{"id":7468,"date":"2023-03-27T21:39:41","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T21:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/?p=7468"},"modified":"2026-03-14T14:09:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T14:09:40","slug":"how-to-survive-a-recession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/","title":{"rendered":"How to survive a recession: The agency playbook"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;8b6a0d83-8ba7-4f79-8755-d2462f949971&#8243; background_color=&#8221;gcid-secondary-color&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3c3f0873-17b9-4bc0-8018-95ec1b0afa27&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;0838d187-f96f-4659-a434-015ead2e97ef&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;gcid-7e62c576-776c-4406-9d05-da7860f87ee0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-7e62c576-776c-4406-9d05-da7860f87ee0%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_77 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#How_to_survive_a_recession_The_agency_playbook\" >How to survive a recession: The agency playbook<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Keep_reading_to_gain\" >Keep reading to gain:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Executive_note\" >Executive note<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Reevaluate_your_client_book\" >Reevaluate your client book<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Understanding_recessions\" >Understanding recessions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#What_strategies_can_a_company_use_in_an_economic_downturn_3_actions_to_take_today\" >What strategies can a company use in an economic downturn? 3 actions to take today<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#1_Double-down_on_your_best_clients\" >1) Double-down on your best clients<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#%E2%9D%93_Reflect_and_identify_%E2%9D%93\" >\u2753\u00a0Reflect and identify \u2753<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#WATCH_Setting_yourself_up_for_success_as_a_marketing_agency\" >WATCH: Setting yourself up for success as a marketing agency<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#2_Reduce_services_or_time_spent_with_certain_clients\" >2) Reduce services or time spent with certain clients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Reflect_and_identify\" >Reflect and identify<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#3_Stop_working_with_clients_who_are_underpaying\" >3) Stop working with clients who are underpaying<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Reflect_and_identify-2\" >Reflect and identify<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Rethinking_your_ideal_customer_profile%E2%80%94A_CMOs_perspective\" >Rethinking your ideal customer profile\u2014A CMO\u2019s perspective<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#How_do_successful_businesses_adapt\" >How do successful businesses adapt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#The_Jeff_Tomlin_scorecard\" >The Jeff Tomlin scorecard<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#WATCH_A_CMOs_perspective_Tactics_to_navigate_a_recession\" >WATCH: A CMO\u2019s perspective: Tactics to navigate a recession<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Reimagining_the_customer_experience\" >Reimagining the customer experience<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#1_Proving_the_value_of_your_services\" >1) Proving the value of your services<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Delight_your_customers_with_the_right_data_at_the_right_time\" >Delight your customers with the right data, at the right time<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#2_Providing_performance_visibility_and_access\" >2) Providing performance visibility and access<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Gems_of_wisdom\" >Gems of wisdom<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Expand_and_diversify\" >Expand and diversify<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Strategy_1_Scale_efficiently_with_marketing_bundles\" >Strategy 1: Scale efficiently with marketing bundles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Case_study_How_the_Janice_Christopher_Marketing_Agency_sells_marketing_packages\" >Case study: How the Janice Christopher Marketing Agency sells marketing packages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Reflect_and_learn\" >Reflect and learn\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Strategy_2_Maximizing_revenue_from_existing_clients\" >Strategy 2: Maximizing revenue from existing clients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Tip_Do_your_research\" >Tip: Do your research!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Strategy_3_Diversify_your_client_roster\" >Strategy 3: Diversify your client roster<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Tips_for_targeting_new_verticals\" >Tips for targeting new verticals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#View_downturns_as_a_wake-up_call_and_an_opportunity_to_pivot\" >View downturns as a wake-up call and an opportunity to pivot<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Ideas_Looking_for_more_recession-proof_industries\" >Ideas: Looking for more recession-proof industries<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Strategy_4_Elevate_your_onboarding_prospecting_and_customer_experience\" >Strategy 4: Elevate your onboarding, prospecting, and customer experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Strategy_5_Using_fulfillment_services_to_deliver_work_that_you_otherwise_couldnt_offer_clients\" >Strategy 5: Using fulfillment services to deliver work that you otherwise couldn\u2019t offer clients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Strategy_6_Leverage_the_power_of_referrals_networking_and_community\" >Strategy 6: Leverage the power of referrals, networking, and community<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Referral_program_checklist\" >Referral program checklist<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Streamline_for_efficiency\" >Streamline for efficiency<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#1_Simplify_your_tech_stack\" >1. Simplify your tech stack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Transform_into_a_lean_agency_Get_your_step-by-step_action_plan_and_checklist\" >Transform into a lean agency: Get your step-by-step action plan and checklist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#2_Sales_marketing_automations\" >2. Sales &amp; marketing automations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Sales_intelligence_tools\" >Sales intelligence tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Marketing_education_campaigns\" >Marketing education campaigns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Artificial_intelligence\" >Artificial intelligence<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Navigating_the_recession_with_Vendasta\" >Navigating the recession with Vendasta<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#About_Vendasta\" >About Vendasta<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/guides\/how-to-survive-a-recession\/#Vishal_Teckchandani\" >Vishal Teckchandani<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_survive_a_recession_The_agency_playbook\"><\/span>How to survive a recession: The agency playbook<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;68c2d4e3-6edc-434a-bb7e-603be389109a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;f7eb8564-d4cd-4dec-94c0-a0034d188350&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||16px||false|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;9032&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/content-library\/guides\/\">Guides<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; animation_direction=&#8221;bottom&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Continue reading below to gain the actionable strategies, tactics, and referral program checklist your agency needs to adapt to tougher economic times.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;68b22057-0992-4b68-b3c3-628c460c9400&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1ms2hJGFv9VfptF-CScLyZPTALybik_yo\/view&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Get the ebook&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0.14)&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;50px||50px||true|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|50px|50px|50px|50px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/How-to-survive-a-recession-Vendasta-1-1.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;How to survive a recession, ebook, Vendasta&#8221; title_text=&#8221;image GALLERY&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;300px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;How to survive a recession, ebook, Vendasta&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;80px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;50px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;50px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e781c4da-aad9-4095-b05a-37b92a64ef5a&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; header_2_font_size_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; header_2_font_size_phone=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_2_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_reading_to_gain\"><\/span>Keep reading to gain:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;.checkmark-list ul li {||  margin-bottom:25px !important;||  font-size:16px !important;||}||&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strategies for scaling your agency during a recession<\/li>\n<li>Access to an ideal customer scorecard to evaluate existing and prospective business<\/li>\n<li>Tactics for building strong client relationships and providing value-added services<\/li>\n<li>Tips for diversifying clients and focusing on high-impact opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Access to a downloadable referral program checklist to tap into warm leads<\/li>\n<li>Best practices for improving operational efficiency and resource allocation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/Preview-single-image-survive-recession-agency-playbook-480&#215;482-1-1.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;How to survive a recession, Agency playbook, Vendasta&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Preview-single-image-survive-recession-agency-playbook-480&#215;482-1&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;450px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;How to survive a recession, Agency playbook, Vendasta&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; specialty=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text content_tablet=&#8221;<select onchange=%22location.href=this.value;%22><option value=%22#Intro%22>Introduction<\/option><option value=%22#client%22>Reevaluate your client book<\/option><option value=%22#expand%22>Expand and diversify<\/option><option value=%22#stream%22>Streamline for efficiency<\/option><option value=%22#conclusion%22>Conclusion<\/option><option value=%22#author%22>Author<\/option><\/select>&#8221; content_phone=&#8221;<select onchange=%22location.href=this.value;%22><option value=%22#Intro%22>Introduction<\/option><option value=%22#client%22>Reevaluate your client book<\/option><option value=%22#expand%22>Expand and diversify<\/option><option value=%22#stream%22>Streamline for efficiency<\/option><option value=%22#conclusion%22>Conclusion<\/option><option value=%22#author%22>Author<\/option><\/select>&#8221; content_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; module_class=&#8221;left-side-menu&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;_initial&#8221; link_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector ul li{||  margin-bottom: 10px !important;||}||selector ul {||  list-style: none!important;||}&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Intro\">Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#client\">Reevaluate your client book<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#expand\">Expand and diversify<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#stream\">Streamline for efficiency<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#author\">Author<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; specialty_columns=&#8221;3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_row_inner custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;#Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22,%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/book-icon.webp\" width=\"21px\" alt=\"open book\" \/> INTRODUCTION<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Executive_note\"><\/span>Executive note<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;7e450c1e-a883-4968-bd45-7f37129654d0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#072337&#8243; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;100%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;100%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; min_height=&#8221;190px&#8221; min_height_tablet=&#8221;190px&#8221; min_height_phone=&#8221;220px&#8221; min_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; height=&#8221;220px&#8221; overflow-x=&#8221;visible&#8221; overflow-y=&#8221;visible&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px|0px|30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;80px|40px|0px|40px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;60px|30px|0px|30px|false|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.25)&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Quotation-Mark-Icon-large.