...𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴. 𝗔 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁

In this episode Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, talks to Krystian MD at RobotZebra and we discuss growing from Freelance to Agency and how that was done. Faster or slower, what is the key?

Summary Patrick, the co-founder and CEO of Sitebulb, discusses the value of Sitebulb for SEO agencies and the importance of clear explanations in audits. He highlights the need for efficiency and proactivity in agencies and the benefits of Sitebulb's prioritization feature. Patrick also shares a funny feature request and emphasizes the importance of effective communication in agencies. He concludes by discussing the challenges of overcoming switching costs and the need for agencies to adapt and choose the right tools. Takeaways Sitebulb is a website auditing tool designed to make audits easier and more efficient for SEO agencies. Clear explanations and prioritization are crucial in audits to help agencies communicate effectively with clients and developers. Efficiency and proactivity are key traits of successful agencies, and Sitebulb helps agencies achieve these goals. Effective communication, both within the agency and with clients, is essential for implementing audit recommendations and improving websites. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Elevator Pitch 03:01 Sitebulb's Value for SEO Agencies 04:12 Sitebulb's Focus on Website Audits 06:04 The Importance of Clear Explanations in Audits 07:25 Training and Communication in Agencies 09:08 Efficiency and Proactivity in Agencies 10:43 The Tangible Benefits of Sitebulb 11:43 Weirdest or Funniest Feature Request 13:08 Prioritization and Efficiency in Website Audits 14:54 Choosing the Right Rabbit Hole in Audits 15:48 Effective Communication in Agencies 20:08 Overcoming Switching Costs in Agencies 23:06 Adapting and Choosing the Right Tools

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Ginny Nicholls from Interim Digital on the digital agency podcast, delving into the transformative world of agency growth through external partnerships. They explore the unique model of Interim Digital, a collective of seasoned agency freelancers, and its mission to bolster agencies with senior-level support on demand. The conversation illuminates the evolving agency landscape, highlighting the strategic advantage of integrating freelance expertise to enhance capacity and skill sets without the commitment of full-time hires. Nicholls shares insights on the genesis of Interim Digital, born from a blend of agency experience and freelance flexibility, aiming to bridge the gap between agencies and high-calibre freelancers. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering successful collaborations, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit, communication, and mutual respect to unlock a synergy that propels agency growth and innovation.

Summary In this podcast episode, Chris Simmance interviews Mark Colgan, an agency advisor and partner, about his experience in B2B sales and marketing. Mark shares his insights on building a pipeline and seeing results, as well as the value of working with agencies. He emphasizes the importance of onboarding and communication with clients, and highlights the need for agency owners to have confidence in their services and selling abilities. Mark also discusses his opinions on AI copywriting tools and the misconception of needing a high volume of leads. Overall, the conversation provides valuable advice and lessons for agency owners. Takeaways Understanding the ideal customer profile is crucial for building a pipeline. Focus on the closest opportunities in the pipeline and follow up with past business. The handover process and onboarding experience can make a significant impact on client satisfaction. Confidence in selling and the service being offered is key to success. Beware of the misconception that a high volume of leads is necessary for agency growth.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Trenton Moss from Team Sterka in a captivating podcast episode. Moss, celebrating two decades of agency experience, shares his journey from founding and growing his own UX agency to its eventual acquisition. He candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of agency life, including a significant revenue uplift from a successful client leadership program he implemented. This program, focusing on emotional intelligence and client engagement, not only enhanced revenue but also fostered a flourishing agency culture. Post-acquisition, Trenton found his niche in addressing a common agency problem - client leadership - through his new venture, Team Sterka. He elaborates on the importance of agencies having a clear, ambitious vision and the ability to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. The conversation delves into the nuances of agency dynamics, the significance of long-term strategic planning over short-term gains, and the critical role of unique value propositions in standing out in the 'blue ocean' of the industry.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Alexis Wilkie, associate director at herd digital, a recruitment agency specialising in digital marketing. In their insightful conversation, they reminisce about their long-standing professional relationship and delve into the intricacies of the recruitment world. Alexis sheds light on the evolving landscape of digital marketing roles, the reasons why people change jobs, and the importance of treating employees with respect. Drawing from his extensive experience, Alexis emphasises the value of open communication between recruiters and agencies and shares his perspective on what makes an agency stand out in the competitive market. The discussion offers a candid look into the dynamics of hiring in the digital space and the factors that influence career progression.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Paul Muggeridge-Breene, an agency advisor, coach, and mentor, about the challenges and nuances of running and growing agencies. With a rich background in journalism and having co-founded a digital content agency, Paul discusses the importance of strong leadership, financial management, and the ability to adapt and delegate as agencies scale. He shares his insights on the uniqueness of agency founders and the pivotal moments when agency leaders recognize the need to operate their agencies with the precision and dedication of any serious business. Paul emphasizes the necessity of having a clear vision, understanding the numbers, and developing a culture that nurtures growth and change. They delve into the critical hurdles agencies face, especially around the £1 million income mark, and the journey towards successful leadership. Chris and Paul also explore the value of having a trusted person to bounce ideas off, ensuring agency founders don't navigate the complex agency landscape in isolation.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Debra Spurway, business owner and HR specialist at The HR Dept, about the challenges and necessities of modern HR for businesses. The conversation delves into the importance of correct employment documentation, advice for navigating complex HR situations, and fostering a positive company culture. Debra emphasises the vital role of HR in shaping business growth and employee well-being, moving away from its traditional 'firing department' reputation. They explore the complexities of expectation management and the significance of proactive HR strategies for successful agencies.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Nate Burke, the founder and CEO of Degenius. Delving into Nate's journey from selling garden gnomes in the US to becoming a significant player in the digital arena, they discuss the evolution of online marketing, from penny clicks to the dominance of tech giants. Degenius was born out of a need to help businesses navigate the complex world of online advertising. Recognising the expertise of digital agencies, Degenius collaborates closely with them, providing tools and insights to improve their online performance. Furthermore, Nate shares how Degenius's strong partnership with Microsoft has cemented their role in aiding over 600 agencies globally. Their chat reveals the challenges and nuances of PPC campaigns and the role of agencies in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Josh Peacock from SEO for Hire, delving into the world of SEO recruitment and the nuances of building effective SEO teams. Based in Manchester, Josh highlights the unique approach of his company, which exclusively focuses on SEO recruitment. He emphasises the importance of a rigorous vetting process, backed by industry giants, ensuring that every candidate they recommend is top-tier. Josh also touches on the significance of understanding company culture, the value of career roadmaps, and the need for agencies to invest more in their SEO teams. With insights into the future trends of SEO teams and the importance of hands-on learning, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the ever-evolving landscape of SEO recruitment.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Gareth Hoyle in a thought-provoking conversation revolving around their experiences in the field of digital marketing and SEO. Gareth Hoyle, having founded a business for manual link building and transitioned into developing innovative reporting tools, shares an insider view on navigating the industry. Their discussion dives deep into topics like the creation of Hoyle's reporting tool Coveragely, which aims to make digital PR and link building reports more visually engaging and comprehensible. Hoyle also speaks on the necessity of understanding the work at hand for any successful collaboration with agencies. Throughout the podcast, the duo emphasise the significance of building meaningful connections and creating relatable, shareable content. They also discuss the intricacies of ranking metrics, agency-client relationships, and the common misconceptions that hinder SEO success."

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with legal aficionado, Steve Kuncewicz, in an enlightening discussion about the intersection of law and creativity within the agency landscape. Steve imparts his wisdom on how he aids agencies in their growth and sustainability through his expertise in legal matters. The podcast takes listeners through insightful conversations around the importance of having non-disclosure agreements during pitches, maintaining strong contracts, and the often overlooked art of managing legal affairs within an agency. Steve reveals his admiration for the ‘creative alchemy’ of agency life, touching upon the exciting challenges that come with shifting industry trends, such as the impending death of the first-party cookie. This episode also provides an exploration into the critical role collaboration plays in agency success, underpinned by the necessity of having robust legal support to navigate an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Joe Davies, the co-founder of FatJoe, a platform providing outsourcing services to agencies primarily for link building and content creation. Born out of frustration with existing outsourcing solutions, Joe and his team envisioned a platform that simplifies the process of ordering services, offers reliable delivery times, and provides excellent customer service. Today, FatJoe has a full-time team of about a hundred writers and has built relationships with bloggers across various industries, continually expanding their outreach. Besides link building and content creation, they offer services such as video production, press releases, HARO, business citations, and infographic design. Reflecting on his journey, Joe appreciates the diversity of agencies he gets to work with and admires how many have adapted to become leaner, often outsourcing deliverables while keeping strategy in-house.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with agency advisor Alpa Shingadia in an animated and deeply insightful conversation. Alpa shares her intriguing backstory, beginning as a political refugee from Kenya to ultimately founding and directing a successful marketing agency. Alpa recounts the unusual circumstances that led her into the agency world, revealing how entrepreneurial instincts can emerge from the most unexpected places. She emphasizes the importance of business development and converting leads in agency work, citing common areas where agencies falter. From one-night-stand client strategies to retro marketing methods, Alpa provides actionable advice and thought-provoking insights. This episode is a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and industry acumen, offering listeners a fresh perspective on navigating the agency landscape.

