Episode 84 – Seb Mackay – Soba: Private Label

Episode 24 - Mike Coleman - Channable

Summary In this conversation, Chris Simmance interviews Mike, an account executive from Channable [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecolemandigital/], a multi-channel e-commerce platform. They discuss the importance of being data-driven in the agency world and how Channable helps agencies optimize their performance. Mike emphasizes the need for agencies to constantly innovate and stay ahead of the competition. He also highlights the value of Channable's features, such as feed management, PPC automation, and image editing. The conversation touches on the challenges agencies face, the importance of data analysis, and the benefits of being part of Channable's agency partner program. Takeaways Being data-driven is crucial for agencies to succeed in the e-commerce industry. Channable offers a range of features, including feed management, PPC automation, and image editing, to help agencies optimize their performance. Innovation and staying ahead of the competition are key factors for agency success. Channable's agency partner program provides additional benefits, such as exclusive events and co-marketing opportunities. Agencies need to constantly analyze data and make data-driven decisions to improve client performance and retain clients. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Channable 02:50 The Importance of Being Data-Driven 07:57 Channable's Features for Performance Optimization 12:14 Innovation and Staying Ahead of the Competition 21:29 Articulating Data and Making Data-Driven Decisions

Epsiode 85 - Ollie Heum - Creative Director, Prospa

Summary Ollie Heum, the Creative Director of Prosper, a growth agency based in Manchester, discusses his journey in the agency and shares insights on managing and growing a business. He emphasizes the importance of finding a niche and being passionate about it, as well as the value of having a clear vision and effective communication within the team. Ollie also highlights the shift from focusing solely on running ads to taking a holistic approach and solving problems for clients. The conversation touches on topics such as operational management, onboarding processes, and the benefits of using tools like ClickUp. Takeaways Find a niche that you are passionate about and double down on it. Having a clear vision and effective communication within the team is crucial for success. Shift from focusing solely on running ads to taking a holistic approach and solving problems for clients. Use tools like ClickUp to streamline operational management and improve communication and efficiency. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sunny Spirits 04:01 Successes and Lessons Learned 06:09 Advice for Younger Self 08:52 Supporting Each Other as Founders 09:50 Regrets and Key Business Practices 12:27 Operational Management with ClickUp 15:21 The Importance of Onboarding and Communication 16:21 Advice for Starting an Agency 19:26 Closing Remarks

Episode 21 - Harry Sanders - Studiohawk

Summary In this conversation, Chris Simmance interviews Harry Sanders, the founder of StudioHawk, an SEO agency. They discuss the differences in the SEO landscape between the UK, Australia, and the US, with a focus on digital PR. Harry shares his insights on the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of focusing on your zone of genius, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He also talks about his personal growth as a leader and his involvement in philanthropic endeavors. The conversation ends with a discussion on the future plans for StudioHawk in each market. Keywords SEO, digital PR, scaling a business, leadership, philanthropy Takeaways The SEO landscape is fairly similar globally, but there are some differences in specific areas like digital PR. Scaling a business requires strategic thinking, focusing on your zone of genius, and adapting to industry trends. Leaders should prioritize personal growth, philanthropy, and making a positive impact. StudioHawk is focused on expanding in the UK, building a presence in the US, and solidifying its position in Australia. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 06:19 Scaling a Business and Challenges 10:48 Future Plans for StudioHawk Sound Bites "The UK is a lot further ahead on things like digital PR... Australia is still learning what the hell DPR is." "Who cares about the facts when you get a backlink?" "To get from one level of growth to the next is almost twice as hard."

Episode 22 - Patrick Hathaway - Sitebulb

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

Episode 84 – Seb Mackay – Soba: Private Label

Summary Seb from Soba Private Label shares his journey from being an in-house marketer to starting his own agency. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to agency life and the importance of positioning and copy for agencies. Seb also shares the lessons he has learned in the first year of running his agency and offers advice for those starting their own agency. He emphasizes the need for cash flow, watertight contracts, and direct debits. Seb also highlights the importance of seeking support and advice from the startup community and the value of productized services. He concludes by sharing his vision for the future of Soba Private Label. Takeaways Transitioning from in-house marketer to agency owner can be challenging, but it offers new opportunities for growth and learning. Positioning and copy are crucial for agencies to differentiate themselves and attract the right clients. Having a productized service with its own brand can make it easier to sell and deliver tangible results to clients. Qualifying leads and finding the right fit is essential for agency success and long-term client relationships. Seeking support and advice from the startup community can provide valuable insights and help navigate the challenges of running an agency. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:07 Transition from In-house Marketer to Agency Owner 04:22 Soba Private Label: Positioning and Copy for Agencies 05:19 Lessons Learned in the First Year of the Agency 07:19 Advice for Starting an Agency 09:17 Seeking Support and Advice from the Startup Community 11:08 The Importance of Productized Services 13:21 The Challenge of Delivering Invisible Services 14:19 Qualifying Leads and Finding the Right Fit 19:33 The Future Vision for Soba Private Label