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Quotation-Mark-Icon-large&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Quotation-Mark-Icon-large&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; positioning=&#8221;absolute&#8221; vertical_offset=&#8221;-45px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_title=&#8221;Quotation-Mark-Icon-large&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.2em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;20px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>Rupert Murdoch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|700|||on||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#666666&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>The quote from Rupert Murdoch, CEO of News Corporation and one of the world\u2019s 100 richest people, emphasizes the significance of adaptability and agility in evolving business landscapes. The fast-paced nature of today\u2019s world means that marketing agencies must be able to change and evolve in order to stay competitive.<\/p>\n<p>Economic downturns, recessions, and rising interest rates can make it challenging for agencies to generate revenue as local businesses tend to make fear-based decisions to cut or completely <a href=\"\/blog\/marketing-in-a-recession\/\">eliminate their marketing budgets<\/a>. This can make it difficult for marketing services providers to maintain profitability.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, the sales process can test the resilience of even the most seasoned business development representatives. Buyers become more cautious and tend to haggle, and an increasing number of decision-makers are involved in approving even the most basic of marketing packages.<\/p>\n<p>To navigate these challenges, your marketing agency must learn to adapt. This entails strategies including targeting new markets, managing costs effectively, automating processes and becoming more innovative in how you sell. This approach will help ensure that your agency stays afloat while competitors that fail to evolve with the market fall by the wayside.<\/p>\n<p>What strategies can a company use in an economic downturn? This guide aims to provide actionable strategies and tactics to help agencies adapt to tougher times. By implementing these strategies, agencies can discover not only how to <a href=\"\/blog\/resell-digital-marketing\/\">survive a recession<\/a> but also how to thrive.<\/p>\n<p>In the following pages, you\u2019ll gain insights from agencies and marketers who adapted to changing economic conditions throughout their careers. You\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strategies for scaling during a recession<\/li>\n<li>Tactics for building strong client relationships and providing value-added services<\/li>\n<li>Tips for diversifying clients and focusing on high-impact opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Best practices for improving operational efficiency and resource allocation<\/li>\n<li>Ways to adopt new technology and automate processes to improve productivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22,%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/book-icon.webp\" width=\"21px\" alt=\"open book\" \/> PART ONE<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;client&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reevaluate_your_client_book\"><\/span>Reevaluate your client book<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Worried about how to survive a recession? Struggling in a tough economy? You\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s discuss the state of the economy: It\u2019s experiencing a slowdown, and doing business is simply getting tougher. You\u2019re right about that. This is deliberate\u2014all agencies are feeling the pain because policymakers are raising rates to cool down the economy and stop inflation from spiraling out of control.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_recessions\"><\/span>Understanding recessions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019ve heard a lot of chatter in the media about a recession, but what exactly is it and why is it impacting your line of work?<br \/>A recession is a period of economic decline, often marked by negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP) for two consecutive quarters. This decline can be caused by a decrease in consumer spending, business investment, and trade.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve and other central banks have raised interest rates in an effort to slow down the economy and the stock market, and curb inflation caused by lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages.<\/p>\n<p>However, this has led to an increase in the cost of servicing loans, leaving both consumers and businesses with less money to spend, resulting in tighter marketing budgets and job losses. This creates a cycle that further perpetuates the economic downturn until the economy stabilizes and interest rates are lowered again.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The impacts of a downturn are generally uneven, creating winners and losers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/janice-christopher-a7744517\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Janice Christopher<\/a>, CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/janicechristopher.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Janice Christopher Marketing Agency<\/a> (JCMA), notes a difference in how larger and smaller clients are approaching marketing in a tougher economy.<\/p>\n<p>While larger businesses are more cautious, they are still spending and not reducing budgets. Many smaller businesses, however, are cutting costs and reducing services.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThose who never embraced the idea that the more money they invest, the more they\u2019re going to get out of marketing\u2014those people are reducing their budgets. So if they previously contracted us to do two social media posts per week, they now want one,\u201d Christopher says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s really made us rethink who we service, how we deliver, and what we can do to become more efficient,\u201d she continues.<\/p>\n<p>Losses, though painful, provide an opportunity for agency owners to reevaluate their customer base and implement adaptive strategies to do more of what has been lucrative. Losses offer an opportunity to clean out the clients who have been difficult to service.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to learn how to thrive in a recession, take it from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jack-pires-44309b118\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jack Pires<\/a>, CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialjackmedia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Jack Media<\/a>. The agency\u2019s headcount and revenue nearly doubled to 12 employees and $2 million during 2022, amid all the fearmongering of a recession.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe phones haven\u2019t stopped ringing and the referrals haven\u2019t stopped coming in from our target markets. Even though we had a few mishaps, we rethought our strategy, resource planning, how we serve different tiers of clients, and how we prove value to each of them, and it\u2019s been an incredibly strong year with more growth to come,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_strategies_can_a_company_use_in_an_economic_downturn_3_actions_to_take_today\"><\/span>What strategies can a company use in an economic downturn? 3 actions to take today<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Double-down_on_your_best_clients\"><\/span>1) Double-down on your best clients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>In order to maximize revenue, it\u2019s important to focus more on upselling and cross-selling to your existing, high-margin clients.<\/p>\n<p>Take a close look at your customer base and identify opportunities to double-down on the categories of clients that are most valuable to your agency. By reprioritizing your list, you can ensure that your resources are being allocated to the areas that will have the greatest impact on your bottom line.<\/p>\n<p>Try to ensure you\u2019re keeping an open channel of communication and regular check-ins with your clients. It\u2019s the quality of your service that can often break the approval or continuance of a contract, especially in a downturn.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;7e450c1e-a883-4968-bd45-7f37129654d0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; overflow-x=&#8221;visible&#8221; overflow-y=&#8221;visible&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.25)&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design-60.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Janice&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Untitled-design-60&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;65%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;10px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Janice&#8221; image_title=&#8221;Untitled-design-60&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Path-163823-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Quote&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Quote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; positioning=&#8221;absolute&#8221; vertical_offset=&#8221;-45px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>I religiously meet with my better clients every month. They pay me for an hour\u2019s time. And during that time, I show them everything that we\u2019re doing for them and the results.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Janice Christopher<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>CEO, The Janice Christopher Marketing Agency<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-size:16px;&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;.postid-7468||.checkmark-list ul li {||    font-size: 16px;||}&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%9D%93_Reflect_and_identify_%E2%9D%93\"><\/span><strong>\u2753\u00a0Reflect and identify \u2753<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Analyze your clientele<\/strong>: Who are your most profitable and enjoyable clients to work with?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Understand why they are valuable<\/strong>: What makes these clients stand out and how can you replicate their characteristics in future clients?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use positive feedback<\/strong>: Have you ever asked for referrals or testimonials from these top clients? Leveraging their positive experiences can attract new business.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assess your service level<\/strong>: Are you providing the best possible service to these valuable clients?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify upselling opportunities<\/strong>: How can you expand your offerings and help these top clients grow their businesses even further?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Take note of these questions in a dedicated notebook or document and spend some time reflecting on them. We will delve deeper into these ideas and strategies later.