Welcome to our insights library of articles, tools, and case studies designed to help independent marketing agency owners grow profitably. From sales strategy to operational efficiency, we cover what matters most to founders ready to scale.
Why you could be making 20% net profit but still be classed as a STANDSTILL agency…
Net profitability, often benchmarked at 20%, is a frequently used success measure for agencies. Achieving this in todays market is no mean feat, but even those that do aren’t necessarily STANDOUT agencies.
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Tracking time in an agency often sparks resistance – but without it, you are running blind. The best agencies do not see time tracking as micromanagement; they see it as a tool for smarter decisions, better pricing, and healthier teams. When done right, it prevents burnout, boosts profitability, and eliminates guesswork. If your agency is still avoiding time tracking, you are leaving money – and efficiency – on the table. Learn how to implement it the right way and turn it into your agency’s secret weapon.
The process of downsizing a team is undoubtedly daunting and emotionally taxing, but it’s a critical measure to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the agency in turbulent times.
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It’s never been more crucial for agencies to qualify new business prospects. With tighter budgets and decision-making often met with hesitance, understanding a potential client’s financial comfort level has gained importance. But a key factor when qualifying leads is also understanding if a potential client can afford our services right now.
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As a former agency owner and current advisor, I understand that implementing advice can be more challenging than formulating the right strategy.
Humans are inherently programmed to conserve energy. This trait was vital for survival during the early stages of human evolution. When food was rare, using less energy equated to a longer lifespan. Our brains are designed to find the easiest, least energy-intensive path to reach our goals. This behaviour is often misinterpreted as ‘laziness,’ but it’s actually a survival mechanism.
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Some agencies are working a 4 day week…and they don’t even know it.
The 4 day week has been adopted by many companies in the last few years. Some of my agency clients are committed to it.
There are, however, many other agencies effectively doing a 4 day week, but their owners and employees are not seeing the benefit of it. Far from it.
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Financial literacy isn’t just for the accountants. It’s for every agency owner who wants to understand their business better and set it up for long-term success.
Take the topic of Revenue Recognition. This might sound like financial jargon, but in simple terms, it’s about recognising the revenue your agency earns, at the correct time.
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Why do I have no cash?
If an agency makes less than 15% net profit and has debtor days above 45 days, as many do, it can lead to a situation where they never see the cash. Whatever comes in, soon goes back out again.
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Creative individuals often face a dilemma between pursuing work they are passionate about and meeting client demands. To grow a sustainable and profitable agency, it is crucial to strike a balance.
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