Our second live podcast, this time in the lovely Foundry Project in Manchester. Our panel was a mix of Agency Leaders and OMG Partners, emparting great knowledge bombs.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Rachael Marshall, the dynamic founder of Magic Digits, a specialised financial service for creative agencies. This insightful dialogue unearths Marshall's journey from a finance controller in the creative sector to establishing Magic Digits during her maternity leave, outlining the challenges and triumphs she faced. Together, they delve into how Magic Digits assists small to medium-sized agencies in PR, marketing and branding sectors, to navigate their financial landscapes confidently, addressing cashflow issues and managing profit and loss statements to bolster growth. The conversation highlights key financial issues that many agencies face, including the imbalance of staff costs versus fees, over-servicing of clients, and financial foresight. Furthermore, Simmance and Marshall illuminate the importance of understanding the financial dimension of strategy, from hiring costs to investing at the right time, to bring about stability and growth in a fluctuating business environment. Their candid chat provides both a compelling account of Marshall's career journey and invaluable advice for agencies looking to take their businesses to the next level.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Bella Hegarty, a prominent client experience and operations consultant from Andorra. In their insightful dialogue, Bella shares her journey from the travel and hospitality industry to agency advising, along with her unique approach for aiding agency founders in improving their operations, client experience, and profitability. They discuss Bella's signature framework, the 'five-star feedback loop', and how it helps agency leaders manage the whirlwind of expectations and demands in the industry. Bella’s key aim is to allow founders to take a step back from day-to-day operations and focus on growing their business. This candid conversation traverses the joys, rewards, and occasional frustrations Bella encounters while helping agencies navigate the complexities of growth. Listen in to gain a fresh perspective on enhancing agency processes for better client retention and overall business success.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Rhys Wynne, a proficient freelance WordPress and PHP developer with over 15 years of commercial experience. In a deep dive into the world of WordPress, they discuss Rhys’ passion for video gaming, his journey from SEO agency roles to independent freelancing, and the value he brings to both agencies and companies requiring WordPress support and maintenance. Rhys shares insights into his decision to go freelance and his reputation as a troubleshooting expert in moments of crisis. The conversation also explores his experiences working with diverse agencies, the advantages and challenges of such collaborations, and the importance of transparency and clear communication in these relationships. A compelling listen for anyone keen to understand the intricate nuances of WordPress development and the life of a freelance developer.

Chris Simmance, The Agency Accelerator, speaks with Anthony in this podcast episode. They discuss the importance of branding and finding one's voice in the agency world. Anthony shares his journey from studying print in Canada to becoming an SEO copywriter and eventually starting his own agency focused on B2B LinkedIn content. He emphasizes the need for agencies to embrace a more human and engaging approach in their marketing, breaking down long-form content into digestible pieces for platforms like LinkedIn. Anthony also highlights the value of collaboration and authenticity in agency-client relationships. Overall, the conversation explores the power of branding, the significance of content creation, and the potential of LinkedIn as a platform for meaningful engagement

In this insightful podcast episode, Chris Simmance, from The Agency Accelerator, converses with Lulu, the Chief Growth Officer of Binumi, a company that has redefined video collaboration and distribution. Lulu explains how Bin You Me came to be from its origins in National Geographic's need for video content to an all-in-one video platform that empowers users to create, repurpose, and distribute video content efficiently. She discusses how agencies can utilize this tool for their clients to produce a high volume of videos daily across multiple departments, becoming a new revenue stream. Lulu's experience working with agencies shines through as she outlines how successful agencies adhere to clear growth strategies over several years, emphasizes the importance of adaptability, and suggests that the potential for growth is substantial when the right strategic decisions are made. The discussion culminates with Lulu sharing her belief that clarity of vision, set rules, and repetitive actions lead to business excellence.