Advertise on podcast: Agency Action

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast starts with a question every agency owner should consider: what makes a WordPress business worth buying? Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns break down a listing for a WordPress repair business asking $200,000, with 24 clients and $60,000 in annual recurring revenue. They discuss what buyers should look for beyond revenue, why a business that runs without its owner may be worth more, and how client retention affects a potential sale. The conversation also gets into the realities of running an agency today, from hosting and email reliability to raising prices and passing along payment processing fees. They debate whether AI meeting bots should be allowed in calls, share what vibe coding makes possible, and explain why AI may give agencies more capacity rather than make their expertise obsolete. For agency owners thinking about their future, this episode is a reminder that recurring revenue is only part of the equation. Strong processes, reliable systems, and the ability to deliver real client value all matter. Takeaways Recurring revenue alone doesn't tell you whether a WordPress business is worth buying.A business that can operate without its owner may be more attractive to a buyer.Client relationships can be fragile during a sale, so plan for potential customer loss.Documented processes and hard-to-recreate assets can help build long-term business value.Reliable hosting and email support matter because downtime can damage client trust.Review hosting performance and pricing regularly instead of assuming today's deal will last.Raising prices and passing on payment fees requires understanding the trade-offs and being prepared to lose some clients.AI can increase agency capacity, but human judgment and expertise still matter when delivering the final result.Important Links Mentioned Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! Follow Kurt & Toby on LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast gets into a question more WordPress agencies are going to have to answer: What work should humans still be doing? Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns talk about using AI to manage email, improve project workflows, rebuild WordPress sites, and even replace piles of plugins with custom code. Kurt shares how AI helped take an abandoned site from a 56 to a 92 on desktop page speed, while Toby explains why he’s looking at AI as a way to reduce the time spent on complex WooCommerce projects. But the conversation gets more complicated when AI-generated work still needs human judgment. They debate whether agencies should build custom solutions or rely on established products, how much customization clients should expect, and where the line is between efficiency and creating another maintenance headache. Then there’s the other problem: AI subscriptions are piling up. Between Claude, ClickUp AI, Figma, Canva, Descript, Perplexity, and a growing list of specialized tools, agencies have to figure out whether the productivity gains actually justify the cost. Kurt and Toby dig into whether agencies are passing those costs on to clients — or simply absorbing them. It’s a very Agency Action conversation about AI, margins, clients, employees, and the uncomfortable question of what happens when the tools get better faster than the business can adapt. Takeaways AI is starting to replace real agency tasks, not just assist with them.Human judgment still matters when AI gets something 80% right.AI can make WordPress sites faster by eliminating unnecessary bloat.Agencies may start replacing plugin stacks with custom AI-built solutions.Clients can turn small customizations into endless maintenance work.Professionalism still matters when AI handles more of the actual work.AI subscriptions can quietly become a major agency expense.Agencies need to figure out whether AI savings are actually improving margins.Better AI may make leaner agencies possible.The real challenge is knowing what to automate and what to keep human.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast gets into what happens when AI starts doing the work WordPress agencies have traditionally billed for. Toby Cryns and Kurt von Ahnen talk about using Claude to rebuild WordPress sites, the shrinking size of some development projects, and what happens when clients can build functioning apps themselves with AI. They also dig into the bigger questions: How do you price work that AI can do in minutes? What does a WordPress developer actually need to bring to the table? And how do agencies hire people who can think beyond a task list? The conversation eventually moves from AI to the realities of agency growth — accountability, hiring, delegation, profitability, and knowing when adding more people actually makes the business harder to run. Takeaways AI is already shrinking some WordPress projects from days to hours.Agencies may need to sell expertise instead of time.AI-generated websites are good enough for many clients.Developers increasingly need to be customer-facing problem solvers.AI can create more technical debt through tools and subscriptions.Consultants may become more valuable as clients get overwhelmed by AI options.Value-based pricing becomes more important as AI speeds up delivery.Hiring for judgment is harder than hiring for technical skills.Agency growth can create more complexity instead of more freedom.Clear accountability can help agencies identify the right people and processes.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribeJoin us in Slack: The WP Minute Slack

