Running an SEO agency is no walk in the park. If you're past the grind of day-to-day operations, you’ve likely wondered, “How do I take this to the next level?” Scaling is not just about getting more clients; it’s about doing it smartly, without burning yourself—or your team—out.
In this blog, we’re breaking down the process of scaling your SEO agency without the fluff. Let’s get into it.
1. Find Your Niche and Stick to It
Scaling isn’t about being everything to everyone. Mike Ramsey of Nifty Marketing didn’t get his agency off the ground until he laser-focused on local SEO. At first, he offered everything from PPC to web design. But his turning point? Local SEO. He recalls, “I started putting all my energy into Google Local, and that differentiation is what got us off the ground.”
The takeaway? Find what you're great at, own it, and scale it. Don’t spread yourself thin across services you’re not passionate about or don’t have the bandwidth to execute well.
2. Hire Before You’re Ready (But Hire Right)
You’ve heard it before: “Hire slow, fire fast.” But here's the twist—hire before you feel 100% ready. Blake Denman from RicketyRoo emphasizes, “The number one thing we hire on is personality. SEO skills can be taught, but personality and culture fit? That’s a dealbreaker.”
As you scale, your team is your biggest asset. Document your processes, use the right tools (Blake swears by Asana), and make sure you’re not just hiring for the immediate need but for long-term growth.
3. Scale Smoothly with Systems
If you think scaling is just adding more clients, you're missing the bigger picture. It’s about building systems that make scaling feel seamless. “Document everything,” says Blake. Whether it’s written processes or training videos, having clear systems in place makes onboarding clients—and team members—so much easier. Without systems, you’re just building a house of cards.
4. Sales: Go Inbound, But Don’t Be Passive
Inbound marketing is great, but don't think you can sit back and wait for clients to fall into your lap. Both Mike and Blake credit inbound channels like blogging and speaking engagements for bringing in business, but it’s the consistency that counts.
Mike notes, “Sharing information—whether through blogs or conferences—is what brought us the best sales opportunities.” Don’t be passive in your approach. Be visible, engage your audience, and show them why they need your services.
5. Overcome Growing Pains: The Pipeline Problem
Blake mentioned one of his biggest mistakes early on was “relying on too few clients.” You can’t scale an agency on one big account. Keep your pipeline full—whether through content marketing, outbound efforts, or partnerships. And don’t be afraid to turn down clients who aren’t the right fit.
6. Adapt to Market Changes (Hello, COVID-19)
The world doesn’t stop for anyone. When the pandemic hit, agencies were forced to pivot quickly. Mike and Blake shared how their MRR took hits, but they doubled down on supporting their clients through tough times. In Mike’s words, “It’s about making people feel secure on a personal level, as well as a business one.” Adaptability is your best friend when scaling.
7. Network Like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does)
Blake nailed it when he said, “Sometimes you just need someone to tell you to shut up and focus.” As you scale, having a network of peers and mentors is critical. Whether it’s business advisors, mastermind groups, or even a casual Google Hangout, surrounding yourself with people who have been through the scaling process can save you time, money, and headaches.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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