Agency Action
Agency Action, hosted by Toby Cryns and Kurt von Ahnen, is part of the WP Minute Podcast Network. Each episode offers honest, practical discussions about running a WordPress agency, covering topics like client relationships, project pricing, tools, and sustainable business growth. The hosts share real-world experiences from their own agencies, addressing challenges such as working with global teams and adapting to AI disruption. Listeners can find more at TheWPMinute.com/podcasts.
Episodes
Is AI About to Break the WordPress Agency Model?
This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast explores how AI is changing the way agencies build websites—and what that means for the future of the WordPress agency model. Kurt and Toby share their experience using AI tools to build and redesign a website, including where tools like Lovable can replace traditional workflows and where WordPress and developer expertise are still ess
Fewer Clients, More Revenue?
This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast explores a core agency question: is it better to pursue fewer, higher-value clients or more, lower-value clients with recurring revenue? Kurt and Toby compare both models using real examples from their own agencies, then widen the conversation into leadership, client fit, and what it means to build a business that lasts.Takeaways:Don’t
If I Could Turn Back Time (For My Agency)
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently? That’s the question Kurt and Toby tackle on this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast. The guys recall services they shouldn’t have sold and the boundaries they didn’t create. The good news is that these lessons are learned through experience, and your agency has the power to evolve. It’s all about knowing when to ma
Meetings Don’t Have to Suck
Are you tired of long, unproductive meetings that feel like a waste of time? Things don’t have to be this way! On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore tips and techniques for making meetings that work for everyone. It’s not as hard as you may think.Preparation is the key to success. For example, setting a clear agenda with achievable goals will help
Who Are You, WordPress Professional?
It’s easy for freelancers and agency owners to be pessimistic these days. The market is saturated with competition, AI is disrupting everything, and a “sure thing” is hard to find. This week’s episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about casting a ray of light on your career.Kurt and Toby examine the opportunities in the WordPress and freelancing space. The guys are all a
What Happens to Your Agency While You’re Away?
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby examine the challenges of taking time off. A sabbatical can be great for the soul. However, it’s also a test for your agency’s processes and team members. Can they keep things going while you’re away?You’ll also find takes on pricing projects in the age of AI, the role of trust in agency work, and the future of conten
Automate, Build, or Buy? The New Agency Playbook
Get ready for a special edition of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast! Matt Medeiros (filling in for a vacationing Kurt and Toby) is joined by developer and WordPress core contributor Brendan O'Connell. Together, they explore the increasing role of AI in agency life. The discussion touches on the technology’s impact on automation, creativity, and web hosting.You’ll also find tips on us
AI Fatigue Is an Opportunity for Agencies
This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast looks at the growing trend of AI fatigue. Kurt and Toby note that clients are finding that AI tools alone can’t solve their pain points. It presents a big opportunity for agencies and freelancers to save the day!You’ll find advice on the importance of selling solutions (rather than code), adopting agency subscription models, and effect
Are Your Projects Too Complicated?
Maybe your client projects start with simple ideas. But client requests and scope creep can turn them into a tangled mess before you know it. Kurt and Toby have been there! This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about keeping your projects (and clients) on the right track.The guys discuss evolving client expectations, AI’s role in project management, and how experien
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Self Promotion
Are you tired of the endless self-promotion on social media? Not sure how to show off your skills without bothering others? This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is for you!Kurt and Toby examine the complexities of self-promotion on LinkedIn. The guys explore the ethical dilemmas of business practices and the transformative impact of AI on lead generation and workflows. Th
Your Client Just Hired Someone Else. Now What?
Client transitions are on Kurt and Toby’s minds in this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast. The guys look at what happens when a client goes elsewhere, how it impacts your professional relationships, and why boundaries are important. They also examine the value of giving back through volunteering and mentorship. You’ll also find their takes on the skills gap in education and
Do You Have an Agency or a Job?
