The Digital Agency Growth Podcast

What does it take to scale, sell, and sustain a thriving agency? As an agency owner, finding the right balance between structure and creativity can be a challenge. Spencer Gallagher, founder of Cactus and co-author of Agencynomics, joins us this week to share his insights on scaling agencies, building long-term value, and navigating the ever-changing industry landscape. Spencer dives into the importance of treating your agency as an asset, leveraging data and AI, and understanding how top agencies position themselves for acquisition.This week, episode 249 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about scaling smarter, increasing agency value, and staying ahead in the evolving digital landscape!Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode, Spencer Gallagher shares the key factors that separate agencies that successfully exit from those that don’t—and how to build a business that buyers actually want. He also breaks down the biggest shifts happening in the agency world and how owners can adapt to thrive.Spencer Gallagher is the founder of Cactus, a consulting firm specializing in helping agencies scale and prepare for acquisition. He built and sold his own agency, Blue Halo, and now advises agency owners on growth, operations, and maximizing business value.In this episode, Dan and Spencer discuss:The #1 mistake agency owners make when scaling—and how to avoid it.Why data and AI-driven agencies are in high demand.How to structure your agency for long-term growth and a successful exit.The future of agency business models and why adaptability is key.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH SPENCER GALLAGHER:LinkedInCactus AgencynomicsCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales SchemaStop relying on unpredictable referrals and take control of your agency's future growth. Go to salesschema.com/takecharge to access the free training now. 

The proposal process can be one of the biggest bottlenecks for agencies, leading to lost deals, scope creep, and unnecessary stress. Joe Ardeeser, founder of Smart Pricing Table, joins us to share how agencies can streamline proposals, close deals faster, and maximize profitability. Joe covers how agencies can eliminate inefficiencies, standardize their pricing, and leverage upsells to maximize every opportunity. This week, episode 248 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is all about optimizing your proposal process and closing deals faster!Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Joe Ardeeser shares insights on how agencies can improve their proposal workflows, reduce wasted time, and increase conversions by creating structured, client-friendly proposals that sell.Joe Ardeeser is a former agency owner with over 12 years of experience working with brands like Bluetooth, Scantron, and T-Mobile. Now, as the founder of Smart Pricing Table, he’s helping agencies revolutionize their sales process with interactive proposal software designed for efficiency and profitability.In this episode, Dan and Joe discuss the following:The biggest mistakes agencies make with proposals—and how to fix themHow to create a sales catalog to speed up and standardize your pricingThe power of upsells and add-ons to increase deal size effortlesslyWhy proposal review meetings can significantly boost your close rateThank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Let us know your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH JOE ARDEER:LinkedInSmart Pricing Table websiteFree GuideCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales SchemaStop relying on unpredictable referrals and take control of your agency's future growth. Go to salesschema.com/takecharge to access the free training now. Stop relying on unpredictable referrals and take control of your agency's future growth. Go to salesschema.com/takecharge to access the free training now. 

Are you looking for a fresh way to get ahead in a competitive market? Greg Brooks, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in professional poker, shares game-changing insights on how to leverage strategic thinking, risk assessment, and calculated decision-making to transform your agency’s revenue. In this illuminating conversation, Greg takes us through the key parallels between poker and agency growth—revealing how to apply a winning mindset in everything from client acquisition to team leadership. This week, The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is all about embracing the art of strategic planning and risk management!Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Greg dives into the importance of mapping out a clear plan before going “all in,” helping agencies avoid costly missteps. He also outlines practical steps you can take right now to identify quality leads, streamline decision-making, and ensure that your agency’s growth efforts are rooted in both data and instinct.Greg comes from a world where one bold move can make—or break—a game. Having successfully transitioned his poker acumen to the agency space, Greg now guides other owners on how to balance strategic creativity with calculated risk. Whether you’re looking to improve your closing rate, enhance client relationships, or simply avoid “gambling” on untested tactics, this episode offers a masterclass in stepping up to the table with confidence.In this episode, Dan and Greg discuss the following:Bringing a poker mindset to business and how risk tolerance can spark innovative strategies.The value of data-driven decisions—why going “all in” requires both gut instinct and solid facts.Developing a flexible yet focused approach to client outreach, ensuring every lead is high-value.Empowering teams with a winning perspective so everyone plays a part in driving agency success.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast—and be sure to share your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH GREG BROOKS:LinkedInSEARCHTIDESCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales SchemaStop relying on unpredictable referrals and take control of your agency's future growth. Go to salesschema.com/takecharge to access the free training now. 

As an agency owner, transitioning from referrals to a scalable sales system can feel overwhelming. In this special episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, our host Dan Englander takes the guest seat on Agency Bites with Steve Guberman to share actionable insights and strategies for agency growth.  This week, episode 246 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about building trust, creating scalable sales systems, and transitioning from owner-led sales to predictable growth! Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Dan Englander discusses the challenges agencies face with owner-led sales and over-reliance on referrals. He shares actionable strategies to build trust, segment your market, and create scalable systems for predictable revenue growth. Steve Guberman is the Founder of Agency Outsight and host of Agency Bites, where he helps creative entrepreneurs build thriving agencies. With a focus on balancing creativity and operational efficiency, Steve empowers agency owners to overcome challenges, refine their processes, and achieve sustainable growth. Through his coaching and podcast, Steve delivers actionable insights for agency leaders navigating today’s competitive landscape. In this episode, Dan and Steve cover topics like:How to overcome the limitations of referral-based growth.Building trust through personalized outreach and clear targeting.Creating a scalable sales system before hiring a dedicated salesperson.Strategies for transitioning owner-led sales to a team-driven approach.The importance of clarity and segmentation in outbound sales.If you’re an agency owner looking to streamline your sales process and grow sustainably, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build a foundation for success.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH STEVE GUBERMAN:LinkedInOutsightYouTubeAgency Bytes podcastCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales SchemaStop relying on unpredictable referrals and take control of your agency's future growth. Go to salesschema.com/takecharge to access the free training now. 

As an agency owner, navigating the challenges of growth in a competitive landscape can feel overwhelming. Stephen Woessner, CEO of Predictive ROI, joins us today to share his expert insights on adapting to industry changes and building a foundation for long-term success. This week, episode 245 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about transforming content creation, embracing specialization, and leveraging AI to strengthen agency-client relationships.Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. In this training, you’ll learn how to secure qualified appointments consistently with highly targeted and tasteful email outreach.In this episode, Stephen Woessner discusses the importance of treating your agency like your best client, creating cornerstone content, and fostering trust through effective team structures and metrics-driven strategies.Stephen Woessner is the CEO of Predictive ROI, a consultancy focused on helping agencies build authority and generate consistent revenue through content-driven strategies. With a deep understanding of agency operations and the evolving market, Stephen provides actionable advice for scaling your business.In this episode, Dan and Stephen cover:The benefits of building a dedicated internal team to handle your agency’s content.Why specialization is key to standing out in a crowded market.How AI is reshaping agency operations and client expectations.The journey from being a vendor to a trusted strategic partner.Practical steps to measure ROI and ensure your content efforts generate revenue.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast share your key takeaways with us!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH STEPHEN  WOESSNER: LinkedInPREDICTIVE ROISell with Authority PodcastCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales SchemaStop relying on unpredictable referrals and take control of your agency's future growth. Go to salesschema.com/takecharge to access the free training now. 

In this episode of the Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Dan Englander chats with Marketing Max, a former Wall Streeter turned 7-figure agency founder, about the challenges of building a marketing agency, the power of niching down, and how clarity can unlock scalable growth.Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.Max shares his journey from bombing his Series 7 exam to building and eventually selling an award-winning agency. Along the way, he tackled the common struggles of agency owners: juggling too many services, inconsistent cash flow, and the fear of saying no to clients. By embracing specialization and focusing on high-impact services, Max was able to double his revenue and achieve sustainable growth.If you’ve ever wondered how to simplify your business, find your niche, and scale on your own terms, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you move forward.Key TakeawaysThe Risks of Being a Jack-of-All-Trades: How offering too many services can dilute your value and make scaling nearly impossible.The Power of Niching Down: Why focusing on one or two high-impact services not only simplifies operations but also accelerates revenue growth.The Role of ROI in Decision-Making: Learn how Max used impact and profit margin to identify the most valuable services for his agency.Building Systems for Predictable Growth: How treating your agency like a business (not a glorified job) unlocks new opportunities.Staying Top of Mind with Newsletters: Why newsletters are a powerful tool for nurturing leads and building trust in a cost-effective way.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH MARKETING MAXLinkedInMarketing MaxMarketing Max Podcast YTCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales SchemaStop relying on unpredictable referrals and take control of your agency's future growth. Go to salesschema.com/takecharge to access the free training now. 

As an agency owner, it can be easy to feel stuck in the mid-six-figure range, unsure how to intentionally grow your business. Melissa Lohrer, CEO and founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, is here today to share her insights on rethinking the traditional agency model and building a solid foundation for growth. Melissa emphasizes the importance of niching down and specializing, understanding your financial goals, and more. This week, episode 243 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about rethinking the traditional agency model and founder-led sales! Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Melissa Lohrer shares the importance of having a clear vision and financial goals to make informed decisions about client fit and actionable steps you can take right now to seek partnerships and opportunities for collaboration. Melissa Lohrer is the CEO & Founder of Waverly Ave. Consulting, an independent consulting business built for modern agencies, rethinking the traditional agency model and giving agency owners a runway for growth. After spending 13 years working inside agencies, Melissa decided to start her own business to redefine what success means in the creative world.In this episode, Dan and Melissa discuss the following:The balance between standardizing processes in agencies and preserving creativity.Specialization and how it can lead to increased pricing and simplified operations.The importance of partnerships and collaboration in the agency space, rather than viewing competitors as threats.How founders should continue to drive the vision and be involved in the sales process, even with a dedicated salesperson.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH MELISSA LOHRER:LinkedInWaverly Ave. ConsultingAgency Darlings podcastCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema

Ever wondered how a SaaS company successfully pivots to a full-service agency model? In this episode of the Digital Agency Growth Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Lee, the marketing mad scientist and CEO of Didit, a digital agency with a fascinating 25-year history. Kevin shares the inside scoop on Didit's evolution from a SaaS platform to a full-service agency, the strategic thinking behind their 11 acquisitions, and the challenges of balancing sales growth with maintaining service quality. This week, episode 242 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about balancing innovation, agency operations, and growth!Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Dan Englander and Kevin Lee shares the importance of understanding your client roster so that you can make better long-term decisions and actionable steps you can take today to find a balance between your number of clients and staff size.Kevin Lee Co-Founded Didit, a leading digital-first marketing firm, in 1996. He also founded GivingForward.org, a cause-marketing nonprofit focused on generating revenues for other nonprofits. Previously to Giving Forward, Kevin founded We-Care, a cause marketing platform that generated over $8 million for nonprofits, becoming the “inspiration” for Amazon SMILE ($350 million in donations). Kevin is also the CEO of the eMarketing Association. Kevin invents marketing technology solutions for Didit clients and has written 4 books, spoken at more than 500 events, and published 700+ articles on marketing.In this episode, Dan and Kevin Lee discuss the following:The evolution of an agency from SaaS to full service.Challenges and wins from multiple business acquisitions.The importance of diversifying your client base to your comfort level.Balancing your passions with your business responsibilities.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH KEVIN LEE: LinkedInDiditCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema

Are you struggling to stand out in what feels like a saturated market? Brent Weaver, the founder and CEO of UGURUS, has the answers you need. In this insightful episode, Brent dives deep into the power of specialization for digital agencies, sharing how his team has navigated 13 different niches to find unparalleled success. He also offers a glimpse into the future, exploring how agencies can harness the power of AI to drive capacity, revenue, and profit gains. This week, episode 241 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about embracing specialization and the power of niche focus!Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Brent Weaver shares the importance of specialization for digital agencies to improve performance and actionable steps you can take right now to educate prospects and help them understand their challenges in sales calls. Brent Weaver is on a mission to help 10,000 digital agency owners achieve freedom in business and life by helping them own their market.  Brent is the founder and CEO of UGURUS, a business training and education company dedicated to this mission. He also hosts one of the leading podcasts in the business niche—The Digital Agency Show.  Brent is in partnership with UnlimitedWP—a scalable white label WordPress development team to help digital agencies grow without all the headaches of hiring and managing people. He is also a Brand Ambassador for Cloudways, a WordPress hosting company, helping them evangelize their platform. In this episode, Dan and Brent discuss the following:The challenges of changing specialization, including changing your landing pages and copy.Focusing on where your leads and traffic are coming from, not just your website copy.Providing value to clients through flexibility and reducing the number of hops in communication.The evolving role of sales and helping prospective clients make informed decisions, rather than using persuasion.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH BRENT WEAVER:LinkedInUGURUSThe Digital Agency ShowYouTubeCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema

Even if selling your agency is not first on your priority list, you should plan for it long before ever setting the wheels in motion. Karl Sakas is here today to share critical advice for agency owners considering an exit. From planning your post-deal activities to differentiating your agency in a crowded market, Karl provides a roadmap for maximizing the value of your business and ensuring a smooth transition. He also covers the three A's framework for managing your team, the power of vertical specialization, and the existential questions you must address before handing over the reins. This week, episode 240 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about navigating agency growth and exits and calming the chaos.Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency’s Future Revenue. During this training, you’ll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Karl Sakas shares the importance of planning for an exit well before initiating it and actionable steps you can take right now to communicate and problem-solve with your employees effectively. Karl Sakas helps digital agency owners ‘Work Less’ and ‘Earn More’... while rewarding their best employees. Drawing on his background in agency operations, Karl has personally advised hundreds of agencies on every inhabited continent. An international speaker, he is the author of three books—including "Work Less, Earn More"—and more than 450 articles on agency management. When he’s not helping clients, Karl volunteers as a bartender on an antique train. In this episode, Dan and Karl discuss the following:Current trends in the agency business, including slower growth.Emphasizing the marketing efforts you can sustain rather than trying to do everything.Planning for an exit early to avoid difficulties down the road.The three A’s framework for navigating team communication.Don’t forget to sign up to follow the release of Karl’s new book, Calm The Chaos!  Also, head to Karl’s website to access his Control (And Maximize) Your Agency Exit training, and use the code SALESSCHEMA for a discount.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH KARL SAKAS:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramX (formerly Twitter)CONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema