The Digital Agency Growth Podcast Why Smart Agencies Are Choosing Retainers Over Projects with David Brecount
Apr 15, 2025
David Brecount, CEO and co-founder of US Digital Partners, shares insights from over 22 years of agency experience. He discusses why his agency transitioned from project-based work to retainers, emphasizing consistency and long-term relationships. Brecount highlights the need for genuine human connections in a busy, AI-driven world and reveals strategies for selling strategy, not just deliverables. He also examines how adapting to economic uncertainty requires embracing technology while fostering client trust.
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Founding US Digital Partners
- David Brecount started US Digital Partners after being furloughed during the dot-com bust and 9/11 period.
- He embraced building an agency "one client at a time, one project at a time" which evolved over 23 years.
Agency Milestones Matter
- Key milestones for an agency include economic shifts, technology waves, and financial benchmarks.
- Adaptation to changes like smartphones, social media, and AI is crucial for longevity.
Focus on Mid-Market Clients
- Target mid-market clients ($10M-$70M revenue) who need marketing help and value recurring work.
- Avoid relying on large projects with big clients as they cause rollercoaster swings in agency business.
