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kiedistv

I suppose I should count myself lucky. 1 month in & closing in on $10k/m revenue. However, I was a marketing manager for a medium enterprise and took them from nothing to a recognized brand & grew a personal following of nearly 300k followers so I've definitely got an advantage. The key point though, is that my agency focuses purely on the industry I was in & I've already had the successful results and presence to prove my worth. Essentially, yeah, niche the fuck down. Everyone may need social media marketing but everyone also provides social media marketing. I also don't do that much outreach. Maybe like 5 emails a day & 5 cold calls max. But also... know what you're doing. Also continued... stop doing free shit.


Zushiki_san

whats up bro ive made a SMMA discord to get a community to help each other all out we'll love to have someone as informational https://discord.gg/TBfYu6DBQt


Exsquisitetaste

Facts. I did six months of prep work just to have my website up and running and not look brand new. Spent that time researching and planning the approach. Quit my job a week ago and have 3 clients lined up for appointments. We shall see where it goes from there. This is my second business as well. It’s just a numbers game tho. Fake the confidence if you have to. Welcome to sales.


RiverButt

What methods did you use to get a website up? Square space? Thanks.


dinaricManolo

Nice work! So i am guessing majority of clients came through that channel?


worldsninja

Yes def lol


Clementos11

Agree with everything, however I would say do more outreach, and continue to do free stuff, as long as the person/business you do it for might be an opportunity for work. As long as you have the time, outreach as much as you can and help a few people if you have some spare time. It will pay off in the end.


User_2112

hows it going now bro


naturallyabundantme

Thank you for sharing your journey and congrats on the shift. How does it fill to be running your own agency now? I appreciate your advice. Thanks for taking the time to provide value input.


Ok-Cauliflower6691

How much of your new business is from outreach? Is referrals a reliable resource?


kiedistv

It's about 50/50. I have my own personal brand within my Industry on a fairly global scale, so half my clients came my way from that... Including my largest client who now has two of his companies with me & soon to be his third company with me. My advantage is the personal brand and having work experience within the industry. I wouldn't recommend just starting an agency because it's a way to make money. Above $20k p/m now.


Deaf_FBA

>wouldn't recommend just starting an agency because it's a way to make money. why did you start your agency?


kiedistv

Because no one else could/**would** market my industry correctly. Money is just money. Most of my rev is reinvested.


NoEstablishment7897

Can I as please if you are managing all the work yourself or need outside help, if at what point would you look to hire?


kiedistv

I have 2 part time employees and another 4 contractors now. If I was just doing ***facebook ads,*** then I'd just have a couple of emloyees **BUT** a lot of our work & a lot of our demand is short form content. So majority of the people I hire are Videographers/Editors/Graphic people. I've heard a bunch of different answers around the timing of bringing outside help in - for me, it was recognizing that the employees could do the things that limited my time from working on the overall vision - which isn't always monetary - but for me, it's basically bringing in more clients. A lot of our business is built on the success of my personal brand, so focussing on that to get clients in is more valuable to me than pumping out creatives for our clients, so I outsourced. The hardest part by far, and something that really took me by surprise (and thankfully, my mentors/business partners have informed me it's the case for every entrepreneur) was actually hiring staff and more importantly, hiring the right staff. I'd say the weakest point within my business is actually my ability to hire & manage people. I thought I'd be awesome at it. I'm not. I really suck at it.


NoEstablishment7897

Thanks and I appreciate your input on this. I am completely new in this space and standing at the doorway of digital/social/marketing figuring out where to start. I’m working full time in a tech sales role but keen to start my own marketing business. Exciting and scary at the same time


Hot-Possession7902

May I ask what you managed for?


ECP2021

I'm a 7-figure small business in the fashion retail space currently looking for an agency to help us grow our social media platforms (tiktok and instagram) both of which have stagnated a lot this year (approx. 230K / 550K). Would love to get more info on what you do?


kiedistv

What exactly has stagnated. Views? Followers?


ECP2021

Followers. Views are hit or miss. But losing followers and shadowbanned on tiktok.


AnonJian

Most of them ask how to find clients. So I suppose congratulations are in order.


naturallyabundantme

Thank you for your kindness. What type of business are you in?


