In today’s business climate, the opportunity to start and run a successful agency from anywhere in the world has never been more feasible. Whether it’s a marketing, PR, creative or consulting agency, the global marketplace is ripe with opportunities for those ready to seize them. And if you have expertise in a specific area, the agency business has a low barrier to entry. Here are eight thought starters for anyone looking to start their own agency, regardless of location.
1. Define Your Niche
Success starts with specialization. By defining a niche, you not only streamline your focus but also enhance your appeal to a specific client base. Evaluate your skills, interests and market needs to identify a niche that you can serve best. Whether it’s digital marketing for e-commerce businesses, PR for lifestyle brands or creative services for non-profits, a well-defined niche will help you stand out and attract more targeted and relevant clientele.
2. Establish a Strong Online Presence
For an agency operating remotely, your online presence is your storefront. Invest in a professional website that showcases your expertise, services and past work. Ensure it’s optimized for search engines to enhance your visibility. Additionally, maintain active social media profiles where you can engage with clients, share insights and promote your services. These digital platforms are crucial for building credibility and networking in the digital space.
3. Utilize Remote Work Tools
Efficient use of remote work tools is important for managing your operations and maintaining communication with clients and team members. Tools like Slack for communication, Trello for project management and Zoom for video conferences are indispensable. Familiarize yourself with these tools and integrate them into your workflow to ensure smooth operations and maintain professionalism.
4. Build a Distributed Team
As you grow, you’ll likely need to hire additional talent. Thanks to the internet, you’re not limited by geography. You can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world, and sometimes at a lower rate than hiring in your backyard. Focus on creating a distributed team that can work flexibly and efficiently across time zones. Clear communication, regular updates and trust are key components to successfully managing a remote team. Even larger agencies like Los Angeles-based Public Haus and many others started with employees and staff in a variety of regions. Once you’ve built a foundation of top talent, you can then focus on consolidation as needed.
5. Focus on Building Relationships
Networking is crucial, even for remote businesses. Attend industry webinars, join relevant online forums and participate in virtual conferences to meet potential clients and collaborators. Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and focus on building strong relationships that can lead to referrals, partnerships and new opportunities. Personal connections can often translate into business opportunities, even in a digital-first world.
6. Leverage Content Marketing
Content marketing is a powerful tool to attract and engage potential clients. By creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content, you can attract a clearly defined audience and drive profitable customer action. Start a blog, create videos or host podcasts that provide valuable information related to your niche. This not only helps in establishing your authority but also improves your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential clients to find you.
7. Set up Legal and Financial Frameworks
Starting an agency requires careful planning in terms of legal and financial structures. Decide on a business structure (such as sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.), register your business and get any necessary licenses. Set up an accounting system, keep track of expenses and manage invoices and payments efficiently. Consult with a lawyer and an accountant to ensure that all aspects of your business are covered from a legal and financial standpoint. These resources can be easily sourced using platforms like Upwork.
8. Deliver Exceptional Service
Lastly, the key to a successful agency is delivering exceptional service. Ensure that every client interaction is professional and every deliverable is of the highest quality. Satisfied clients are likely to return and refer others to your agency. Maintain high standards, seek feedback and continually strive to improve your offerings.
Starting an agency from anywhere requires a blend of strategic planning, digital savviness and excellent service delivery. By leveraging technology, building a strong online presence and focusing on specialized services, you can create a successful, globally-operated agency that stands out in today’s competitive market.
