I've grown my SEO & Digital PR agency @userp_io to $110k MRR in 1.6 years.
Giving this build in public thing a shot...
Here is a thread covering a few key things that got uSERP where it is today 👇
1. PDS - Process, delegate, sell.
Document procedures from day 1.
Build processes that when handed off produce predicted outcomes consistently.
Then, delegate to a VA/hire people to run operations.
Now, your only job is bringing new clients + keeping current ones happy.
2. Avoid reliance
Most agencies / freelancers get sales from referrals.
Most don't scale fast.
If you want to scale, you need to SELL.
Cold outreach works. Even on Twitter (see image).
Always lead with value; a freebie of your service to get your foot in the door.
3. Start cheap
Getting sales when you're new & lack case study / social proof is brutal. Nobody trusts you yet.
Do lower-priced work for 1-2 clients to generate case study data.
This compounds later via referrals, social proof, and more.
Start cheap and improve as you go.
4. How to hire
Hiring isn't cheap/easy. Job boards are expensive. Your time is expensive.
First, automate a candidate form to exclude responses that don't follow directions. If they can't follow instructions on a simple form now, they won't follow complex procedures later...
...cont'd.
Look for those who express detail & passion in conversation. These are "self starters."
Offer a paid test project.
1-2 hours, clear deliverable, pay them whether you hire them or not.
This tells you:
- Did they enjoy the work? (key)
- Did they follow directions?
5. Iterate + upsell
You should be refining your offering on a regular basis, always improving.
From deliverables to support, upgrade it.
Upsell when you've improved value.
Go back to existing clients, prove your work with data, showcase new improvements, charge more.