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 essential. They also dig into the business side of running an agency, from reducing tech debt and improving performance to hiring top talent, measuring profitability, and improving client communication. The conversation wraps with a discussion about the changing energy around WordCamps and the WordPress community. Takeaways: Simple brochure sites may no longer need WordPress. AI is great for first drafts, but humans still shape the final product. Complex business logic still requires developer expertise. Removing tech debt can improve performance more than adding new plugins. Expensive systems can’t replace strong operators. One great hire can outperform several average ones. Profitability matters more than billable hours. Frequent client status calls can signal internal communication problems.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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 seek cheap clients just because they’re available.Higher-value clients can be easier and more profitable.Firing poor-fit clients creates room for better ones.Recurring revenue creates stability and upsell opportunities.Hosting offers recurring revenue but is highly commoditized.Good leadership requires transparency, communication, and trust.Less financial pressure makes it easier to choose better clients.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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 make a positive change. You’ll also find thoughts on scaling your business, delegating tasks, and balancing profit and enjoyment.  And don’t miss their riffs on meeting client expectations, AI-generated RFP responses, and offering warranties on your work. Takeaways: Kurt would refuse to sell site audits and remodeling jobs.Toby emphasizes the need for firm processes and boundaries.User support is crucial for maintaining client relationships.Delegation is essential for growth but comes with discomfort.Profitability and enjoyment can often conflict.Successful agencies know when to stop certain practices.Cheap work can lead to better relationships if managed well.Scaling requires a shift in mindset and operations.Most successful founders lose the ego and focus on key performance indicators.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribehttps://thewpminute.com/if-i-could-turn-back-time-for-my-agency/

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 you keep things from going off the rails. There’s also something to be said for the balance between urgency and importance in the decision-making process. With a little work, you can turn meetings from a dreaded duty to a way to move things forward. This episode has everything you need to get started. Takeaways: Meetings often lack structure and purpose.A good meeting should leave participants feeling productive.Implementing a consistent agenda can improve meeting effectiveness.Team dynamics can significantly impact meeting outcomes.Urgent tasks often distract from important goals.Building relationships is key to finding work.Sales should be prioritized over marketing in early stages.Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.Accountability in meetings fosters better follow-through.Effective communication is essential for team success.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribehttps://thewpminute.com/meetings-dont-have-to-suck/

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 about keeping an optimistic outlook, even during the inevitable downturns. They have tips for distinguishing between marketing and sales, as well as for keeping your focus on revenue generation. Most of all, it’s about understanding who you are and defining your area of expertise. Remember, you can do it!  Takeaways: Optimism is crucial for success in running an agency.Freelancers must focus on their marketing strategy to attract clients.Understanding the difference between freelancing and full-time employment is essential.Generating revenue should be the primary focus for freelancers.Freelancers can expand their services to include IT-related tasks.WordPress is a tool, and the real challenge lies in running an agency.Community pessimism can be countered with a focus on solutions and expertise.Sales and marketing serve different purposes in business development.The future of software development presents new opportunities for agencies.Effective communication and understanding client needs are key to closing deals.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribehttps://thewpminute.com/who-are-you-wordpress-professional/

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 content creation. There’s also advice for that age-old dilemma of asking for money. Don’t miss it! Takeaways: Taking breaks is essential for personal and professional growth.Sabbaticals can help test team dynamics and processes.Pricing strategies must adapt to the efficiencies brought by AI.Trust is a key factor in agency/client relationships.The future of software development is leaning towards no-code solutions.Documenting team dependencies can help streamline workflows.Ethics in pricing is a complex issue for agency owners.Local AI processing is currently slower than cloud-based solutions.Video is seen as more trustworthy than AI-generated content.Agencies should focus on creating valuable content to attract clients.Asking for money is a necessary part of business.Pricing strategies can impact perceived value.Integrity-driven marketing can lead to sustainable growth.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribehttps://thewpminute.com/what-happens-to-your-agency-while-youre-away/

