Building a New Agency 

What does it take to build a successful digital marketing practice? In the next 10 minutes you will learn from top agencies and top industry leaders, what they believe are the most important pillars for growth. 

Think about what these top leaders are teaching, sharing and giving real advise based on real experience. 

John Rampton is a very well respected online marketing guru, author, and success story in taking startups to Main Street. Recently, the Entrepreneur Magazine named him #2 in the Top 50 Online Influencers in the World. He is a “connector” that believes in the “Greater Good.” 

8 Ways to Build a Digital Marketing Agency

The Forbes article can be found here.

From the years of experience and mistakes that were made trying to build a successful digital agency, John Rampton shares 8 ideas to think about and to keep front and center everyday. 

#1 Sometimes it’s best to start with one product

Full service agencies, all in one agencies are tough to scale due to capital requirements and creative resources stretched to thin. He admits this was his first mistake and states that the agency and or people should find what they do best and focus on that specifically. 

The agency needs focus and specialization so that the firm can be the “go-to” provider and known within the industry its marketing to. 

#2 Know Your Numbers 

Clarity in knowing what its takes to reach your goals. Knowing the exact cost to sell, service, support and deliver the product or service. If you don’t know the numbers, or understand the numbers inside out, “You are flying blind as a CEO.” 

#3 Process Behind Everything

Procedures and policies are needed at every step of any agency. Scaling globally and or building locally requires systems that people understand and can follow on a daily basis. Collaboration, workflow are all about how and when to use the best tools provided and systematize everything. Provide the right type of support and infrastructure to the team. 

#4 Sales Trumps Everything

The founder / CEO will always have the sales switch turned on. Founders have a deep passion for the business and the success of the business. John Rampton states your in the best position to sell so always be in that mind set. 

#5 Avoid Complacency 

Once you start seeing success, learn to never take your foot off the gas. Keep the machine on high speed and full power. Agency life is tough because clients demand and expect performance. To maintain the client trust factor, there is a tremendous amount of work involved to provide creative services and technology that measure correctly and reported. 

Complacency can easily creep into the agency which impacts everything. Deadlines and daily stress can cause team stress and fatigue. The CEO has to show strength in team unity to get the work done and on the right path. 

#6 Hire the Right People

Skills can be taught but personality and work ethic don’t change. Look for the people you will enjoy working with. As the CEO don’t take the ups and downs personally. Its the DNA within every agency. Find people who can solve problems and always looking for the solutions. If you're not creating problems and solving them you are not growing. 

#7 Seize Every Opportunity to Network

“You have no idea where your next big deal is coming from.” 

Get out from behind your computer and interact and socialize with people that are within your reach. Attend trade shows, networking shows and be social. Your business can not grow if your business is not known. Keep your eyes open for that opportunity right in front of you. 

#8 Don’t forget to promote and brand yourself

Speaking at events about what your business is learning is very smart way to enter your industries of focus. Always take time to build your brand your company and what you love the most about it. 

Summary: 

I have read about a zillion articles in our digital marketing space. I really feel John Rampton nailed this topic and opportunity to create a simple 8 point guide for the new CEO startups and even veteran leaders that need and want continued advise. As I read each one of John's points, I could identify where I have missed the mark in building businesses, failed at several items listed within his report. I feel these 8 are the small but powerful building blocks that our team will follow and consider valuable as we grow.

Thank you John. 

David Clemons 

CEO Push360.com