How Phased Projects Can Grow Your Agency

Do You Have an Agency or a Job?

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast asks a simple question: Do you have agency or a job? Kurt and Toby discuss the nuances of building an agency and offer sustainability tips. The guys also discuss the importance of client relationships and the common pitfalls associated with growth. You’ll also find insights on apprenticeships and the mindset of a successful agency owner. It’s everything you wanted to know about growing your agency into a sellable asset! Takeaways: * Unlike a job, an agency is a sustainable entity. * Client relationships are crucial for agency growth. * Effective project management can help with billing and scope creep. * Growth does not always equate to increased profit or happiness. * Training and mentoring the next generation is vital for agency success. * Value-based pricing can lead to better agency sustainability. * Effective communication within teams enhances client service. * Building a community through local engagement can benefit your business. * Simplicity in processes can lead to better outcomes. * Agency growth often requires adding complexity. * Margin is more important than revenue for agency sustainability. Important Links: * Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas [https://manananomas.com/]  * Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! [https://themightymo.com/]  * Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen] | Toby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobycryns/]  * Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe [https://thewpminute.com/subscribe]

Lessons From One Year of Agency Action

Join Toby and Kurt as they celebrate the first anniversary of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast! The guys look back at their past conversations and the importance of listener engagement. Turning their focus to the present, they look at the common struggles agencies face when redesigning their websites and branding, emphasizing the need for clear messaging. You’ll also find thoughts on trusting experts and learning from your experiences. It’s a jam-packed episode that includes plenty of actionable advice. Takeaways: * Celebrating a year of podcasting brings reflection on growth. * Networking often involves navigating unsolicited pitches. * Agencies frequently struggle with internal branding efforts. * Trusting experts can lead to better outcomes for businesses. * Evaluating results is crucial for learning and growth. * SEO and branding can sometimes conflict in strategy. * Family time is an essential part of achieving balance. * Life interruptions happen daily and require planning around them. * Working from home offers flexibility but can lead to distractions. * Investing in the right tools is crucial for efficiency. * Procrastinating on equipment upgrades can lead to bigger problems. * Being open to change can lead to unexpected opportunities. Important Links: * Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas [https://manananomas.com/] * Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! [https://themightymo.com/] * Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen] | Toby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobycryns/] * Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe [https://thewpminute.com/subscribe]

Finding Purpose in Agency Work

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about the emotional and professional challenges of agency work. Kurt and Toby explore the importance of team dynamics, project management, and effective communication with clients. The guys emphasize the need to establish processes while maintaining flexibility, and the value of professional partnerships in finding purpose and community engagement. The goal is to examine your strengths and weaknesses, then turn them into action! Takeaways: * Agency work presents challenges that can be emotionally draining. * Look closely at your situation. You may be doing better than you think. * Agency owners have the freedom and flexibility to enact positive changes. * Our emotions can cloud our judgment when it comes to success. * Having the right perspective will help you make better decisions. * A great project manager changes businesses. * The goal of reflection is to improve your standing with clients. Important Links: * Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas [https://manananomas.com/] * Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! [https://themightymo.com/] * Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen] | Toby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobycryns/] * Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe [https://thewpminute.com/subscribe]

How Phased Projects Can Grow Your Agency

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about agency growth through project management. Kurt and Toby focus on phased launch approaches, the importance of MVPs, and the iterative nature of project management. They also explore different pricing models, the significance of client relationships, and the challenges of defining maintenance services. You’ll also get useful tidbits on the value of experience in agency work and considerations for growth and investment. It’s everything you need to go bigger and better! Takeaways: * Phased launches can help manage client expectations and project timelines. * MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) are crucial for getting projects off the ground quickly. * Iterative processes allow for continuous improvement and adaptation. * Good, better, best pricing models can enhance client engagement. * Building strong client relationships is essential for long-term success. * Industry experience can lead to better decision-making and pricing strategies. * Defining maintenance services can clarify expectations for clients. * Value-based pricing is often more effective than hourly rates. * Growth should align with personal and professional goals.  Important Links: * Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas [https://manananomas.com/] * Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! [https://themightymo.com/] * Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen] | Toby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobycryns/] * Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe [https://thewpminute.com/subscribe]

The WordPress Hosting Trap: What Agencies Get Wrong

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore the complexities of WordPress hosting. They discuss the various factors that influence the choice of hosting providers, the importance of support, and the implications of DNS management. The guys also offer guidance on upselling hosting and maintenance services, the role of AI in support, and the financial aspects of hosting services. It’s real talk about the challenges agencies face! Want to learn more about choosing the right web host? Check out The WP Minute’s free Hosting Decoded [https://thewpminute.com/course/hosting-decoded-how-to-choose-the-best-host-for-wordpress/] course. Takeaways: * Choosing a hosting provider involves evaluating performance, support, and cost. * Support options vary widely among hosting companies and impact user experience. * Upselling hosting and maintenance services can create recurring revenue for agencies. * AI in hosting support is still developing and may not meet all needs. * Cost analysis reveals that hosting maintenance can be more expensive than anticipated. * Managing plugin weight is essential for website performance. * DNS management can enhance website speed and reliability. * Agencies should be proactive in discussing hosting options with clients. Important Links: * Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas [https://manananomas.com/] * Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! [https://themightymo.com/] * Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen] | Toby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobycryns/] * Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe [https://thewpminute.com/subscribe]