The Agency Hackers Podcast

Agency growth isn't as simple as it used to be.In this episode, Ian and Becky discuss why so many marketing agencies are struggling to win new business in 2026, why client buying decisions have slowed dramatically, and how agency owners can adapt.From committee-led decision-making and shrinking marketing budgets to the importance of relationships over automation, they explore what's really happening in the agency world and where the biggest opportunities still exist.In this episode:Why marketing budgets are taking longer to get approvedThe biggest bottlenecks holding agencies backWhether agencies should still target CMOsWhy relationships beat automation every timeBuilding communities that create long-term growthBreaking down silos inside agency teamsLessons from events, networking and growing an agency in uncertain timesIf you're an agency owner, founder or marketing leader looking to grow your business, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new episode.💬 We'd love to hear from you in the comments: What's the biggest challenge your agency is facing right now?#AgencyGrowth #MarketingAgency #AgencyOwners #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #AgencyLife #NewBusiness #ClientAcquisition #entrepreneurship

What happens when a single unopened letter can shut down your business overnight?In this episode of Agency Hackers, we discuss the surprising admin mistakes that can cause major problems for agency owners, from bank account closures and passport disasters to fines, scams, and overlooked business tasks. We also explore why more agencies are building their own software, how AI is transforming service businesses, and whether the future of agencies lies in becoming product companies.We cover:- The business admin mistakes that can cause serious damage- Why agencies are creating their own AI-powered tools- The rise of "service as software"- Harvest's controversial pricing changes- South by Southwest, Cannes, and the future of industry events- AI scams targeting agencies- Public speaking, conference talks, and how to prepare properly- Creating events with real gravitational pullWhether you're an agency owner, founder, marketer, or consultant, this episode is packed with practical lessons, industry insights, and honest conversations about building a modern agency in 2026.#agencyowner #aiforbusiness #marketingagency #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #agencylife #artificialintelligence #digitalmarketing #leadership

This episode goes completely off the rails 😭We cover:- The agency pitch disaster that accidentally opened a porn site in front of a client- Why Miami agency events are VERY different to Ibiza- The bizarre WPP “bomb threat” culture simulation- British vs American agency culture- AI tools taking over agencies… and apparently choosing blackmail when threatened 👀- Why founders are still the ones pushing AI adoptionThe truth about agency culture, hybrid work, and team moralePlus: hookers at the Agency Hackers Miami afterparty, competitor outreach tactics that actually win clients, and why “bring back graft” might be the best sales advice of 2026.Absolute chaos from start to finish.💥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and buckle up this is just the beginning. #agencylife #agency #hackers #podcast #peopletalk

What actually happens behind the scenes in an agency?In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the reality of running an agency the chaos, the lessons, and the funny stories that come with it.We also unpack one of the hardest challenges for growing agencies: hiring the right salesperson. What makes a great sales hire? Why do so many agencies get it wrong? And why chemistry with the business matters more than a perfect CV.Expect honest conversations, practical insights, and a few outrageous agency stories along the way.💥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and buckle up—this is just the beginning. #agencylife #agency #hackers #podcast #peopletalk

Ian and Becky spill the tea on everything agencies are whispering… but never admit out loud. From AI chaos and bad SEO fails, to pitch nerves, LinkedIn nonsense, and the truth about building “high agency” teams—this episode is raw, real, and brutally honest. No fluff, no fake thought leadership—just the stories you won’t hear anywhere else.💥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and buckle up—this is just the beginning. More insider chaos coming soon!#agencylife #agency #hackers #podcast #peopletalk

In this special episode of the Agency Hackers Podcast, Ian and Sophie delve into the delegate feedback from the Ibiza Super Summit 2024.What did we do well? What went horribly wrong?Hear for yourself...👀

Do we moan too much about juniors? Why CAN'T they make a simple phone call? These are the questions Ian and Sophie grapple with as they react to the feedback from our Happy Clients conference.Thanks to our sponsor The Qube – the world's first members' studio for musicians, podcasters and content creators. A sanctuary for London's inspired creators. https://www.theqube.com

Uh oh, Ian's made some enemies... on TikTok. But not to worry, because in the rest of this episode we'll be getting into how the Ibiza Super Summit came to be. We'll also be roasting some holiday themed LinkedIn posts, as well as covering some Calendly controversy (this time with an all new jingle).Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:01 - TikTok hates Ian03:00 - Roast the Post (Part 1)08:17 - When do you tell your team your ideas?12:54 - How the Agency Hackers team found out about Ibiza14:47 - Agency founders & finding the time for a holiday17:03 - Ibiza evenings19:57 - Ibiza is becoming upmarket?23:00 - The boat26:38 - The meaning of being a community32:06 - Roast the Post (Part 2)39:03 - Outro