Managing a boutique marketing agency with limited resources in 2023 means juggling multiple tasks. And if you’re to grow your agency, that only adds to the workload. In fact, 55% of agencies feel scaling introduces a number of agency problems.

As a SaaS company with a vast network of agency partners, we understand your agency problems. We know that boutique agencies in particular face difficulties in growing their services. It can even be challenging to retain clients after a project is completed because of budget and resource limitations.

Below, I’ll discuss ten exceptional, cost-effective strategies to change all that. And help you grow your agency smarter!

#1: Give more with less to grow your agency 

Expanding your services is the first step to grow your agency But this doesn’t actually mean offering new services than what you’re already offering.

Expanding your services means reaching more markets and getting more value from your clients. But be careful: Expanding service offerings comes with its own set of agency problems – especially when resources are limited.

To start expanding your boutique marketing agency, first, understand your niche. Creating customer personas, or profiles representing your target audience, makes for a good starting point. After identifying your target audience, now list additional services that your agency can offer that cater to those needs.

Next, look deeper into agency problems associated with the costs and expenses of expanding your services. What you’re assessing is whether your boutique marketing agency has the budget and resources to support the expansion of a service. Then determine whether it would be easier to hire and train outsource, or retrain current staff to support those services.

For example, the average boutique agency offers services like web development, keyword research, website analysis, and search engine optimisation. Grow your agency offerings by also adding to that content development and creation. This way, your clients receive quality SEO-optimised content that aligns with their SEO strategy.

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#2: Create a powerful boutique marketing agency brand 

As a boutique marketing agency, most clients will be unfamiliar with you.  A positively memorable experience when they visit your social media or website can change that.

Consistent branding helps grow your agency and potentially keep agency problems around public image in check as a business. When your branding elements – like colours, fonts, and visual style – remain consistent across your marketing materials and digital platforms, it creates a cohesive identity for your boutique marketing agency.

If you’re an agency specialising in event planning, for example, you can surprise any visitor to your Instagram profile or website with stunning visuals, captivating event stories, and seamless navigation. By maintaining a consistent brand image, you reduce agency problems, establish trust, professionalism, and reliability, which influences their decision making to choose your agency for their event needs.

Also, make it easy for people to find your boutique marketing agency online. Put effort into SEO so local businesses can find you. And engage with your audience through valuable content, then promote your services on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

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#3: Offer value-added services

To retain customers and grow your agency, give them more. Offer value-added services and discounts that promote interaction with your boutique marketing agency. Always ensure these additional offerings don’t negatively impact your profitability, and ultimately add more agency problems.

For instance, if you specialise in website design, offer website maintenance and/or optimisation for a limited time after completing a project. Or offer consent management and a GDPR cookie banner as part of your service. 

To further enhance the value you provide, you can offer Serviceform's product suite as part of an exclusive package. As a partner, we can easily bulk-install 10,000 cookie banners on your clients' websites. This demonstrates to the client that you’re committed to a long-term partnership and encourages them to accept your services, then recommend them to others.

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#4: Embrace website automation to solve agency problems

Using website automation tools like Serviceform’s Chatbot helps you engage with your website visitors and get more qualified leads for your boutique marketing agency in the process.

You can automatically collect leads from your website and send them directly to your CRM or email marketing platform. Automating this process helps you nurture your leads, and saves time that can be put towards other crucial aspects of your agency.

Additionally, you can encourage website visitors to sign up for your newsletter using a floating bar; assist them in registering for ebooks or guide downloads through exit intent popups; and invite them to follow your agency on social media through an engagement bot. Automation minimises agency problems while enriching engagement with potential customers that ultimately helps grow your agency.

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#5: Nurture client relationship

Research has shown that most smaller agencies make it to a client's shortlist through recommendations. 93% of marketing agencies rely on referrals for all their new business. And if you simply ask, 80% of clients will recommend you to another client.

To grow your agency, make it a priority to develop strong relationships with your current clients. Provide exceptional customer service, deliver outstanding work, and maintain regular communication to stay updated on their evolving needs. Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend your boutique marketing agency to others and become loyal, repeat customers.

It’s essential for agencies not only to keep clients happy but to convert them into advocates. So how do you turn your customers into loyal advocates? All you need are just two powerful tools! 

Installing live chat on your website, for example, lets you quickly address customer enquiries and offer instant assistance. Next, you can use a chatbot to present your services as well as pricing, helping you to easily identify potential clients. 

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#6: Build strategic partnerships to grow your agency 

By collaborating with other agencies that specialise in different areas, you create a hub of expertise that benefits everyone involved.

Forming collaborations with complementary businesses or agencies broadens your range of services while helping you grow your agency. Partnering with experts in related fields can strengthen your capabilities and enable you to enter new markets successfully.

If your agency focuses on social media marketing, for example, teaming up with another boutique marketing agency that excels in content creation makes for a comprehensive services solution for clients. This partnership allows both agencies to address their agency problems by leveraging strengths and attracting more clients by offering a wider range of services.

Serviceform in fact provides opportunities for strategic partnerships with agencies, allowing you to broaden your service offerings while generating additional recurring revenue. By partnering with us, you can enjoy a unique partnership that aligns with your agency and meets your needs.

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#7: Offer customised and flexible services

The best way to grow your agency is by providing customised services to each client. Having only a handful of clients gives the advantage of offering exceptional customer service and going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. By tailoring your services to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client, you’re showcasing your flexibility as an agency.

For example, if you work with a client in the SaaS space, video marketing services are something you should have on offer. This involves creating engaging product demos and tutorials with a target audience in mind. 

On the other hand, if you’re working with a client in the ecommerce space, you can develop personalised email marketing strategies to target specific customer segments based on their preferences and purchase history. This differentiates your boutique marketing agency from other big fish in the industry and prevents unnecessary agency problems.

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#8: Play to your strengths

As a boutique marketing agency, a core strength to grow your agency lies in the personalisation and customised services you offer your clients.

To keep a competitive edge, it’s important to think creatively and continuously innovate. By exploring unconventional approaches and pushing boundaries, you decrease agency problems, distinguish your agency from fuller-service marketing outfits, and capture client interest.

Consistently demonstrating your innovative and creative thinking establishes your agency as a reliable source of unique and memorable marketing solutions. This, in turn, can enhance brand recognition, increase client satisfaction, reduce overall agency problems, and ultimately contribute to grow your agency.

Instead of relying solely on traditional advertising methods, you should leverage emerging social media platforms and the latest UI trends in your marketing campaigns. This innovative approach will help your boutique marketing agency stand out, attracting clients seeking fresh and inventive solutions.

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#9: Grow your network to grow your agency 

Attend industry events relevant to your boutique marketing agency. Grow your agency by engaging with peers and experts in your field, which leads to collaborations and knowledge sharing.

For instance, attending events such as those organised by Cross Border Commerce Europe or Digital Marketing Expo & Conference (DMEXCO), general seminars, and the OMR Festival is sure to provide opportunities to stay updated on newer technologies, strategies, and best practices. By staying informed about industry advancements, you can adapt your approach, and overcome agency problems.

During these events, you can connect with professionals from various sectors, discuss industry challenges, and explore potential partnerships. Attending workshops or panel discussions can also provide valuable insights and inspiration to grow your agency. 

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#10: Partner with Serviceform to grow your agency 

While I've addressed common agency problems, Serviceform also offers personalised plans that help grow your agency. By joining Serviceform's agency partners, you can expand your service offerings and generate recurring revenue.

Our tools are unique, powerful, and visually appealing, guaranteeing exceptional performance for your boutique marketing agency. With Serviceform's partner support, your agency problems receive top priority, ensuring you stay competitive while minimising common concerns. Plus, you earn commission when you offer Serviceform's tools to your clients!

Take the first step to grow your agency by contacting us today and unlock the full potential of your boutique marketing agency.

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Wrapping up 

Now that you've learned about the top 10 cost-effective strategies to position your boutique marketing agency for growth, it's important to understand success doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all package.

Depending on the size and goals of your agency, it's crucial to carefully select the strategies that minimise agency problems and align best with your needs. Explore our main guide page on marketing agency strategies to discover more effective approaches tailored to help your agency thrive.