In the fast-evolving world of marketing, advertising, and creative agencies, staying updated on trends, strategies, and industry insights can make a world of difference. One of the most efficient and engaging ways for agency owners to stay informed is through podcasts. Here’s a curated list of 10 must-listen podcasts that cover everything from agency growth to client management. Each podcast brings unique perspectives and insights, making them invaluable resources for agency leaders.
1. Smart Agency Masterclass
- Link: Smart Agency Masterclass
- Description: Hosted by Jason Swenk, a former agency owner himself, the Smart Agency Masterclass is specifically tailored for digital agency owners. It focuses on actionable strategies for scaling agencies and features interviews with successful agency leaders.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: This podcast covers every stage of the agency journey, from startup to growth, exit, and beyond. Jason’s experience as an agency owner allows him to provide specific and practical advice, which can save agency leaders time and help them avoid common mistakes.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “The Power of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People with Ian Garlic” – This episode is perfect for agency owners who want to attract top talent that can support them, challenge them, and help them grow.
2. Agency Advantage Podcast
- Link: Agency Advantage
- Description: Brought to you by Hubstaff, the Agency Advantage Podcast focuses on helping agency owners build better processes and improve their profitability. Each episode is packed with insights from agency experts who discuss challenges like client management, scaling, and optimizing workflows.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: Process improvement and profitability are essential for any agency looking to grow sustainably. This podcast helps agency owners streamline their operations, which can make a big difference in their bottom line.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “The Four Stages of a Prospect’s journey: From Unaware to Booked a Call” – This episode dives into the 4 actions you need to make in order to sign a client.
3. Build a Better Agency
- Link: Build a Better Agency
- Description: Hosted by Drew McLellan, this podcast is a go-to resource for agency owners who want to run a more profitable and sustainable business. Drew brings over 25 years of agency experience and shares insights on topics like staffing, finances, and client relationships.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: Drew’s approach is practical and grounded in real-world experience. Each episode offers actionable advice that can help agency owners streamline operations and focus on profitable growth.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “Defining what agency growth means to you and setting the path to achieve it with Marquel Russell” – This episode explains why growth can be more than just adding more team members and physically growing and expanding the agency.
4. Agency Podcast
- Link: Agency Podcast
- Description: The Agency Podcast features conversations with industry leaders who share their journeys, challenges, and success stories. It’s ideal for agency owners who want to learn from the experiences of others in the field.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: Hearing firsthand accounts from industry veterans provides valuable lessons that can guide new agency owners. It also helps established agencies find fresh ideas to solve old problems.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Strong Brand | Kristy Campbell” – For agency owners looking to distinguish themselves in a competitive market, Kristy talks about the secret recipe every powerhouse brand uses to avoid confusion and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
5. The Marketing Agency Leadership Podcast
- Link: The Marketing Agency Leadership Podcast
- Description: This podcast, hosted by Converge, interviews agency leaders about their unique paths to success and the hurdles they’ve overcome. It covers topics like agency positioning, client acquisition, and effective marketing strategies.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: The podcast gives agency owners a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies used by successful agencies. It’s a great way to gain insights into different approaches to leadership and growth.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “Agency Growth Secrets with Leeann Leahy” – learn all the tips and tricks on how to build and grow a successful agency.
6. The Digital Agency Show
- Link: The Digital Agency Show
- Description: Hosted by Brent Weaver from UGURUS, The Digital Agency Show covers all aspects of running a digital agency, from client management to profitability. With practical advice and industry expert interviews, it’s a go-to for digital agency owners.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: Brent focuses on digital agency-specific topics, which makes it highly relevant for owners in that space. His advice is actionable and based on years of experience in the digital agency world.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “From a Massive Revenue Hit to Successfully Embracing A.I. – With Aaron Wrixon” – This episode is a great resource for agency owners looking to leverage A.I.
7. Call to Action
- Link: Call to Action
- Description: Produced by Unbounce, the Call to Action podcast dives into marketing strategies, conversion optimization, and creative storytelling. Although it’s not exclusively agency-focused, many topics are relevant for agency owners.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: This podcast offers insight into marketing techniques that agencies can apply to their client projects. Plus, the emphasis on conversion optimization is useful for agencies that handle digital marketing.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “Inside Hacking Growth, a new book by Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown” – This episode is packed with growth hacking secrets straight from the source: Sean Ellis’ book “Hacking Growth”.
8. Agency Unfiltered
- Link: Agency Unfiltered
- Description: Hosted by HubSpot, Agency Unfiltered features candid conversations with agency owners about their experiences. Each episode delves into real challenges and the solutions that worked (or didn’t).
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: The honest, unfiltered nature of this podcast provides valuable insights that can prepare agency owners for the ups and downs of running a business.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “Building an Agency Team Structure for Scale” – In this episode, Ryan discusses SmartBug’s team structure and how his agency’s org chart has changed over time to accommodate growth.
9. Accidental Creative
- Link: Accidental Creative (renamed as The Daily Creative)
- Description: Although not exclusively for agencies, Todd Henry’s Accidental Creative podcast focuses on creativity and productivity. Many agency owners find his insights on creative work invaluable.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: For agencies, creativity is a key asset. This podcast helps leaders foster creativity within their teams and overcome common productivity challenges.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “This is Strategy with Seth Godin” – This episode features renowned author and strategist Seth Godin, who shares invaluable insights into understanding and developing effective strategies.
10. Marketing Over Coffee
- Link: Marketing Over Coffee
- Description: Hosted by John Wall and Christopher Penn, Marketing Over Coffee covers a wide range of marketing topics. Each episode is short and to the point, making it easy for busy agency owners to tune in.
- Why an Agency Owner Will Benefit: The podcast covers everything from social media to analytics, giving agency owners insights into the latest marketing tools and tactics.
- Best Episode for an Agency Owner: “Hands on Using an LLM for Storytelling” – In this episode, Katie does a tour of Google Gemini writing copy trained on an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). Packed with great advice on how agency owners can use LLM for writing copy. Listen here.
Conclusion
These 10 podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge for agency owners looking to grow their businesses, improve client relations, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, inspiration, or insights into the latest digital marketing techniques, tuning into these shows can be an effective way to level up your agency. So plug in, start listening, and take your agency to new heights!
