91% of marketers rank lead generation as their top priority in 2025, yet most agencies hide pricing behind consultation walls while promising results they can’t guarantee. Shortlist Marketing and ObenInc both serve B2B companies but take fundamentally different approaches to generating pipeline.
Shortlist Marketing focuses exclusively on B2B lead generation with 25 years of methodology development, while ObenInc operates as a broader digital marketing agency covering PPC, SEO, and social media. Your choice between dedicated lead generation expertise versus full-service digital marketing determines which partner accelerates your growth.
For clear comparisons of services, specialization, and alternatives that provide transparent pricing for scaling B2B outbound, keep reading.
Shortlist Marketing Service Analysis
Shortlist Marketing specializes in B2B lead generation and sales growth for ambitious companies, operating for over 15 years with a proven methodology developed over 25 years. The company focuses on converting initial prospect intent into qualified opportunities for sales teams.
Core Service Portfolio
Shortlist Marketing offers targeted B2B lead generation services:
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- B2B Lead Generation: Identifying and engaging decision-makers genuinely interested in your products or services
- Lead Conversion: Converting marketing leads, website visitors, event attendees, and content downloads into qualified opportunities
- Database Optimization: Ensuring marketing databases reflect ideal target markets and prospect buying behavior
- Growth Consulting: Refining strategies, identifying opportunities, and boosting conversion rates
- Sales Process Integration: Implementing methodology fully or integrating key stages into existing sales activities
Target Market and Expertise
The company demonstrates deep expertise in the UK market, crafting targeted campaigns using email marketing, LinkedIn outreach, video, digital, and telemarketing. Their focus emphasizes quality over quantity, ensuring every lead aligns with ideal customer profiles.
Performance Claims
Shortlist Marketing states their clients typically achieve specific performance metrics:
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- 95% of appointments generated take place
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- 80% of all leads go into the sales pipeline
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- 400% average ROI generated in 2024
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- 2% bounce rate of emails
Implementation Approach
The agency works with existing marketing teams to plug specific gaps or directly with founders¹. They position themselves as becoming your go-to marketing resource for businesses lacking fully equipped internal marketing teams.
Pricing Structure
Pricing not published on site. Shortlist Marketing requires consultation to discuss customized growth strategies.
ObenInc Service Overview
ObenInc operates as a digital marketing agency helping B2B and B2B SaaS businesses scale by driving MQLs and SQLs. The company positions itself as an extension of client marketing teams, particularly for early-phase businesses finding internal teams costly.
Service Specializations
ObenInc offers three primary digital marketing services:
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- SEO Services: Driving targeted traffic through improved search engine visibility and website conversion optimization
- PPC Management: Targeted campaign management with over 10 years industry experience across businesses of all sizes
- Social Media Marketing: Bespoke strategies across Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn advertising
Client Approach and Philosophy
ObenInc considers themselves partners with clients, becoming extensions of each business they work with². Their main goal focuses on helping achieve sustainable growth through digital marketing channels.
Target Customer Profile
The agency works with B2B and B2B SaaS businesses looking to scale, launch new products into new markets, or generate consistent inbound leads and appointments. They specifically target early-phase businesses and those needing to plug specific marketing gaps.
Results and Timeline
Client testimonials mention achieving results within one-month timeframes, including ranking improvements and PPC performance that beats industry benchmarks. Specific performance metrics or guarantees not stated on site.
Investment Requirements
Pricing not published on site. ObenInc requires consultation to determine service costs and strategy development.
Service Specialization Comparison
Focus and Expertise Depth
Shortlist Marketing dedicates exclusively to B2B lead generation with 25 years of methodology development. Their singular focus enables deep expertise in converting prospects into qualified sales opportunities across multiple touchpoints.
ObenInc spreads expertise across SEO, PPC, and social media marketing for B2B companies. Their broader service portfolio appeals to businesses needing comprehensive digital marketing rather than specialized lead generation.
Methodology and Approach
Shortlist Marketing emphasizes data-driven, personalized approaches reaching key professionals within organizations. Their proven methodology converts initial intent into qualified opportunities through systematic processes.
ObenInc focuses on driving traffic and conversions through search engine visibility and paid advertising. Their approach targets sustainable growth through digital marketing channels rather than direct sales outreach.
