examples.
Does an AI agency only work for large companies?
No. UnifyAI focuses on SMEs — from small teams to larger organisations. Starting from €2,500; a custom AI Agent can be live within 2-4 weeks, without a large IT department.
How long does an AI implementation take via an agency?
Standard AI Agents (such as invoice automation or a customer service bot) are live in 2-4 weeks. Custom builds with integration to multiple systems take 6-8 weeks. Full company-wide AI transformations take 3-6 months. Most SME projects are live within 8 weeks.