This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast asks a simple question: Do you have agency or a job? Kurt and Toby discuss the nuances of building an agency and offer sustainability tips. The guys also discuss the importance of client relationships and the common pitfalls associated with growth. You’ll also find insights on apprenticeships and the mindset of a successful agency owne
Lessons From One Year of Agency Action
Join Toby and Kurt as they celebrate the first anniversary of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast! The guys look back at their past conversations and the importance of listener engagement. Turning their focus to the present, they look at the common struggles agencies face when redesigning their websites and branding, emphasizing the need for clear messaging. You’ll also find thoughts on
Finding Purpose in Agency Work
This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about the emotional and professional challenges of agency work. Kurt and Toby explore the importance of team dynamics, project management, and effective communication with clients. The guys emphasize the need to establish processes while maintaining flexibility, and the value of professional partnerships in finding purpose and c
How Phased Projects Can Grow Your Agency
This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about agency growth through project management. Kurt and Toby focus on phased launch approaches, the importance of MVPs, and the iterative nature of project management. They also explore different pricing models, the significance of client relationships, and the challenges of defining maintenance services. You’ll also get useful
The WordPress Hosting Trap: What Agencies Get Wrong
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore the complexities of WordPress hosting. They discuss the various factors that influence the choice of hosting providers, the importance of support, and the implications of DNS management. The guys also offer guidance on upselling hosting and maintenance services, the role of AI in support, and the financial asp
Why Agency Life Is Exhausting
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns examine common agency ownership challenges. The guys discuss the impact of exhaustion, the importance of effective communication and leadership, and the necessity of quality assurance processes. They also explore how to improve team dynamics, manage client expectations, and leverage AI tools to enhance
Why Your Agency Needs an Email List
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges of email spam and marketing, the importance of maintaining client relationships, and the emotional aspects of business interactions. They explore the balance between agency work and personal projects, particularly in e-learning, and emphasize the need for a strong online presence. The guys also
Unlocking Hidden Revenue in Your Agency
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby and Kurt challenge the idea that AI is replacing agencies. They argue that many agency owners are holding themselves back by underpricing services and ignoring new opportunities. The guys discuss how agencies can adapt by embracing AI, productizing services, expanding into marketing and SaaS offerings, and building recurring r
Agency Acquisitions and Exit Strategies
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore the complexities of acquiring and managing WordPress and agency businesses. The guys explore exit strategies, onboarding, upselling, and the impact of AI on agency operations. They also share insights on evaluating business value, customer satisfaction, and process integration. This episode is packed with prac
What Happens to Your Agency When You’re Sick?
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the importance of planning for health emergencies, effective agency offers, lead generation strategies, and maintaining work-life balance. They share practical insights on pricing, client screening, and building long-term relationships in the WordPress agency space. The guys tackle the subjects
How Better Communication Puts Your Agency In Control
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt Von Ahnen examine the role of effective communication in running a successful agency. They explore strategies for setting expectations, handling unknowns, and leading clients confidently, all while fostering team growth. The guys demonstrate how a simple shift in communication approach (setting hard deadlines, c
Can AI Save Your Agency Money?
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt Von Ahnen explore how AI is transforming business processes, marketing, and service delivery. They discuss practical examples of building in-house tools, shifting focus from website development to problem-solving, and strategies for adapting to technological change. The guys also look at the challenges of subscr
Stop Being a Swiss Army Knife
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action Podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the impact of AI on business strategies, the importance of evaluating services, and the challenges of setting boundaries. The guys explore the hidden costs of complex projects, the dilemma of being a ‘Swiss Army knife’ agency, and the significance of productizing services. The conversation also touches on defi
Is Your Agency Focused on the Right Things?