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 using tools like N8N and Hermes to boost your workflow and advice for navigating the lightning-paced industry shifts. Where does AI fit into your agency? This episode will help you find the perfect balance. Takeaways: AI is transforming how agency owners operate and build tools.Understanding automation is still crucial despite the rise of AI.The rapid pace of AI’s evolution impacts our productivity and attention spans.Creative professionals are experiencing a surge in idea generation.Open-source solutions like Hermes are becoming more accessible.The balance between buying and building tools is shifting.AI tools can enhance workflows but may also lead to dependency.The economics of AI are changing as open-source models emerge.Agencies need to adapt to the evolving landscape to stay competitive.AI can help manage project context and prevent drift.AI should augment human roles, not replace them.Important Links: Connect with Brendan: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | WebsiteAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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 effective time management strategies. The guys also examine the challenges of staying productive and diversifying client relationships to mitigate risk. It’s everything you need to turn your client’s AI problem into profit. Takeaways: Mid-sized clients prefer to work with experts rather than engage with AI tools themselves.There is a growing fatigue among clients regarding AI technologies.Selling is more profitable than merely building websites.Clients often underestimate the complexity of maintaining digital products.AI can add complexity to client relationships, especially regarding billing and access.Subscription models can provide steady revenue streams for agencies.Time blocking is essential for maintaining productivity and focus.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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 experience can help you navigate the challenges. In the end, it’s all about clear communication, effective processes, and critical thinking. Takeaways: Complexity in projects is subjective and varies by individual.Technology has evolved, making certain requests easier to fulfill.AI is changing the landscape of project requests and expectations.Experience plays a crucial role in defining project complexity.Managing client expectations is key to successful project outcomes.Clear processes can mitigate potential complications.Clients often underestimate the complexity of their requests.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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. They also discuss the fine line between effective marketing and distasteful self-promotion, the necessity of adapting to changing business landscapes, and the importance of having the right tools for success. You’ll also find reflections on the future of work and the role of innovation in professional growth. Takeaways: Self-promotion on LinkedIn can be off-putting but necessary.There's a fine line between sharing achievements and overdoing it.AI is changing how we generate leads and market ourselves.Desperation can shift moral judgments in business practices.Exploring new avenues can lead to unexpected opportunities.Integrating AI into workflows can enhance productivity.The cost of innovation can be a barrier for many businesses.Embracing change is essential in the digital landscape.There is great benefit in being part of a community that shares knowledge.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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 an agency’s role in closing it. Takeaways:  Setting boundaries is crucial when clients leave.Flexibility can lead to complications in client relationships.Expertise is often undervalued in budget discussions.Communication is key when managing project expectations.Contributions to the community can enhance agency reputation and bring personal fulfillment.Professionalism and humility can coexist in client interactions.Teaching is a valuable way to give back to the community.Podcasting can be a fun way to share knowledge and connect with others.Community leadership comes with both rewards and challenges.It's important to consider the potential negative exposure when sharing publicly.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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 owner. It’s everything you wanted to know about growing your agency into a sellable asset! Takeaways: Unlike a job, an agency is a sustainable entity.Client relationships are crucial for agency growth.Effective project management can help with billing and scope creep.Growth does not always equate to increased profit or happiness.Training and mentoring the next generation is vital for agency success.Value-based pricing can lead to better agency sustainability.Effective communication within teams enhances client service.Building a community through local engagement can benefit your business.Simplicity in processes can lead to better outcomes.Agency growth often requires adding complexity.Margin is more important than revenue for agency sustainability.Important Links: Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe