Podcast
Agency Action
Hosted by WP Minute · EN
Hosted by Toby Cryns and Kurt von Ahnen, the Agency Action Podcast (Part of the WP Minute Podcast Network) dives into the real-world ups and downs of running a WordPress agency. Each week, Toby and Kurt share open, honest conversations about the challenges and victories that come with building client relationships, pricing projects, finding the right tools, and growing a sustainable business.
Whether you’re just launching your agency or refining your systems, you’ll get practical insights from two agency owners who live it every day—along with stories that remind you you’re not alone in this wild WordPress world of global teams, AI disruption, and constant change.
Follow the show and explore more at TheWPMinute.com/podcasts
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Your Client Just Hired Someone Else. Now What?
3d ago00:35:59Tap to summarizeClient transitions are on Kurt and Toby’s minds in this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast. The guys look at what happens when a client goes elsewhere, how it impacts your professional relationships, and why boundaries are important. They also examine the value of giving back through volunteering and mentorship. You’ll also find their takes on the skills gap in education and an agency’s role in closing it.Takeaways: Setting boundaries is crucial when clients leave.Flexibility can lead to complications in client relationships.Expertise is often undervalued in budget discussions.Communication is key when managing project expectations.Contributions to the community can enhance agency reputation and bring personal fulfillment.Professionalism and humility can coexist in client interactions.Teaching is a valuable way to give back to the community.Podcasting can be a fun way to share knowledge and connect with others.Community leadership comes with both rewards and challenges.It's important to consider the potential negative exposure when sharing publicly.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →Do You Have an Agency or a Job?
1w ago00:39:30Tap to summarizeThis episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast asks a simple question: Do you have agency or a job? Kurt and Toby discuss the nuances of building an agency and offer sustainability tips. The guys also discuss the importance of client relationships and the common pitfalls associated with growth. You’ll also find insights on apprenticeships and the mindset of a successful agency owner. It’s everything you wanted to know about growing your agency into a sellable asset!Takeaways:Unlike a job, an agency is a sustainable entity.Client relationships are crucial for agency growth.Effective project management can help with billing and scope creep.Growth does not always equate to increased profit or happiness.Training and mentoring the next generation is vital for agency success.Value-based pricing can lead to better agency sustainability.Effective communication within teams enhances client service.Building a community through local engagement can benefit your business.Simplicity in processes can lead to better outcomes.Agency growth often requires adding complexity.Margin is more important than revenue for agency sustainability.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →Lessons From One Year of Agency Action
2w ago00:39:57Tap to summarizeJoin Toby and Kurt as they celebrate the first anniversary of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast! The guys look back at their past conversations and the importance of listener engagement. Turning their focus to the present, they look at the common struggles agencies face when redesigning their websites and branding, emphasizing the need for clear messaging. You’ll also find thoughts on trusting experts and learning from your experiences. It’s a jam-packed episode that includes plenty of actionable advice. Takeaways:Celebrating a year of podcasting brings reflection on growth.Networking often involves navigating unsolicited pitches.Agencies frequently struggle with internal branding efforts.Trusting experts can lead to better outcomes for businesses.Evaluating results is crucial for learning and growth.SEO and branding can sometimes conflict in strategy.Family time is an essential part of achieving balance.Life interruptions happen daily and require planning around them.Working from home offers flexibility but can lead to distractions.Investing in the right tools is crucial for efficiency.Procrastinating on equipment upgrades can lead to bigger problems.Being open to change can lead to unexpected opportunities.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →Finding Purpose in Agency Work
3w ago00:29:43Tap to summarizeThis episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about the emotional and professional challenges of agency work. Kurt and Toby explore the importance of team dynamics, project management, and effective communication with clients. The guys emphasize the need to establish processes while maintaining flexibility, and the value of professional partnerships in finding purpose and community engagement. The goal is to examine your strengths and weaknesses, then turn them into action! Takeaways:Agency work presents challenges that can be emotionally draining.Look closely at your situation. You may be doing better than you think.Agency owners have the freedom and flexibility to enact positive changes.Our emotions can cloud our judgment when it comes to success.Having the right perspective will help you make better decisions.A great project manager changes businesses.The goal of reflection is to improve your standing with clients.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →How Phased Projects Can Grow Your Agency
May 2600:33:24Tap to summarizeThis episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about agency growth through project management. Kurt and Toby focus on phased launch approaches, the importance of MVPs, and the iterative nature of project management. They also explore different pricing models, the significance of client relationships, and the challenges of defining maintenance services. You’ll also get useful tidbits on the value of experience in agency work and considerations for growth and investment. It’s everything you need to go bigger and better!Takeaways:Phased launches can help manage client expectations and project timelines.MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) are crucial for getting projects off the ground quickly.Iterative processes allow for continuous improvement and adaptation.Good, better, best pricing models can enhance client engagement.Building strong client relationships is essential for long-term success.Industry experience can lead to better decision-making and pricing strategies.Defining maintenance services can clarify expectations for clients.Value-based pricing is often more effective than hourly rates.Growth should align with personal and professional goals. Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →The WordPress Hosting Trap: What Agencies Get Wrong