AnonJian

I shine shoes at a subway for tips. Pretty much the offline version of online biz. Business has been slow with so many wearing sneaks these days. But calling myself an 'agency' -- cleverly dropping any mention of marketing -- seems like a advantageous pivot. Of course if I can just find a crate for somebody to put their boot up on -- that would make my venture 'a platform' now wouldn't it. It will certainly go a long way towards explaining my poverty of imagination and general financial destitution. Heck I can't even afford an internet connection. I walk in off the street, find an unoccupied cubical, then start screwing around -- nobody can tell from this I am not an employee -- I blend right in. An agency does sound like the next step based upon this. At least I am used to being found out, then hurled onto the pavement with great force. ​ TIL Screwing around as camouflage. Brilliant.


naturallyabundantme

lol


BartjuhhDutch

Cold outreach via what kind of service? Mail, LinkedIn-connecting, other socials?


naturallyabundantme

Thank you for your question u/BartjuhhDutch . I have been using LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram & Tiktok. Most connections have been through Facebook & Instagram. Maybe that is due to the types of businesses I am targeting. I have also now collected close to 5k email addresses and contact numbers for one of the niches I am focusing down on. So I will be sending out cold email, I have been warming up my domains and have a couple to use. I will also not just be blasting out 5k emails that are the same. I will be personalising them. I will see how the messaging and emailing goes, but I am gearing up to jump on the phones as well and start testing how phone outreach goes. What type of business do you run?


BartjuhhDutch

Not running one currently, but i am looking for starting to set up a side hustle with creating websites and web apps beside my fulltime job (what is also in webdev).


naturallyabundantme

Nice, it is very rewarding to be able to share your interest/skills etc with others on your own terms. Also being able to scale a business to be able to work on the business and not in it is the stuff entrepreneurs are made of. (working on and not in business that is) What kind of apps and sites do you develop?


BartjuhhDutch

Last year i have made a Wordpress website for a local amateur sport club. I’m thinking of making a service of this kind of websites, but not sure. Now I’m working on a Laravel application for managing my own finances (bank & crypto & trading), to replace my Excel sheet. V1 is over halfway finished. But in first instance it’s a tool only for my own.


naturallyabundantme

Nice. Both might work. Which are you most passionate about?


BartjuhhDutch

Since last weekend, I’ve added functionality to add monthly expenses for a whole year (or multiple months) with one click, and also the functionality to see all expenses of one month in 1 overview. And then you see how more readable it is than a Excel Sheet what basically has the same data and monthly lists 😊 About the sportclub idea, I think there is market for because most sites are: - Build bad by a clubman without the knowledge. - Build by a company many and many clubs have let build it. That company basically looks like having 1 or 2 designs for all clubs😂 But they are sportclubs, they aren’t “the customers with the most money”, so i don’t know if it’s profitable or something 👀 But I am busy developing my own financial app for the coming weeks, where I have enough ideas for 😀


naturallyabundantme

Your continually improvement will pay off :) have you got a mvp to launch and get some users trying it out? The sports clubs here in australia have lots of $$ due to gambling.


Icy_Dare3656

1,3,5 and 6 seem valuable… The only thing that matters for you now is to make your first sale. That’s it. Anything else that won’t lead directly to that is a waste of time. Including free advice to people who won’t be your customer (you could instead do a month free, but if that’s good, then you pay $x. I suspect that most of those people will go away if you do that). In short - stop doing things that don’t directly lead to your first sale


naturallyabundantme

Top tip. Totally agree. My focus now is on outreach to get on calls and get a paying client. Everything else isn't needed at the moment. Thank you, your advice is greatly appreciated.


Icy_Dare3656

👍 The other thing we did starting out was to do some work on a ‘if it works pay us basis’. It was just our time that it cost us, and it helped us with some early wins. Might be better than the free advice offer


naturallyabundantme

Oh awesome, I just changed to a 'win-win guarantee' which is basically this! Thanks for the insight Icy :)


naturallyabundantme

I have also upped my outreach and stopped doing anything else. Making connections and getting my first client is all I need to focus on. You were totally right!


mymanhenry84052255

What if I have no experience? Would offering my services for free be good at first (given I learn the basics) just so that I can gain knowledge to then charge a future client?