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the importance of continually reassessing business focus, balancing work with family life, and navigating client expectations. They explore the contrasts in working with larger corporate clients versus smaller businesses, the importance of effective sales strategies, and the value of building strong business r
Take Care of Yourself and Your Business
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the importance of taking time off as agency owners, setting boundaries with clients, and the necessity of effective communication. They explore the concept of emergencies in business, how to build a process-driven agency, and the health costs of burnout. It’s all about designing your agency aro
Why Your Agency Should Be About More Than Money
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt Von Ahnen explore what responsibility agency owners have beyond generating revenue. The guys cover contributing to the WordPress community (meetups, WordCamps, Five for the Future-style contributions), investing in local neighborhoods, mentoring the next generation, and even addressing ageism in tech. The core i
The Top 3 Moments from Agency Action
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Matt Medeiros shares his top three moments from previous episodes hosted by Kurt and Toby. Topics include the complexities of e-commerce, the importance of valuing services and pricing strategies, overcoming the fear of asking for payment, and the need for community engagement among agency owners. There’s plenty of valuable advice
Agency Owners: Stop Doing It All Yourself
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges of hiring and delegating in an agency setting. They explore the importance of letting go of control, the ethical dilemmas faced in agency work, and the significance of understanding pricing and value. The conversation also touches on the power of automation, building a sustainable agency, and th
Are WordPress Agencies Doomed?
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, guest host Matt Medeiros discusses the evolution of agency life and the importance of authentic conversations. He highlights the significance of courses and resources available to agencies, particularly the role of AI in enhancing agency work. Matt emphasizes the need for deeper human connections in agency-client relationships as t
The Solution to Agency Chaos
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges of returning to work after a hiatus, navigating personal and professional chaos, and the importance of consistency and authenticity in business. They explore the chaotic nature of agency work, the need for effective client communication, and the role of project management for reducing chaos. The
Discovery Is the Engine That Drives Sales
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt von Ahnen discuss the critical aspects of sales. They emphasize the importance of making the first sale and the challenges of discussing discovery with potential clients. Toby believes that securing the first dollar is crucial for future sales success and warns against getting caught up in discussions about the
Why Marketing Matters for Your Agency
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the common practice among small agencies of relying solely on referrals for business, which may not be sufficient in the long term. They emphasize the importance of marketing to generate leads and grow your business. The guys also examine how to increase your business’s valuation for future resale. Takeaways:R
Are You Struggling With WordPress Plugin Fatigue?
In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby examine the complexities of plugin fatigue, the challenges of SEO tools, and the importance of conversion optimization. They discuss the downsides of popular plugins, the role of LinkedIn in marketing strategies, and the necessity of security maintenance plans for small businesses. The conversation also highlights eff
Your Agency’s Success Depends on Leadership
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns explore the complexities of leadership, management, and employee accountability. They discuss the evolution of their leadership styles, the importance of team members taking ownership, and the necessity of training and standards. The guys also examine the challenges of delivering constructive feedback,
Can E-commerce Ever Be Simple?
On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the evolving landscape of e-commerce, with a focus on the competition between WooCommerce and Shopify. They explore the importance of reducing complexity in e-commerce solutions, the impact of AI on SEO, and the future of agency development in a tech-driven world. The guys also ponder the role
How Pricing Impacts Client Expectations and Scope Creep
In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby delve into the complexities of running a successful agency. They discuss the pros and cons of publishing pricing, the challenges of managing client expectations, and the nuances of value-based versus time-based pricing. The conversation also explores the importance of building relationships, navigating the e-commerce
How Efficiency Helps Your Agency Grow
In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges and strategies of running a WordPress agency. They explore the importance of efficiency in managing multiple sites, the necessity of delegation, and effective pricing strategies. The conversation also covers client success, the role of reporting, and the value of newsletters for engagement. The
How to Add Value-Based Pricing to Your WordPress Agency
In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the complexities of pricing strategies for agencies, emphasizing the importance of value-based pricing and the role of expertise in justifying higher rates. They explore sales techniques, time management, and the significance of marketing to existing clients. The conversation also touches on th
The Essential WordPress Stack for Agencies
In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss their WordPress agency experiences. The guys focus on their tech stack, project delivery methods, and plugin preferences. They emphasize the importance of filtering plugins, effective team dynamics, and managing SaaS subscriptions. The conversation also touches on backup solutions and community-buildin
Feast or famine for WordPress Agencies?
Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns kick off Season 1 by answering the questions every new agency owner asks: how to split time between learning, delivery, marketing, and actually running the business; how to find (and talk to) buyers; and how to price when you’re still building your portfolio. They unpack the difference between marketing and sales, why grassroots outreach beats tiny ad budgets
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