Geographic and Market Coverage
Both agencies operate primarily in the UK market. Shortlist Marketing demonstrates specific UK market expertise for B2B lead generation. ObenInc serves B2B and SaaS businesses without specific geographic limitations stated.
Implementation Speed and Process
Onboarding and Setup Timeline
Shortlist Marketing onboarding timeline not specified on website. The company mentions working with existing teams or directly with founders but provides no specific implementation schedule.
ObenInc client testimonials reference one-month timeframes for initial results but specific onboarding processes not detailed on website.
Service Integration Requirements
Shortlist Marketing integrates with existing sales and marketing activities. They work alongside current teams or serve as primary marketing resource for businesses lacking internal capabilities.
ObenInc positions as extension of marketing teams, working with existing resources or filling specific gaps. Integration approach focuses on digital marketing channels rather than direct sales processes.
Performance Tracking and Accountability
Measurement and Reporting
Shortlist Marketing tracks appointment completion rates (95%), pipeline conversion (80%), ROI (400% average), and email deliverability (2% bounce rate). These metrics focus specifically on sales-ready lead generation outcomes.
ObenInc measurement approach not specified on website. Client testimonials mention beating industry benchmarks but specific KPIs or reporting processes not detailed.
Quality Assurance Standards
Shortlist Marketing emphasizes quality over quantity with leads aligned to ideal customer profiles. Their 25-year methodology includes systematic qualification processes.
ObenInc quality standards not specified on website. The agency mentions precision in PPC management and bespoke social media strategies but quality control processes not detailed.
RemoteAides: The Transparent Alternative
While both Shortlist Marketing and ObenInc require consultation for pricing, RemoteAides cold calling services provides transparent costs and dedicated cold calling specialists starting at €800 monthly.
Clear Service Model
RemoteAides operates “Cold Calling As A Service” with transparent specifications:
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- Dedicated Callers: Skilled, vetted cold callers matched to business needs within 7 days
- Complete Management: Sourcing, vetting, onboarding, training, and performance oversight included
- Direct Integration: Callers work in your CRM and sales stack with full visibility
- Flexible Scaling: Month-to-month contracts with 14-day cancellation notice
Quality and Vetting Process
RemoteAides accepts only the top 10% of English-speaking African talent through rigorous selection:
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- Cold Call Simulation Test: AI-scored mock calls for objection handling and fluency
- Resume Review and Video Interview: 3+ years cold calling experience verification
- One-Week Real-World Trial: Live calling with booking requirements
- Ongoing Quality Checks: Weekly reviews with performance-based caller removal
Implementation Advantages
RemoteAides matches clients with qualified callers within 7 days and gets them making dials immediately³. Unlike traditional agencies requiring consultation and custom proposals, RemoteAides provides immediate clarity on costs, timeline, and service delivery.
Cost Structure Analysis
Pricing Transparency Comparison
| Service | Pricing Published | Contract Terms | Consultation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortlist Marketing | No | Not specified | Yes |
| ObenInc | No | Not specified | Yes |
| RemoteAides | Yes – €800/month | Month-to-month | No |
Both Shortlist Marketing and ObenInc require consultation calls before revealing costs, making budget planning difficult for cash-conscious startups. This pricing opacity typically indicates higher monthly investments requiring extensive discovery processes.
Total Investment Considerations
Traditional agencies often bundle services creating higher monthly minimums. Shortlist Marketing’s comprehensive approach and ObenInc’s digital marketing services likely require significant monthly commitments to justify their consultation-based pricing models.
RemoteAides transparent €800 monthly rate per caller enables precise budget planning. The month-to-month flexibility allows testing without large upfront commitments typical of traditional agency relationships.
Service Integration and Technology
CRM and Sales Stack Compatibility
Shortlist Marketing integration capabilities not specified on website. Their approach focuses on delivering qualified leads into existing sales processes but technical integration details not published.
ObenInc technical integration approach not detailed on website. The agency focuses on digital marketing channels rather than direct CRM or sales stack integration.
RemoteAides callers work directly in your CRM, dialer, and sales stack providing complete visibility and control. If systems need setup, they provide best practice tools from partners through additional service packages.