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WATCH_Setting_yourself_up_for_success_as_a_marketing_agency\"><\/span>WATCH: Setting yourself up for success as a marketing agency <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about Christopher\u2019s methods for determining who your ideal customers from her recent virtual workshop.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/CMoS01I303A?si=YiFBBkKlvog4l2S3&#8243; src_tablet=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/CMoS01I303A?si=YiFBBkKlvog4l2S3&#8243; src_phone=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/CMoS01I303A?si=YiFBBkKlvog4l2S3&#8243; src_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;100%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; min_height_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; min_height_phone=&#8221;&#8221; min_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Reduce_services_or_time_spent_with_certain_clients\"><\/span>2) Reduce services or time spent with certain clients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to evaluate the level of service provided to each client and ensure it aligns with their needs. By doing so, it allows for better management of resources and can lead to new opportunities. Christopher realized this recently and decided to reevaluate how much time she spends with certain clients who don\u2019t need frequent hand-holding.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI tell these clients, \u2018Hey, you don\u2019t need to meet with me once a month and pay me my fee. We\u2019ve set everything up. Your listings are great. Your reputation\u2019s great. Your website is working. You\u2019re not spending money on anything that we need to discuss every month. So why don\u2019t you save yourself the money or put it toward that website chatbot you always wanted?\u2019,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut really, I\u2019m saving myself those hours every month to go out and look for a new business or service my existing, high-margin clients. They\u2019re happy, and I don\u2019t have to convince them to make more of an investment when for months and years, they\u2019ve been reluctant to increase their investment in marketing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jack Pires agrees. He has divided Social Jack Media\u2019s clients in three tiers: top-tier, mid-tier, and basic.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe large and mid-tier clients will have 5\u20136 hours of our time per month, such as with an account manager and content strategist, embedded in our proposal, while the basic ones will have less. All that being said, you need to invest and prove the value to each client no matter their tier,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; text_line_height_tablet=&#8221;1em&#8221; text_line_height_phone=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; text_line_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;.postid-7468||.checkmark-list ul li {||    font-size: 16px;||}&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reflect_and_identify\"><\/span><strong>Reflect and identify<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you evaluate the level of service provided to each of your clients, consider the following questions:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Which clients are currently receiving a higher level of service relative to their needs?<\/li>\n<li>Are they utilizing the technology and tools that have been sold to them effectively?<\/li>\n<li>Have they been trained on how to use these tools, or would they be willing to receive additional training, in order to handle basic tasks?<\/li>\n<li>Could you reduce the time invested in these clients without impacting the relationship or service level, for example, through marketing automations and campaigns?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Stop_working_with_clients_who_are_underpaying\"><\/span>3) Stop working with clients who are underpaying<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Assessing your customer base and identifying profitable, easy-to-work-with clients that align with your agency\u2019s value proposition is crucial in tough economic times. It\u2019s one of the keys to how to survive a recession.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, terminating contracts with clients who are costing you too much time for little benefit is even more important. And it\u2019s one of the biggest lessons <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chris-montgomery-81a2b8b4\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chris Montgomery<\/a>, Founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/socialordeals.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Ordeals<\/a>, has learned in over <a href=\"\/blog\/chris-montgomery-running-an-agency\/\">10 years of running an agency<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;7e450c1e-a883-4968-bd45-7f37129654d0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; overflow-x=&#8221;visible&#8221; overflow-y=&#8221;visible&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.25)&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Chris-Montgomery-1.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Chris-Montgomery&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Chris-Montgomery-1&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;65%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;10px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Chris-Montgomery&#8221; image_title=&#8221;Chris-Montgomery-1&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Path-163823-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Quote&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Quote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; positioning=&#8221;absolute&#8221; vertical_offset=&#8221;-45px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>You have to analyze your book of business and make sure that you actually have a profit margin with your clients because with some clients, you don\u2019t. Sometimes, you have to make that hard decision. Sometimes, clients want to fire you because they want to try out something else. You as an agency owner can\u2019t be scared to fire a client either.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||16px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chris Montgomery<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>CEO &amp; FOUNDER, SOCIAL ORDEALS<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;.postid-7468||.checkmark-list ul li {||    font-size: 16px;||}&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reflect_and_identify-2\"><\/span><strong>Reflect and identify<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What does your agency consider to be an acceptable profit margin and level of service?<\/li>\n<li>Have you spoken to clients about any mismatches between what they are paying and what they are getting? Are they willing to compromise?<\/li>\n<li>Have you ever had to make the hard decision of letting go of clients that are not a good fit for your company? How did you\u2014or how can you\u2014handle it?<\/li>\n<li>How do you avoid burning bridges when terminating contracts with clients? How will you approach these difficult conversations? Can you provide solutions, such as referring them to an agency that\u2019s a better fit?<\/li>\n<li>Are you comfortable with taking a short-term hit to revenue to pursue higher-quality leads and clients?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rethinking_your_ideal_customer_profile%E2%80%94A_CMOs_perspective\"><\/span>Rethinking your ideal customer profile\u2014A CMO\u2019s perspective<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Agency owners may be questioning the need to alter their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) after years of following the same approach. The answer is simple: You need to. It\u2019s part of how to survive a recession and make serious money.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_successful_businesses_adapt\"><\/span><strong>How do successful businesses adapt<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Did you know? The best businesses are always pivoting when something isn\u2019t working or they see a huge opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>Take inspiration from their successes and consider reassessing your own ICP to stay ahead in today\u2019s market. These companies successfully pivoted their strategies, including updating their ICP:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>American Express<\/strong>: The company adjusted its focus and improved its credit card offering, spruced up its airport lounges, and raised its fees during a pandemic to effectively double down on rich customers. The result? A record number of Platinum cardholders in 2022.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Instagram<\/strong>: Originally known as BURBN and offering multiple features, the app stripped down to only one core feature: Photos. It got photo-lovers hooked, and this change led to its current 2 billion-plus user base.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Starbucks<\/strong>: From selling espresso makers and coffee beans, the company transformed into a European-style coffeehouse and became a nationwide coffee sensation after its CEO\u2019s visit to Italy in 1983 inspired him to move beyond selling machines and target caffeine aficionados.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Jeff Tomlin, CMO at Vendasta, has seen the importance of constantly rethinking your ICP. This mindset sets apart successful businesses from those that struggle.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;7e450c1e-a883-4968-bd45-7f37129654d0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; overflow-x=&#8221;visible&#8221; overflow-y=&#8221;visible&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.25)&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Jeff-Tomlin-headshot.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Jeff Tomlin&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Chris-Montgomery-1&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;65%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;10px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Jeff Tomlin&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Path-163823-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Quote&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Quote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; positioning=&#8221;absolute&#8221; vertical_offset=&#8221;-45px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>As an agency owner, the number-one thing at all times that you should have a really clear view on is what your ideal customer profile looks like. As times change, you have to reevaluate that ICP to see how they are changing and how that affects their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;-27px||16px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jeff Tomlin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>CMO, VENDASTA<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>To stay ahead, it\u2019s essential to understand how your ideal customer profile is evolving as the market changes. Here are some key considerations for agencies looking to optimize their customer relationships:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Can you still serve customers efficiently?<\/strong> Understanding your cost to serve a customer is crucial in evaluating the efficiency of your operations. This includes the cost of maintaining software, support staff, account executives, and gross margin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do they still have the same urgency to buy?<\/strong> The sales cycle is the best indicator of a customer\u2019s urgency to buy. If the sales cycle is lengthening, it\u2019s a sign that the customer\u2019s urgency is decreasing, possibly due to budget constraints.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do they still have the same willingness to pay?<\/strong> To gauge a customer\u2019s willingness to pay, look at the average deal size booked by your sales team. If the average deal size is decreasing, it could indicate a decrease in customer willingness to pay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do they still have the same willingness to engage?