The Future of Growth in the AI Economy

The surge of AI-enabled agencies has changed the game, compelling traditional agencies to rethink their operational models and service offerings.

agentic tools and workflows mean every agency can;t sell just service anymore and expect to compete with the rise of ai enables agencies. developing your own software worfklows using ai tools is essential here is how:

1. map your services into service flows - use "Good services book to explain how to do it

2. identify services that you can start automating with some vibe coding tools like replit, lovable or even better claude ai

3. hire go to market engineers or ai full stack engineers or similar tallent that are already extremely provisient with ai tools

4. build the initial platform and hand it to 5-10 customers as fast as possible to gather user feedback

your advantage

you already have a go-to-market channel and simply need to productize some of your services to reduce the csts in order to compete with new commer agencies

Map Your Services into Streamlined Workflows

Before diving into automation, you need to understand your existing services. This involves clearly defining what you offer and how these services can be optimized using technology. A great reference for this process is the book "Good Services" by Lou Downe. This resource provides invaluable insights on creating effective service flows that can be modified for software as a service (SaaS).

1. Identify Core Services: List out the services that your agency currently provides. This could range from social media management to content creation, SEO, and analytics.
2. Visualize Service Flows: Use diagramming tools to map out the tasks involved in delivering these services. This visual representation helps identify redundancies and opportunities for automation.
3. Refine and Iterate: Regularly review these workflows to ensure they align with changing market demands and client feedback.

Automate with AI Tools

Once you have a clear understanding of your service flows, the next step is to automate aspects of your offering. Enter AI tools and platforms like Replit, Lovable, and Claude AI, which enable you to start automating repetitive tasks and create more efficient processes.

1. Identify Automatable Tasks: Focus on tasks that are time-consuming yet standard across your client base. This might include reporting, client follow-ups, or even content generation.
2. Use Low-Code Platforms: Tools like Replit can help you set up automation without extensive programming knowledge. They allow you to build customizable workflow solutions suited to your clients' needs.
3. Experiment and Test: Start with a few services to automate, gather data on their performance, and adjust as necessary.

Hire the Right Talent for Execution

Building a SaaS platform isn’t just about having great technology; it’s also about having the right team to implement your vision. Hiring experts like go-to-market engineers or AI full-stack engineers is crucial to fast-tracking your transition.

1. Identify Skill Gaps: Assess the current talent in your agency and identify where additional expertise is needed, especially related to AI and software development.
2. Source Specialists: Look for individuals proficient in AI tools and software development to ensure you have the right foundation for your SaaS platform.
3. Foster Collaboration: Create a culture where your tech and marketing teams collaborate closely. This can lead to innovative solutions that directly meet your users' needs.

Build, Test, and Iterate

With a clear strategy in place and a capable team on board, the next step is to develop your initial platform. Here’s a streamlined approach to get you started:

1. Develop Quickly: Focus on the minimum viable product (MVP) that enables you to test your service flows with real clients without extensive delays.
2. Launch with Select Customers: Roll out your initial platform to 5-10 existing customers who can provide valuable feedback and insights.
3. Gather and Implement Feedback: Use customer feedback to identify areas of improvement, enhance user experience, and refine your services over time.

Seize Your Competitive Advantage

In the saturated landscape of digital marketing, transitioning from a traditional agency to a software-driven model provides a unique competitive edge. You already possess valuable client relationships and go-to-market channels; leveraging AI tools and optimizing your services can position your agency for sustainable growth in the future of the AI economy.

By following these structured steps, your agency can enhance its offerings, reduce operational costs, and ultimately thrive in a world increasingly driven by technology. Don’t just adapt,lead the charge toward the future of agency growth.