Data Ownership and Lead Attribution
Shortlist Marketing data ownership and attribution practices not specified on website. Their lead conversion focus suggests systematic tracking but specific methodologies not published.
ObenInc data practices not detailed on website. Their digital marketing approach likely involves platform-specific analytics but lead attribution processes not specified.
RemoteAides provides complete data ownership since all calling activities log directly in client CRM systems. This eliminates attribution complexity while ensuring you own all prospect relationship data.
Decision Framework for B2B Companies
When Shortlist Marketing Makes Sense
Choose Shortlist Marketing if you need dedicated B2B lead generation expertise with proven UK market knowledge. Their 25-year methodology and focus on qualified appointment generation suit companies with strong closing capabilities but weak prospecting systems.
The agency works well for businesses wanting comprehensive lead generation across multiple channels without managing individual tactics. Their 400% average ROI claim suggests effectiveness for companies able to invest in consultation-based pricing.
When ObenInc Is Appropriate
Select ObenInc if you need broader digital marketing support beyond lead generation. Their SEO, PPC, and social media expertise suits companies requiring comprehensive online presence development rather than specialized outbound prospecting.
The agency appeals to B2B SaaS businesses needing integrated digital marketing across multiple channels. Their partnership approach works for early-phase businesses lacking complete marketing teams.
When RemoteAides Provides Optimal Value
Consider how to hire cold callers through RemoteAides if you want dedicated phone-first outbound without complex agency relationships. The €800 monthly transparency eliminates budget surprises common with consultation-based agencies.
RemoteAides works best for startups prioritizing high-conversion calling over multichannel complexity. The 7-day matching process and month-to-month flexibility reduce implementation risk compared to traditional agency commitments.
Choose RemoteAides for expanding into new geographies or verticals with specialized caller selection and messaging support for fast market entry.
Geographic and Market Considerations
UK Market Expertise
Shortlist Marketing demonstrates specific UK market expertise with deep understanding of B2B buyer behavior. Their 15+ years serving UK companies provides local market insights valuable for domestic expansion.
ObenInc operates in the UK market serving B2B and SaaS businesses but specific local expertise not detailed on website. Client testimonials suggest UK experience but market specialization not emphasized.
RemoteAides provides global coverage with callers who align to any target timezone including UK business hours. Their expansion support helps companies enter new geographic markets quickly.
Industry Specialization Depth
Shortlist Marketing serves ambitious B2B companies across industries with their universal lead generation methodology. Industry-specific expertise not detailed on website.
ObenInc industry specialization not specified on website. Client testimonials span motoring assistance, car sharing, and software sectors but vertical expertise not emphasized.
RemoteAides callers have experience across SaaS, fintech, logistics, real estate, healthcare, and more with industry-specific matching during vetting.
Technology and Channel Strategy
Channel Focus and Effectiveness
Shortlist Marketing uses email marketing, LinkedIn outreach, video, digital, and telemarketing for B2B lead generation. Their multichannel approach aims to reach decision-makers through multiple touchpoints.
ObenInc focuses on digital marketing channels including search, social, and paid advertising. Their approach targets inbound lead generation through online visibility rather than direct outreach.
Outbound leads generated through tactics like cold calls, emails, and direct mail achieve just a 1.7% close rate on average, highlighting the importance of choosing focused approaches over scattered multichannel efforts.
Personalization and Message Quality
Shortlist Marketing emphasizes personalized approaches reaching key professionals but specific personalization methods not detailed. Their focus on quality over quantity suggests customized messaging.
ObenInc personalization approach not specified on website. Their digital marketing focus suggests audience targeting through platform capabilities rather than individual message customization.
RemoteAides emphasizes real discovery and qualification over pitch-slapping, ensuring meetings are booked only with ready-to-buy prospects³. Their approach prioritizes relationship-building conversations over scripted presentations³.
Performance Measurement and ROI
Success Metrics and Tracking
Shortlist Marketing provides specific performance benchmarks including 95% appointment completion, 80% pipeline conversion, and 400% average ROI. These metrics focus on qualified appointment generation and sales pipeline impact.
ObenInc performance metrics not specified on website. Client testimonials mention beating industry benchmarks and achieving results within one month but specific KPIs not detailed.
Accountability and Quality Control
Shortlist Marketing quality control processes not detailed on website. Their performance claims suggest systematic measurement but specific accountability measures not published.
ObenInc accountability measures not specified on website. The agency mentions thorough approaches and reliable delivery but quality control specifics not detailed.
RemoteAides provides ongoing quality checks with weekly reviews and performance-based caller removal. Poor performers are eliminated from their database ensuring consistent quality without client intervention.
Alternative Comparison Summary
Service Breadth vs. Specialization
| Provider | Primary Focus | Service Breadth | UK Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortlist Marketing | B2B lead generation | Lead gen only | 15+ years UK market |
| ObenInc | Digital marketing | SEO, PPC, social | UK operations |
| RemoteAides | Cold calling | Phone-first outbound | Global with UK hours |
Contract and Pricing Transparency
Shortlist Marketing and ObenInc both require consultations before revealing costs, creating budget uncertainty for startups managing cash flow. RemoteAides provides transparent €800 monthly pricing with flexible month-to-month contracts.
Implementation and Results Timeline
Shortlist Marketing implementation timeline not specified. ObenInc mentions one-month result timeframes. RemoteAides provides fastest deployment with 7-day caller matching and immediate dial capability.
Choosing Based on Business Stage and Needs
Early-Stage Startup Considerations
Early-stage companies need predictable costs and rapid implementation to test outbound viability. 58% of B2B marketers report that generating high-quality leads is their biggest challenge, yet most agencies require extensive consultation processes before starting work.
RemoteAides transparent pricing and 14-day cancellation notice enable low-risk testing for startups validating product-market fit. Their dedicated phone-first approach concentrates limited resources on highest-converting outreach methods.
Established Business Requirements
Companies with proven product-market fit may benefit from Shortlist Marketing’s comprehensive B2B lead generation methodology. Their 25-year approach and UK market expertise suit businesses ready for systematic lead generation investment.
ObenInc’s digital marketing breadth appeals to companies needing SEO, PPC, and social media support beyond lead generation. Their partnership approach works for businesses requiring comprehensive online presence development.
Growth Stage Optimization
Scaling companies need systems that grow with team expansion. Traditional agencies often require renegotiation and restructuring as volume increases.
RemoteAides allows scaling from one to multiple callers with predictable per-caller costs. Their month-to-month flexibility enables rapid team expansion or contraction based on pipeline needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Shortlist Marketing and ObenInc pricing models actually compare?
Neither agency publishes pricing on their websites, both requiring consultation calls to discuss costs. Shortlist Marketing focuses on B2B lead generation ROI while ObenInc emphasizes digital marketing channel performance, but actual investment requirements remain unclear without direct contact. RemoteAides provides transparent €800 monthly pricing per caller, enabling immediate budget planning.
What’s the main difference between these agencies’ approaches to lead generation?
Shortlist Marketing specializes exclusively in B2B lead generation with 25 years of methodology development, focusing on converting prospects into qualified appointments. ObenInc operates as a broader digital marketing agency covering SEO, PPC, and social media for inbound lead generation. The choice depends on whether you need specialized outbound expertise or comprehensive digital marketing support.
Which service provides faster implementation for startups needing immediate results?
Implementation timelines aren’t specified on Shortlist Marketing or ObenInc websites, though ObenInc testimonials mention one-month result timeframes. RemoteAides provides the fastest deployment with 7-day caller matching and immediate dial capability, plus month-to-month flexibility for testing outbound approaches without long-term risk.
How do these services handle quality control and performance accountability?
Shortlist Marketing claims 95% appointment completion and 400% average ROI but doesn’t detail quality control processes. ObenInc mentions beating industry benchmarks but doesn’t specify accountability measures. RemoteAides publishes their complete vetting process accepting only top 10% of candidates with ongoing performance-based caller removal.
Which option works best for UK companies expanding into new markets?
Shortlist Marketing demonstrates specific UK market expertise and works across multiple touchpoints for domestic expansion. ObenInc serves UK B2B companies but geographic expansion capabilities aren’t detailed. RemoteAides explicitly helps companies expand into new geographies with specialized caller selection and messaging support for fast market entry.