<\/strong> Examining win\/loss rates, as reported by your sales team, can give you an understanding of your customer\u2019s level of engagement and how it has changed over time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Jeff_Tomlin_scorecard\"><\/span>The Jeff Tomlin scorecard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cVisualizing your ideal customer profile can help you assess their fit with your agency as the market changes,\u201d says Tomlin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCreate a grid that showcases four categories: efficiency in serving customers, urgency to buy, willingness to pay, and level of engagement. This will give you a clearer understanding of your customers and help you make informed decisions about customer retention.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/TOMLIN-GFX-SCORECARD.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;TOMLIN-GFX-SCORECARD&#8221; title_text=&#8221;TOMLIN-GFX-SCORECARD&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Grid scoring ideal customer profiles for salons.&#8221; image_title=&#8221;TOMLIN-GFX-SCORECARD&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/186_hk5lFQBqshrHn8Jbg9uCsy1jABRqO\/view&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Get the scorecard&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_phone=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Tomlin suggests considering the following three risk metrics when reassessing your ICP and evaluating the fit of your customers with your agency operations:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>The rule of 40<\/strong>: Your growth rate and profit margin should total 40% or more.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost of Acquisition (CAC) payback period<\/strong>: The ideal payback period for enterprise customers is 18\u201324 months, and for smaller companies, it\u2019s 6\u201312 months.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sales efficiency<\/strong>: Aim to generate $1 of revenue for every $1 spent on sales.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WATCH_A_CMOs_perspective_Tactics_to_navigate_a_recession\"><\/span>WATCH: A CMO\u2019s perspective: Tactics to navigate a recession<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/qOBZ8CB4t94?si=GZ29fgy4hr3QO50_&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reimagining_the_customer_experience\"><\/span>Reimagining the customer experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The key elements of who you serve and the services you provide must run alongside your ability to deliver an incredible customer experience. This is one of the most important ways you can demonstrate the value of digital marketing while concurrently reducing churn risk and creating a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n<p>A great customer experience can be cut in many different ways; however, in a downturn, there are two key areas for agencies to focus on.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Proving_the_value_of_your_services\"><\/span>1) Proving the value of your services<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t understand what you\u2019re doing for me\u201d or \u201cmarketing is just an expense\u201d are phrases no agency owner wants to hear during a conversation with their clients. Unfortunately, they are common criticisms as many agencies struggle to prove the value of their services.<\/p>\n<p>Customers need to understand the importance of different tactics you\u2019re recommending. By setting appropriate expectations for results, proving marketing return on investment (ROI) goes a long way towards strengthening your relationship with them. Proof of performance, when done right, builds trust in your ability to help clients reach their goals.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;7e450c1e-a883-4968-bd45-7f37129654d0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; overflow-x=&#8221;visible&#8221; overflow-y=&#8221;visible&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.25)&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Josh-Baker.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Josh-Baker&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Josh-Baker&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;65%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;10px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_title=&#8221;Josh-Baker&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Path-163823-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Quote&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Quote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; positioning=&#8221;absolute&#8221; vertical_offset=&#8221;-45px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important agencies explain that digital marketing is not just about advertising. If you have bad reviews, customers will find you through your digital ads and by having that bad rating score you\u2019re essentially paying them to go check out your competition. It\u2019s always this lightbulb moment like, \u2018Oh, now I get why listings matter, why reviews matter, I get why SEO matters, and I understand how digital advertising can complement all of that.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;-27px||16px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Josh Baker<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Founder, Sica Marketing<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Regular communication, continuous education, and proactive <a href=\"\/blog\/agency-reporting-proof-of-performance-impacts-retention\/\">proof-of-performance reporting<\/a> of your services such as growth in web traffic, number of reviews and followers, and performance against competitors is an essential part of the customer proposition for agencies.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Delight_your_customers_with_the_right_data_at_the_right_time\"><\/span>Delight your customers with the right data, at the right time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Check out <a href=\"\/blog\/proving-marketing-roi\/\">Proof of performance: Proving marketing ROI to your local business clients<\/a> to learn more about effective ways to demonstrate the value of your work with local business clients.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Providing_performance_visibility_and_access\"><\/span>2) Providing performance visibility and access<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Local businesses often struggle with marketing due to a lack of understanding or complexities in areas such as search engine optimization (SEO) and digital advertising.<\/p>\n<p>Managing and toggling between different accounts including Google Business Profile, Facebook, and Tripadvisor can be time consuming and overwhelming for a busy business owner, especially when it comes to responding to a barrage of reviews and social media posts.<\/p>\n<p>To mitigate these challenges, it\u2019s crucial that agencies provide their clients with control and visibility of their marketing initiatives. This can be achieved through tools and technology that offer a streamlined and user-friendly customer experience, where clients can view their marketing progress and the impact it is having on their business.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t want to create the perception that you\u2019re working in the shadows. That\u2019s why <a href=\"\/platform\/business-app\/\">Vendasta\u2019s Business App<\/a> is such a central pillar of our customer proposition. The client can log in any time and see their latest reviews and social posts, choose to respond, see their marketing and advertising performance, and access many other services,\u201d Janice Christopher says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt also helps reduce the number of times the client asks: \u2018What am I getting out of this relationship?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gems_of_wisdom\"><\/span>Gems of wisdom<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Set and manage expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Especially in a tougher economy, Christopher strongly recommends agencies set realistic expectations as part of a great customer experience, especially in initial conversations with prospects. You don\u2019t want to over-promise and under-deliver.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think setting expectations is ever more important because people are more sensitive when the economy feels hard. [Marketing] can\u2019t be seen as an expense. It has to be seen as an investment that has a return relatively soon.\u201d So I\u2019ll be very clear with a client that in order to get the phone to ring, they need to do some advertising and some SEO. That may feel scary for some prospects, and it\u2019s our job to really educate SMB\u2019s that being there on page one of Google vastly improves their chances of doing more business right away\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22,%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/book-icon.webp\" width=\"21px\" alt=\"open book\" \/> PART TWO<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;expand&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expand_and_diversify\"><\/span>Expand and diversify<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In today\u2019s economy, businesses are facing challenges like never before. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption, and many companies are struggling to survive. However, there are still opportunities for growth, even in a recession.<br \/>What strategies can a company use in an economic downturn? In this section, we will explore several strategies that businesses can use to grow during tough times.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_1_Scale_efficiently_with_marketing_bundles\"><\/span>Strategy 1: Scale efficiently with marketing bundles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Every agency owner\u2019s aspiration is to sell as much as possible in one transaction, and that\u2019s exactly what a <a href=\"\/blog\/bundle-price-products-vendasta-marketplace-increase-profits\/\">marketing bundle<\/a> is designed to do.<\/p>\n<p>Many service providers tend to sell one or two solutions, such as building websites or social media management. Often, this results in local business owners who are frustrated that they need to seek different vendors for different facets of their marketing.<br \/>Why not remove that pain point for your clients and prospects by selling a bundle of services together? This strategy is similar to how fast food restaurants offer meal deals\u2014a higher order value in exchange for a slight discount and a better customer experience.<br \/>The table below explains more about how a bundling strategy benefits agencies and their clients.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border: 2px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<tbody><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr style=\"background:#146a5c;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<th style=\"width:50%; color:#fff; padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          For marketing agencies<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<th style=\"color:#fff; padding:12px;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          For local businesses<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Speeds up your sales process:<\/b> By offering bundled digital marketing packages, your sales team can streamline the process of selling individual services separately. This can help to close deals more efficiently.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Enhances customer experience:<\/b> Purchasing a bundle is easier and more convenient for local businesses than buying, for example, social media tools, search engine optimization services (SEO), and web design from three separate providers.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Maximizes revenue potential:<\/b> By packaging various services together, <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <a style=\"text-decoration:underline;\" href=\"\/blog\/how-to-increase-sales-during-recession\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>agencies can increase the value<\/strong><\/a> of each deal. These bundled deals come with a discounted price, making them more appealing to clients and more likely to convert than a single service at full price.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Better business outcomes:<\/b> Marketing is a holistic strategy. When a local business has their reputation management, social marketing, and SEO working in tandem, they are likely to see better results and tangible business growth as a result.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Stand out from the competition:<\/b> Many agencies offer a limited number of services. By packaging and selling a wider array of marketing solutions, your clients will look to you as the trusted local expert who can help solve all their problems.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Clients discover valuable products and services:<\/b> Offering bundled deals that include a mix of popular and lesser-known items can encourage customers to try new products they may not have otherwise considered because of the discount baked into the price.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Improves retention and loyalty:<\/b> By providing a one-stop shop for all of their needs, your clients are more likely to return to your agency for additional services. This is because they have already invested in your solutions and trust your ability to meet their needs.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <b>Lowers costs:<\/b> What local business owner doesn\u2019t love a discount? When purchasing a discounted bundle, clients feel good knowing that they are saving money and getting better value.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/tbody>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/table>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_study_How_the_Janice_Christopher_Marketing_Agency_sells_marketing_packages\"><\/span>Case study: How the Janice Christopher Marketing Agency sells marketing packages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>According to Christopher, it\u2019s important to be strategic when creating bundles for your digital marketing services. While bundles are a powerful tool for increasing revenue and customer loyalty, it\u2019s important not to package every service under the sun. To do so risks overwhelming the client.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, tailor your bundles to the specific needs and budgets of your local business clients, and ensure that they understand the value of the services you are offering. This way, you can create a personalized experience that maximizes the benefit to both your agency and your customers.<\/p>\n<p>Christopher typically employs a phased approach when selling her agency\u2019s services and expanding her bundles, ensuring that value is proven at each stage before moving on to the next.<\/p>\n<p>The following is a practical example of how JCMA sells digital bundles in a phased approach to clients and prospects.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code raw_content_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; raw_content_phone=&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=%22table-scroll-wrapper%22>\n<table class=%22custom-phase-table%22>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Phase 1<\/th>\n<th>Phase 2<\/th>\n<th>Phase 3<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=%22Phase 1%22>\n<p>Christopher starts by offering a curated bundle of two essential digital marketing services to new clients as a \u201cstarter package.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Listing Builder:<\/strong> This <a href=%22\/local-listings\/listing-builder\/%22 data-et-target-link=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22><strong>listings management tool<\/strong><\/a> ensures that the client\u2019s business info is consistent across directories to boost visibility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reputation Management:<\/strong> This <a href=%22\/reputation\/reputation-ai\/%22 data-et-target-link=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22><strong>platform<\/strong><\/a> helps clients monitor and manage reviews from one dashboard.<\/p>\n<p>Christopher uses proof-of-performance <a href=%22\/platform\/business-app\/executive-report\/%22 data-et-target-link=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22><strong>Executive Reports<\/strong><\/a> to showcase results.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-label=%22Phase 2%22>\n<p>Typically 2\u20133 months later, clients recognize the value of Phase 1 and express interest in social media, which Christopher upsells.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Social Marketing:<\/strong> This <a href=%22\/social-media\/social-marketing\/%22 data-et-target-link=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22><strong>social media tool<\/strong><\/a> allows clients to schedule and automate posts, increasing brand engagement.<\/p>\n<p>Clients often pay JCMA to manage and create content, adding service revenue on top of product value.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-label=%22Phase 3%22>\n<p>Seeing results from earlier phases, clients begin to trust Christopher\u2019s guidance and invest in additional services:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Email marketing<\/li>\n<li>SMS messaging<\/li>\n<li>Chatbot integration<\/li>\n<li>SEO<\/li>\n<li>Digital advertising<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Within 6\u201312 months, Christopher becomes a trusted advisor with clients spending thousands in monthly recurring revenue.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<style>\n.table-scroll-wrapper {\n  overflow-x: auto;\n  -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\n}\n.custom-phase-table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  min-width: 800px; \/* This forces horizontal scroll on smaller screens *\/\n}\n.custom-phase-table th,\n.custom-phase-table td {\n  padding: 16px;\n  border: 1px solid #ccc;\n  text-align: left;\n}\n<\/style>\n<p>&#8221; raw_content_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;\/* Ensure all table borders show properly *\/||.custom-phase-table {||  width: 100%;||  border-spacing: 0;||  border-collapse: collapse;||  font-family: &#8216;Segoe UI&#8217;, sans-serif;||  border: 2px solid #ccc; \/* Ensures outer border *\/||  box-sizing: border-box;||}||||\/* Header cells *\/||.custom-phase-table th {||  color: #fff !important;||  padding: 16px;||  border: 1px solid #ccc;||  text-align: left;||  font-size: 18px;||}||||\/* Color each header *\/||.custom-phase-table th:nth-child(1) { background-color: #146a5c; }||.custom-phase-table th:nth-child(2) { background-color: #4974b5; }||.custom-phase-table th:nth-child(3) { background-color: #614c9b; }||||\/* Data cells *\/||.custom-phase-table td {||  padding: 16px;||  border: 1px solid #ccc;||  vertical-align: top;||  font-size: 16px;||  line-height: 1.6em;||  box-sizing: border-box;||}||||\/* Links inside the table *\/||.custom-phase-table a {||  color: #3f9b63;||  text-decoration: underline;||}||||\/* Fix: ensure table has full border on all sides *\/||.custom-phase-table tr:last-child td {||  border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc;||}||||.custom-phase-table tr td:first-child {||  border-left: 1px solid #ccc;||}||||.custom-phase-table tr td:last-child {||  border-right: 1px solid #ccc;||}||||\/* Mobile responsive *\/||@media screen and (max-width: 768px) {||  .custom-phase-table,||  .custom-phase-table thead,||  .custom-phase-table tbody,||  .custom-phase-table th,||  .custom-phase-table td,||  .custom-phase-table tr {||    display: block;||    width: 100%;||  }||||  .custom-phase-table thead {||    display: none;||  }||||  .custom-phase-table td {||    border: none;||    border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;||    padding: 12px;||    background: #fff;||  }||||  .custom-phase-table td::before {||    content: attr(data-label);||    font-weight: bold;||    display: block;||    color: #333;||    margin-bottom: 5px;||  }||}||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<table class=\"custom-phase-table\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<thead><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<th>Phase 1<\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<th>Phase 2<\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<th>Phase 3<\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/thead>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<tbody><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<td data-label=\"Phase 1\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee>Christopher starts by offering a curated bundle of two essential digital marketing services to new clients as a \u201cstarter package.\u201d<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee><strong>Local SEO:<\/strong> This <a href=\"\/local-listings\/local-seo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>listings management tool<\/strong><\/a> ensures that the client\u2019s business info is consistent across directories to boost visibility.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee><strong>Reputation Management:<\/strong> This <a href=\"\/reputation\/reputation-ai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>platform<\/strong><\/a> helps clients monitor and manage reviews from one dashboard.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee>Christopher uses proof-of-performance <a href=\"\/platform\/business-app\/executive-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Executive Reports<\/strong><\/a> to showcase results.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<td data-label=\"Phase 2\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee>Typically 2\u20133 months later, clients recognize the value of Phase 1 and express interest in social media, which Christopher upsells.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee><strong>Social Marketing:<\/strong> This <a href=\"\/social-media\/social-marketing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>social media tool<\/strong><\/a> allows clients to schedule and automate posts, increasing brand engagement.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee>Clients often pay JCMA to manage and create content, adding service revenue on top of product value.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<td data-label=\"Phase 3\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee>Seeing results from earlier phases, clients begin to trust Christopher\u2019s guidance and invest in additional services:<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<ul><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<li>Email marketing<\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<li>SMS messaging<\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<li>Chatbot integration<\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<li>SEO<\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<li>Digital advertising<\/li>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/ul>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <pee>Within 6\u201312 months, Christopher becomes a trusted advisor with clients spending thousands in monthly recurring revenue.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/tbody>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/table>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy bundling these services together, clients receive a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple aspects of their online presence and marketing efforts. Additionally, it\u2019s convenient for them because they only need to work with one agency for all their digital marketing needs,\u201d explains Christopher.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;.postid-7468||.checkmark-list ul li {||    font-size: 16px;||}&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;.postid-7468||.checkmark-list ul li {||    font-size: 16px;||}&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reflect_and_learn\"><\/span><strong>Reflect and learn\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Does your agency currently sell digital solutions or limited individual services? Would it lead to a better client outcome if you could do more for them?<\/li>\n<li>Are your starter bundles easy to understand for clients and prospects? Do you need to cut the number of services sold initially to improve conversion? Alternatively, can you add a service that would improve conversion?<\/li>\n<li>Can you demonstrate proof of performance quickly? Can clients see and access what they\u2019ve purchased?<\/li>\n<li>Does your agency have a strategy around how to build on the initial package, and when?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_2_Maximizing_revenue_from_existing_clients\"><\/span>Strategy 2: Maximizing revenue from existing clients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Partly related to the prior strategy, another strategy for how to survive a recession is to upsell your existing clients with highly targeted services and offers based on specific needs. This includes new products or additional investments into existing services.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_Do_your_research\"><\/span><strong>Tip: Do your research!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Whatever you do, don\u2019t sell for the sake of selling! Your existing clients can smell it from a mile away and will start to feel like every meeting with you is a sales pitch.<\/p>\n<p>Christopher strongly recommends agencies using this strategy have a very deep understanding of their clients\u2019 needs, business goals, and current market positioning. In other words, you need to sound like you\u2019ve done your research and are solving a pain point or targeting a great new opportunity for the client.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBefore my meetings, I always review the client\u2019s marketing performance, business plan, and whether there\u2019s an opportunity for us to write a blog for them, leverage their database for email campaigns, or increase their budget towards ad campaigns if they\u2019ve been effective,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve found that clients really like the \u2018try before you buy\u2019 approach that we take. For example, let\u2019s see if we can generate some interest with that newsletter, or improve their Google rankings with that blog. Once they see that our ideas work, they\u2019re happy to increase the monthly budget on a more permanent basis.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_3_Diversify_your_client_roster\"><\/span>Strategy 3: Diversify your client roster<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>So we\u2019ve talked about marketing bundles and existing clients, but what about drumming up new business? That\u2019s the hardest part.<\/p>\n<p>While it\u2019s true that a downturn has a broad impact on business spending, what\u2019s also true is that there are pockets of opportunities in recession-proof industries.<\/p>\n<p>What does recession-proof mean? \u201cRecession-proof\u201d or \u201cdefensive\u201d industries are sectors where spending and profitability tend to remain stable or even grow in tough times.<\/p>\n<p>Think of areas such as healthcare, home services, and pet food\u2014we all still need to see the doctor, prevent leaky plumbing, and feed our furry friends no matter what the economy is doing.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_targeting_new_verticals\"><\/span>Tips for targeting new verticals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>As a marketing agency, expanding your client base to include recession-proof industries can be a valuable strategy during economic downturns. Here are some tips on how to sell your marketing services to these industries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Research: Get to know your target industry and its unique challenges, needs, and goals.<\/li>\n<li>Network and use social media: Connect with industry professionals, attend events, and engage in online forums to gain insights and build relationships. Leverage social media and job posting websites to discover whether local businesses need help with their marketing efforts\u2014this can be invaluable for your prospecting playbook.<\/li>\n<li>Show case studies: Highlight your agency\u2019s experience in related industries via case studies and how you\u2019ve driven growth for existing clients.<\/li>\n<li>Customize your pitch: Tailor your marketing proposal to address the specific needs and goals of your target industry.<\/li>\n<li>Leverage data: Use data and statistics to demonstrate the potential impact of your marketing services and how they can support the industry during economic challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"View_downturns_as_a_wake-up_call_and_an_opportunity_to_pivot\"><\/span>View downturns as a wake-up call and an opportunity to pivot<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A downturn can be a wake-up call and give you the opportunity to reset who you serve and how your agency is positioned in the market.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat we\u2019re seeing in terms of economic conditions now has made me reprioritize my book and rethink who I want to work with in the long term,\u201d explains Christopher.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt made me realize there are some clients who I really enjoy working with. They are high-revenue, they\u2019re open to new concepts, and their marketing budgets are resilient. That\u2019s what I want more of.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn the other hand, there are low-margin clients who look at marketing as an expense, and every time they run into some business difficulty, they cut their marketing budget, which means the stability of earnings isn\u2019t there. Having to renegotiate a budget on a regular basis just isn\u2019t what we\u2019re set up to do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Below are three industries Christopher is prioritizing targeting, and two she is stepping back from right now.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Top pick: Legacy businesses<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Christopher loves legacy businesses, which are long-term and financially stable companies that are at a critical inflection point in their strategy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have multiple generations in these legacy businesses where the 75-year-old owner claims, \u2018We don\u2019t need to do marketing,\u2019 whereas the sons and daughters\u2014the heirs\u2014absolutely believe they need marketing for future growth,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd so they can\u2019t convince dad, but I can come in as the expert and bring everyone together. And those are companies that have been around 50, 60, 75 years, and they\u2019re doing multiple millions of dollars of business.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI show them how having a strong online presence protects the value of their brand and keeps their business relevant and competitive in the local marketplace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Top pick: Mental health services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Christopher has also found success in the mental health services industry, which has seen an increase in demand during the pandemic and in light of broader recognition of mental health issues.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are not enough psychologists or social workers in the United States to fill the need for mental health services,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey need to do a lot of marketing, and they need their messaging to be on point because people have a choice where they\u2019re going to go, and my clients want to make sure that they\u2019re chosen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Top pick: Essential home services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Businesses that specialize in home improvement and repair, such as plumbing, electrical, painting, and gutter cleaning tend to do well during a recession.<\/p>\n<p>As Christopher says, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter what\u2019s happening with the economy, you still need the heat to work and the taps to not leak. Companies involved in the repairs and maintenance of residential and commercial properties are very resilient for that reason.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Top pick: Construction and related services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pires says construction and related services (such as logistics and materials suppliers) have proven surprisingly resilient, and marketing is becoming more important to these comes from both B2B and B2C perspectives.<\/p>\n<p>This is likely due to immigration driving almost all U.S. population growth, while COVID-19 has changed what people are seeking when it comes to housing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Avoid: Solopreneurs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Christopher avoids working with solopreneurs, who are typically unable to afford her services on a regular basis, and thus make it difficult for her to scale and earn predictable revenue.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Avoid: Restaurants<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>She also avoids working with restaurants, as she has found that their margins are too small to justify her services and typically require too much work from a sales perspective to convert.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ideas_Looking_for_more_recession-proof_industries\"><\/span><strong>Ideas: Looking for more recession-proof industries<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Check out <a href=\"\/blog\/recession-proof-industries-agencies\/\">11 recession-proof industries agencies should sell to right now<\/a> for more ideas of industries you can target right now!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_4_Elevate_your_onboarding_prospecting_and_customer_experience\"><\/span>Strategy 4: Elevate your onboarding, prospecting, and customer experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Montgomery\u2019s success story of growing Social Ordeals from a one-man agency to a 30-strong team generating $8 million in annual revenue by serving thousands of SMBs across the US, UK, and Canada is a testament to his effective business strategies.<\/p>\n<p>He attributes much of his success to four key factors, which will become even more important for agencies seeking how to survive a recession and grow during an economic downturn.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Personalized communication<\/strong>: Montgomery emphasizes the importance of personal engagement, even for mid-market agencies with a sales team. He suggests getting on client calls yourself or attending them with your reps, to build a strong relationship and show your commitment to their business. Even today, Montgomery finds new business during in-person experiences such as meeting the owner after dining at a restaurant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impeccable service<\/strong>: <a href=\"\/blog\/recession-proof-niches\/\">Providing top-notch service to your first few clients<\/a> can lay the foundation for a successful business. Montgomery says, \u201cYou have to make sure that you\u2019re doing everything that you promised them that you would do, and you\u2019re keeping your word on that.\u201d Building trust and delivering results can earn you referrals and repeat business.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quick response time<\/strong>: Prompt responses to inbound inquiries is key to keeping clients and prospects interested. Montgomery says, \u201cPeople are impatient today. If a prospect calls you, and you don\u2019t get back to them for 48 or 72 hours, you\u2019re putting a bad taste in their mouth.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Thorough onboarding process<\/strong>: Montgomery\u2019s agency has a detailed onboarding process that involves clients filling out a form and a video conference call with account managers. This helps ensure that clients are well-informed and have a clear understanding of the agency\u2019s services, and that the knowledge is not limited to one person.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_5_Using_fulfillment_services_to_deliver_work_that_you_otherwise_couldnt_offer_clients\"><\/span>Strategy 5: Using fulfillment services to deliver work that you otherwise couldn\u2019t offer clients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A final strategy for how to survive a recession, grow your client base, and grow your revenue is using fulfillment services to deliver work that you otherwise couldn\u2019t offer clients due to skills and resource constraints within your agency.<\/p>\n<p>By partnering with high-quality external fulfillment partners, you can free up your time and resources to focus on growing your business. Additionally, using fulfillment services can also help to reduce costs, as they often have economies of scale that allow them to offer services at a lower cost than you could on your own.<\/p>\n<p>Fulfillment services are also known as \u201cwhite-label\u201d marketing and can be used for nearly all facets of digital marketing including copywriting, writing social posts, building websites, and listings management.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, agency owners <a href=\"\/blog\/resell-services\/\">resell fulfillment services<\/a> to supplement knowledge and skills gaps in their organizations and to de-risk their business. The agency\u2019s in-house team focuses on sales and high-value services such as setting the client\u2019s marketing strategy and providing proof of performance. Meanwhile, fulfillment experts work in the background to do the execution.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"scrollable-table-container\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 2px solid #ccc; min-width: 600px;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<tbody><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<th style=\"background:#146a5c;width:50%;color:#fff; padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Where your agency can invest its time and focus<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<th style=\"background:#4974b5;width:50%;color:#fff; padding:12px;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          How white-label marketing can complement your services<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Selling listings and reputation management <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Fulfillment services can handle the technical aspects of setting up, claiming, and managing clients\u2019 online presence and review responses.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Selling social media services and setting the strategy (frequency of posts, tone of voice, etc.) <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Fulfillment services can handle the day-to-day content creation, posting, and management of social media accounts for clients.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Selling websites and consulting on design <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Fulfillment services can handle the technical aspects of website creation, freeing up time and resources for the agency to focus on consulting with clients on design and user experience.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/tbody>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/table>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.scrollable-table-container {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  overflow-x: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"scrollable-table-wrapper\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 2px solid #ccc; min-width: 600px;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<tbody><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<th style=\"background:#604b9b; width:50%; color:#fff; padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          What are the benefits of this approach?<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<th style=\"background:#c1235e; color:#fff; padding:12px;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Tasks fulfilled by white-label marketing<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/th>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          This approach allows the agency to focus on their strengths, build client relationships, and expand their services while the client\u2019s online presence is professionally managed.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Furthermore, the agency doesn\u2019t need to hire and train staff.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Listings setup, management, optimization<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Claiming listings for the client<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Respond to reviews on behalf of the client<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          This approach enables the agency to concentrate on developing high-level strategy and building relationships with clients.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Meanwhile, time-consuming social media tasks are handled by an expert fulfillment team.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Social media content creation<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Responding to comments on social channels<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Scheduling posts<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-right: 2px solid #ccc; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          This approach allows the agency to provide a more comprehensive service to clients by offloading the technical aspects of website creation, while still retaining control over the creative process.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<td style=\"padding:12px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          Website build and design<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/td>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/tr>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/tbody>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/table>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.scrollable-table-wrapper {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  overflow-x: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_6_Leverage_the_power_of_referrals_networking_and_community\"><\/span>Strategy 6: Leverage the power of referrals, networking, and community<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In Part 1, we asked you to reflect and identify opportunities to grow your book of business by leveraging your current clients while also seeking out new prospects. How does a successful agency make that happen?<\/p>\n<p>Jack Pires of Social Jack Media, who achieved a 100% increase in revenue last year and had to double his workforce to meet the demand, attributes much of his growth to three factors:<\/p>\n<p>Referrals from current clients: Encouraging your existing clients to refer new business to you is a powerful way to grow your book of business. \u201cFortunately, many of my clients provide referrals because of our strength, expertise, and credibility in certain verticals,\u201d he says. To increase the number of referrals, agencies can consider creating an incentive program for those who provide them.<\/p>\n<p>In-person networking: Networking events and trade shows can provide valuable face-to-face interaction with potential clients. \u201cThere are a ton of networking groups available at very low fees, such as your local Chamber of Commerce. If you can invest some time in the ones that make sense for your sales team or you personally, it can do wonders. When you\u2019re face to face with someone, you can build trust and make a personal connection,\u201d says Pires. This approach can also help you break into new and recession-proof industries.<\/p>\n<p>Referring clients to each other: Building relationships with other business owners in your industry can lead to mutual referrals. By connecting your clients with complementary businesses, you not only provide valuable resources but also strengthen your own network. Consider forming a referral network or participating in a local business association to expand your reach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe always put our clients first, and it\u2019s surprising that they become our liaison and refer other businesses to us. And then what we found is that because we had all these connected businesses within the same vertical, we would refer them to each other from our own network, such as a building company that needs a materials supplier,\u201d Pires says.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;7e450c1e-a883-4968-bd45-7f37129654d0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; overflow-x=&#8221;visible&#8221; overflow-y=&#8221;visible&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.25)&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Jack-Pires.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Jack-Pires&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Jack-Pires&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;65%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;10px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Jack-Pires&#8221; image_title=&#8221;Jack-Pires&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Path-163823-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Quote&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Quote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; positioning=&#8221;absolute&#8221; vertical_offset=&#8221;-45px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>If you can make your clients feel as if you\u2019re always looking out for their best interest and if you\u2019re always trying to tap them and network for them, I think that\u2019s a key strategy that most agencies are probably not doing.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jack Pires<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Founder and CEO, Social Jack Media<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22,%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c6aa4e19-7835-473b-afc4-981ad647267c&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;.postid-7468||.checkmark-list ul li {||    font-size: 16px;||}&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Referral_program_checklist\"><\/span><strong>Referral program checklist<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Referrals are a low-effort, high-value and cost-effective way to generate warm leads. However, a referral program should be well thought out in order to be effective. Here are some key considerations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Offer incentives<\/strong>: Some of your existing clients may require added motivation to refer you. Your program should incorporate rewards, discounts, or royalties.<br \/><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Define clear terms<\/strong>: Ensure the referral program\u2019s terms and conditions are clear and easy to understand.<br \/><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify ideal referral sources<\/strong>: Identify which clients and industries are most likely to provide valuable referrals and focus on building relationships with them.<br \/><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Develop a tracking system<\/strong>: Create a simple and user-friendly system for submitting and tracking referrals for your agency.<br \/><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Refine your communications strategy<\/strong>: How exactly will you and your sales team communicate the program? In client meetings, courtesy calls, or perhaps targeted email campaigns? Whatever methods you choose, ensure the messaging is consistent and gets to the clients you have good relationships with.<br \/><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Evaluate and adjust<\/strong>: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your referral program and make adjustments as needed to optimize results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1MtaD3trrHtldILke9Qx8TuX2atVohm6J\/view&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Download the Checklist&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_phone=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22,%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/book-icon.webp\" width=\"21px\" alt=\"open book\" \/> PART THREE<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;stream&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Streamline_for_efficiency\"><\/span>Streamline for efficiency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Optimizing your ICP, entering new markets, and pivoting your business strategy are crucial steps in how to survive a recession. But it\u2019s also important to streamline your operations to keep costs low and maintain sustainability as you work to stabilize your revenue.<\/p>\n<p>Here, we\u2019ll explore two ways you can simplify your business while improving efficiency.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Simplify_your_tech_stack\"><\/span>1. Simplify your tech stack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Agencies can quickly reduce their expenses by streamlining their technology stack. Surprisingly, businesses with fewer than 50 employees usually have 40 to 50 software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscriptions, but their employees only use about 9.5 of them, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/martech.org\/new-blissfully-report-most-companies-have-orphaned-saas-apps-in-their-stacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research from Blissfully<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>By examining all costs and eliminating unnecessary subscriptions, digital agencies can lower operational expenses, paving the way for a sustainable cost base and competitive advantage.<\/p>\n<p>As an example, Christopher found hundreds of dollars in monthly savings for JCMA by scrutinizing her technology stack.<\/p>\n<p>She reconfigured her CRM, reducing the cost from $500 a month to under $100 a month, allowing her to invest in other initiatives to improve her workflow. In tough economic times, it\u2019s a good idea to review your tools and the value they bring your employees and your agency, and not just keep them because they have always been used.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transform_into_a_lean_agency_Get_your_step-by-step_action_plan_and_checklist\"><\/span>Transform into a lean agency: Get your step-by-step action plan and checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Is your agency struggling with too many SaaS subscriptions and unable to quantify their value?<\/p>\n<p>Our Vice President of Platform Operations, Janessa Yeomans, has created a free software vendor analysis spreadsheet to help agencies take stock of all their SaaS and subscription expenses.<\/p>\n<p>This tool provides practical steps for examining which subscriptions to retain, eliminate, and renegotiate so that your agency can become leaner and more efficient within just two weeks.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1Jn3jXCwmkA2XqVKKmHrZ_hRVHHXxFYcA6jdRSxL29gs\/copy&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Get the software vendor analysis spreadsheet&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_phone=&#8221;center&#8221; button_alignment_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>(By the way, Vendasta is the all-in-one tech stack of choice for thousands of agencies and local businesses. Why not take advantage of <a href=\"https:\/\/signup.vendasta.com\/\">free access<\/a> and check us out today?)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Sales_marketing_automations\"><\/span>2. Sales &amp; marketing automations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Agencies can optimize their operations and improve efficiency by leveraging sales and marketing automations. Time saved is money saved, after all. From prospecting to lead generation, there are several automations that can help streamline your business processes and free up valuable time for your team.<\/p>\n<p>Below are three automations that can save you and your sales team hours of time and effort in your prospecting efforts and marketing processes.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sales_intelligence_tools\"><\/span>Sales intelligence tools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Sales intelligence tools offer your team the ability to conduct comprehensive research on a prospect\u2019s marketing channels, including their reviews, SEO performance, and digital advertising efforts.<\/p>\n<p>For example, Vendasta\u2019s <a href=\"\/platform\/snapshot\/\">Snapshot Report<\/a> generates a Google-powered analysis of a prospect\u2019s online marketing performance across seven categories within 24 hours, enabling salespeople to quickly identify areas of improvement and present the most relevant solutions.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marketing_education_campaigns\"><\/span>Marketing education campaigns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>After closing a deal, it\u2019s essential to keep your client engaged and informed, especially if they\u2019re using digital solutions you\u2019ve sold to them.<\/p>\n<p>Take <a href=\"\/blog\/scott-sanderson-sales-pipeline\/\">Scott Sanderson<\/a>, Founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getoctohub.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OctoHub<\/a>, as an example. He has created automated campaigns that provide customers with actionable insights and education on various topics, such as the importance of up-to-date listings information and ways to improve their online presence. These emails reduce the amount of time Sanderson\u2019s sales team spends answering basic marketing queries.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; module_class=&#8221;img-vertically-center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;7e450c1e-a883-4968-bd45-7f37129654d0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; overflow-x=&#8221;visible&#8221; overflow-y=&#8221;visible&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.25)&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Scott-sanderson-quotes.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Scott sanderson&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Jack-Pires&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;65%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;10px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Scott sanderson&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Path-163823-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Quote&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Quote&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; positioning=&#8221;absolute&#8221; vertical_offset=&#8221;-45px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>We try to give them bite-sized actionable insights to keep them engaged, re-engage them, and earn their trust along the way. And if you look at our approach overall, that\u2019s how we find opportunities, onboard them, and scale. With that process, we\u2019re sitting at over 2,100 customers today.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;172e70eb-9606-407d-aa93-f3a73b8c42d2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Scott Sanderson<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Founder, Octohub<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22,%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Artificial_intelligence\"><\/span>Artificial intelligence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Last but not least, we know how big artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming and the immense potential of platforms such as ChatGPT. Artificial intelligence can help post content on social media and provide AI-powered insights and automated responses to reviews and comments.<\/p>\n<p>This allows you to automate routine tasks and focus on higher-level strategic work that requires human expertise. Tools such as Vendasta\u2019s Reputation Management have already integrated AI-powered responses, so you or your client can respond to reviews instantly.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;conclusion&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22link_text_color__hover%22,%22link_text_color__hover%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/book-icon.webp\" width=\"21px\" alt=\"open book\" \/> Conclusion<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Navigating_the_recession_with_Vendasta\"><\/span>Navigating the recession with Vendasta<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In this guide, we aimed to provide you with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to tackle the current business landscape. We hope you\u2019ve learned some strategies for how to survive a recession as an agency owner.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick summary:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reassess your target market and position in the market.<\/li>\n<li>Explore growth opportunities by offering bundled services, using third-party fulfillment services to meet more of your clients\u2019 needs, and entering recession-proof industries.<\/li>\n<li>Streamline your operations and reduce costs by simplifying your technology and implementing automations.<br \/>To successfully execute these strategies, it\u2019s crucial to partner with the right provider that offers educational resources, cutting-edge technology, and third-party fulfillment services. By transforming into a one-stop shop, you can meet the needs of your clients and impress prospects with your business intelligence tools and services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Vendasta\"><\/span>About Vendasta<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Vendasta is a comprehensive platform designed to support local experts in delivering digital solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. From marketing and selling to billing and fulfilling, Vendasta makes it easy to manage your business.<\/p>\n<p>Unlock your agency\u2019s full potential and thrive in this challenging market. Schedule a demo with Vendasta today to see how we\u2019re helping agencies like yours overcome economic downturns.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/THrive-in-a-Recession-with-Vendasta-CTA-1200&#215;400-1.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;THrive-in-a-Recession-with-Vendasta-CTA&#8221; title_text=&#8221;THrive-in-a-Recession-with-Vendasta-CTA-1200&#215;400-1&#8243; url=&#8221;\/request-demo\/&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Professional man promoting Vendasta services for agency growth.&#8221; image_title=&#8221;THrive-in-a-Recession-with-Vendasta-CTA-1200&#215;400-1&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;ba76a396-b757-4901-83f1-b92068ec9a91&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_5,3_5&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; module_id=&#8221;author&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|15px|15px|15px|15px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Vishal-Teckchandani-new.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Vishal Teckchandani&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;65%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; image_alt=&#8221;Vishal Teckchandani&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_social_media_follow icon_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|30px||30px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=&#8221;linkedin&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/vishal-t-2b75863a\/&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/content-library\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Author-LinkedIn-Link-Icon-1.webp&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;on&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; follow_button=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]linkedin[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_166  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\">About the author<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_167  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_166  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vishal_Teckchandani\"><\/span>Vishal Teckchandani<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_167  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_166  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\">\n<p>Vishal Teckchandani is a Content Marketing Specialist at Vendasta. A newcomer to Canada, he spent the last 14 years of his career in Australia as a financial services reporter and TV host. He has written extensively about how technology companies are transforming business processes and lives, and interviewed the CEOs of global banking, payments, SAAS, and cloud storage providers including Afterpay, ELMO Software, Macquarie Group, National Australia Bank, NextDC, and Zip Co. When he\u2019s not creating content, Vishal loves to cook, explore Saskatchewan with his family, and volunteer for his community.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to survive a recession: The agency playbookGuides Continue reading below to gain the actionable strategies, tactics, and referral program checklist your agency needs to adapt to tougher economic times. &nbsp;Keep reading to gain: Strategies for scaling your agency during a recession Access to an ideal customer scorecard to evaluate existing and prospective business Tactics [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":8558,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"products":[],"class_list":["post-7468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Survive a Recession: Agency Playbook - Content Library<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Weather economic uncertainty and learn how to survive a recession with adaptive strategies to grow and manage costs. 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