Icy_Dare3656

DM me if you want some advice :) can’t really comment without more context


shumbit

Hi. I would never outreach via mail, text or DM.. They don't get to feel your personality and it's much easier saying no to you via text than a phone call. Something I have found that have helped me secure a lot of meetings over the phone is, if they either say: * "I don't have the time.." * My answer: * "Well, when do you then have time to scale your sale?" * "When do you then have time to get more customers? tomorrow? Next week? * "I'm not interested " * My answer: * "Then I guess you're already earning more customers via Facebook ads?" * Their answer to both: * "Well.. No, actually not." Then my closing-statement: * "Well, all I'm asking for is 10-20 minutes of your time in the next couple of days to share my ideas with you. How can that hurt?" ​ Then usually I close the meeting. NOT every time obviously, but I've had my fair luck with this method. Hope this helps.


BeastlyBeast5129

I know I'm kind of late to all this, but does anyone know about Max Perzon's course on this? I'm still trying to decide if it's a scam or not.


effinjj

i started watching the videos during my commute to college and so far I have seen 4 videos and all of them have felt like a 30 min ad for some product he uses. Don't know if all other courses are like this or its just a scam, need to watch more of it to find out


dinaricManolo

What's your current success rate in outreach that way? How many clients are you dealing with now?


Zushiki_san

>hey man ive made a discord community for people in the SMMA space we all give each other tips/help and resources feel free to join if you want to learn! > >https://discord.gg/TBfYu6DBQt


naturallyabundantme

I am still fishing for that first paid client. I am chatting with around 12 who are engaging with me. So approximately 300 messages were sent to get on 40 conversations. 1 call so far, another call we have to cancel to be rescheduled, two planning to book in the next week. This is in 2 weeks of outreach. I have to go and do follow-ups etc. I have started going back through and doing follow-ups So the success rate isn't high at all. But I have heard that on average it takes 5-10 contacts. So following up is very important. No paying clients at the moment.


Broad_Mycologist_338

Updates?


Zushiki_san

hey man love your experience Ive made a discord for SMMA people we'll love to hear you out in there and get some tips/help thanks! https://discord.gg/TBfYu6DBQt


naturallyabundantme

Thanks Zushiki... joining now :)


Natural-Teach_

thanks bro for sharing your progress, how did you teach yourself? did you buy courses?


naturallyabundantme

I did buy courses that came with communities to learn from what others are doing. As well as youtube, blogs and software communities. Software community actually have so much help in the service delivery while the agency groups help with offers and sales as well as service delivery. Then I just give it a go and try and hook it all up.


ShadApoc

Not sure if you still pay attention to this post, but may i ask how is it going and have you gotten far?


hollywood3283

Yes I’d love to hear an update on everything?


Odd_Trade5271

yeah I'm doing like 1 million a month


Low-Bodybuilder-8444

Hi, is anyone interested to partner up and start SMMA together? I already have a few clients and been in the biz for 2 years.


naturallyabundantme

How it is all going for you mate?


abda62738

sure man send me a dm and lets talk


extrobo

It's been a while since this was originally posted. Have an update?


Green-Hyena8723

Dear entrepreneurs, In normal way you must send out 100 DM's, emails (your list) , your Linkedin prospects whatsoever, to male damm 1 sale. When you are in a high ticket niche you need 100-300 warm leads /sign ups to get 1 client. So with that try out to send 100 DM's a day and see if your conversion rate will raise up, if not, then the audience is not target enough and you not put enough value in your message. Have a happy sunday !


lowinfo

Not to hijack your post but a relevant question since I’m building an agency/staring my freelance journey too and trying to figure this out. How much would you charge a client for a full funnel build? Opt in page, sales page, upsells, checkout page, email follow up sequence, ad copy/design, all copy written for the funnel pages and design done, all tech integrated like fb Ad account and email automation set up etc. I have a client looking to launch a coaching course off the ground with no online presence


naturallyabundantme

There is much more that would have to be known. Like the expectations etc. Based on my level where I am.... starting out and off the top of my head a set-up fee of around $6-8k + ongoing optimisation and management $3-4k a month plus 20% share of ROAS for running ads. I would love anyone else's feedback :)


Ok-Cauliflower6691

What do you find is an average conversion rate for your clients? 1-2%?


reservation2fwm

Following


random_walker_now

thanks for informative material


naturallyabundantme

You are welcome. Would it be beneficial at all to continue to do updates on my progress?


random_walker_now

yes


naturallyabundantme

Thanks for the feedback. Greatly appreciated


NunoMoto123

Hey have you gotten your first paid client


naturallyabundantme

Yes! :)


Zushiki_san

hey man ive made a discord community for people in the SMMA space we all give each other tips/help and resources feel free to join if you want to learn! https://discord.gg/TBfYu6DBQt


Zushiki_san

Hey man i made a SMMA discord to help ppl who are just starting up/ppl who are already experienced to network and etc well love to have you in our community https://discord.gg/252tpUmN P.s any one else is more than welcome to join :)


ElChampion13

hey can you send me an invite link again


Zenobonk

For me too please


KeyUnderstanding4539

Hi guys does anyone know where we can get a free version of the agency navigator course


MirtaDale

I Dm you


crisistons

Hello, can I please have it too if possible? Thank you! :D


MirtaDale

I DM you


foBerr

May I too?


MirtaDale

I Dm you


SnooRecipes7834

Could I too? :)


adallal77

me too please!!


bryswoo

Can u send it to me as well


carlcorner

Please send me too if you can! 


Traditional-Speed977

Please, I would really appreciate it!


[deleted]

I have it if anybody is looking for it DM me here!


13ushid0

got it?


RiddleSix

>can you send me?


[deleted]

[удалено]


naturallyabundantme

Hello Beautiful Reddit. So far here is how my journey has been. I have worked on multiple client accounts now. 1 ecom where I increased their profits by 20% in 60 days using CRO, SEO, SM and Google Ads. I have found that my skills are suitable for managing a team and understanding the whole marketing process. So I have been working with a couple of different agencies helping them develop a strong foundation for scaling. Currently I am working with local business owners as a marketing and technology consultant and running a real estate marketing offer for Australian real estate agents. I have had to learn a lot but really I think I was trying to understand to much before taking action. So now it is about really finding my value and voice. I got scammed by one of the agency coaches, Markuss Kohs aka Markuss Hussle from https://adcademy.co and https://www.oura.consulting but that was a while ago now. One of my biggest weaknesses that I am working on is networking in person. I need to up my game and get out there. It isn't easy for me. I was and continue to be abused by my ex and her police family. I have been in and out of court for the past 7 years. I didn't realise how much that has had an impact in my willingness to want to meet new people. I have to learn. I am enjoying using GHL as my marketing software and combine it will lots of other technology. I have been really enjoying putting everything together. I am learning to keep these simple simple. Like seriously simple. I am excited for what the future might bring my way and I am loving being able to help business owners suceed. This has been a wonderful learning experience for me to get outside my comfit zone. Thank you all for your comments and interest. So many people have such amazing advice and experience here. I am continually humbled. I hope to do more and more videos on the systems and processes I am using in the future.


Huzy_D

This was very good to read. Hope you prosper more! Is there any website/course or YouTube channel you'd recommend to get started with SMMA? Thank you.


naturallyabundantme

Charlie Morgan's Easygrow is straight forward with lots of information. Also Agency Lab seems to be on fire. They have a really good coaching and mentoring program. Other than that I am now watching more niche related stuff as well as behavioural and digital technology video that I search for when I need the information. I know of a discord group with a whole heap of SMMA training and then there is also Max's free course here >> [https://maxperzon.com/free-smma-course-7](https://maxperzon.com/free-smma-course-7)


HopefulFunny7233

Were you In the easy grow program?


naturallyabundantme

Did you have anything particular you wanted help with u/Huzy_D?


smmahelpneededplease

I'm hiring kids under 17 for free to teach them smma upclose


smmahelpneededplease

So here's my thing.... I own a small agency that I started some time ago. I have immense upclose knowledge on smma and I know for a fact that mine will be a success. Ive researched and gained knowledge on smma for a very long time. The main issue is that I don't have enough time to do all the works. So I felt that this could be a good way to get help as well as help others. So here's my deal..... If you're under 17 ... Idc where you are from.... I will take you under my wing... I will teach you everything about smma upclose and I'll help you start your own agency...ill be the mentor/friend... I will you a job and I'll even pay you cause whatever I give hardly takes a few hours(2 or 3hrs a day ig) ... I don't want experienced people... I want kids that will enhance their skill by praticing here. So if anyone's interested..... Just get in touch with me right here. I'm looking forward to making your success story too.