May 1900:25:58Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore the complexities of WordPress hosting. They discuss the various factors that influence the choice of hosting providers, the importance of support, and the implications of DNS management. The guys also offer guidance on upselling hosting and maintenance services, the role of AI in support, and the financial aspects of hosting services. It’s real talk about the challenges agencies face!Want to learn more about choosing the right web host? Check out The WP Minute’s free Hosting Decoded course.Takeaways:Choosing a hosting provider involves evaluating performance, support, and cost.Support options vary widely among hosting companies and impact user experience.Upselling hosting and maintenance services can create recurring revenue for agencies.AI in hosting support is still developing and may not meet all needs.Cost analysis reveals that hosting maintenance can be more expensive than anticipated.Managing plugin weight is essential for website performance.DNS management can enhance website speed and reliability.Agencies should be proactive in discussing hosting options with clients.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →Why Agency Life Is Exhausting
May 1200:33:08Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns examine common agency ownership challenges. The guys discuss the impact of exhaustion, the importance of effective communication and leadership, and the necessity of quality assurance processes. They also explore how to improve team dynamics, manage client expectations, and leverage AI tools to enhance agency operations. The conversation emphasizes stakeholder management and the need for clear definitions of project completion to avoid confusion. The bottom line? You need proactive QA measures that build trust.Takeaways:Agency life can be exhausting, especially with family responsibilities.Effective communication and leadership are crucial for agency success.Quality assurance processes need to be prioritized in agency work.Stakeholder management is essential to avoid project confusion.Defining 'done' clearly helps align client expectations.Building a strong internal culture fosters teamwork and buy-in.Leveraging AI tools can streamline agency operations.Agencies must manage their workload to avoid burnout.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →Why Your Agency Needs an Email List
May 500:38:06Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges of email spam and marketing, the importance of maintaining client relationships, and the emotional aspects of business interactions. They explore the balance between agency work and personal projects, particularly in e-learning, and emphasize the need for a strong online presence. The guys also riff on crafting effective proposals and recognizing opportunities in client projects. You’ll also find advice for crafting pricing strategies, the importance of upselling, and the role of conversion tracking in agency work. There are also tips for understanding client needs and expanding your services to meet them.Takeaways: Spam and scams are increasingly prevalent in email communication.Maintaining a relevant email list is crucial for effective marketing.Emotional deposits in client relationships can lead to better sales opportunities.E-learning projects require consistent effort and marketing to succeed.A strong online presence is essential for attracting clients.Crafting tailored proposals can enhance client engagement.Balancing agency work with personal projects is challenging but rewarding.Upselling is crucial for maintaining control over client projects.Fear or complacency often prevents agencies from expanding their services.Conversion tracking is more beneficial for agencies than clients.Mental well-being is essential for making sound business decisions.Balancing smaller and larger projects can lead to a healthier business model.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →Unlocking Hidden Revenue in Your Agency
Apr 2800:28:08Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby and Kurt challenge the idea that AI is replacing agencies. They argue that many agency owners are holding themselves back by underpricing services and ignoring new opportunities. The guys discuss how agencies can adapt by embracing AI, productizing services, expanding into marketing and SaaS offerings, and building recurring revenue streams. The conversation highlights a major mindset shift from thinking like developers to operating as growth partners.Takeaways:Agencies are more limited by their own assumptions than by AI or market changes.Significant revenue opportunities exist in services many agencies overlook or avoid offering.Productizing services and setting clear boundaries can improve efficiency and profitability.AI enables faster workflows, making lower-cost projects more viable without sacrificing margins.Agency owners should view themselves as marketing and growth partners, not just developers.Recurring revenue streams like SEO, content, support, and ads can outperform one-time project work.Clients often have larger budgets than agencies assume, but only if higher-value options are presented.AI can expand service offerings without requiring additional staff or major overhead.Fragmented services across multiple vendors create missed opportunities for agencies to provide more value.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Transcribe →Agency Acquisitions and Exit Strategies
Apr 2100:39:10Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore the complexities of acquiring and managing WordPress and agency businesses. The guys explore exit strategies, onboarding, upselling, and the impact of AI on agency operations. They also share insights on evaluating business value, customer satisfaction, and process integration. This episode is packed with practical advice for agency owners considering growth or exit options!Takeaways:The true value of a business lies in its processes and customer relationships, not just its client roster.Exit strategy clarity is the foundation of smart acquisition and divestment decisions.Upselling and onboarding must happen promptly after a client transfer to maintain momentum.Acquiring clients well-matched to your operational capacity is as critical as the acquisition itself.Building automation and AI-driven processes now is essential for managing scale and complex acquisitions.The real asset in business sales is often the team and operational systems, not just the client base or revenue.Growth and acquisition strategies should balance speed with operational readiness.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
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