Building a $19M SEO Agency w/ Jason Hennessey

July 15th , 2024

Meet Jason Hennessey, internationally recognized entrepreneur, SEO expert, author, speaker, podcast host, and business coach who pulls back the curtain on his agency’s remarkable success for us today.

As the founder of a $19M SEO agency, with a decade of experience and a revenue track record that’s surpassed expectations, Jason’s hard-won insights are a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone seeking to dominate the competitive SEO landscape, especially in niche areas like legal marketing.



The Power of Specialization

Why Specialize?

Jason’s agency has thrived by focusing almost exclusively on the legal industry, with 99% of their clients being law firms. This specialization has allowed them to develop deep expertise and a tailored approach that resonates with their target market.

Key Benefits of Specialization:

  • Expertise: Deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and opportunities.
  • Credibility: Enhanced reputation as a go-to expert in the field.
  • Efficiency: Streamlined processes and strategies tailored to the niche.

Actionable Tips for Specialization

  • Identify a Niche: Choose an industry where you can develop deep expertise and where there is a demand for specialized SEO services.
  • Research Thoroughly: Understand the unique challenges, regulations, and opportunities within your chosen niche.
  • Tailor Your Services: Develop SEO strategies and processes that address the specific needs of your niche.

Building a Personal Brand

Leveraging Personal Branding for Growth

Jason attributes much of his agency’s growth to his personal brand. By networking, speaking at conferences, and writing a book, he was able to establish himself as a thought leader in the legal marketing space.

Strategies for Building a Personal Brand:

  • Networking: Attend industry events and conferences to connect with potential clients and peers.
  • Public Speaking: Share your expertise by speaking at events and webinars.
  • Content Creation: Write articles, blog posts, and books that provide valuable insights to your target audience.

Actionable Tips for Personal Branding

  • Be Visible: Regularly participate in industry events and online forums.
  • Share Knowledge: Create and share content that showcases your expertise and provides value to your audience.
  • Build Relationships: Engage with your audience and peers to build a network of supporters and potential clients.

Client Acquisition Strategies

Effective Client Acquisition

Jason’s initial client acquisition strategy revolved around his personal brand and networking efforts. Over time, writing a book became a game-changer, allowing him to provide valuable insights and build credibility.

Key Client Acquisition Strategies:

  • Networking: Build relationships through industry events and conferences.
  • Content Marketing: Create valuable content that attracts and educates potential clients.
  • Educational Resources: Write books or create guides that establish you as an authority in your field.

Actionable Tips for Client Acquisition

  • Leverage Your Network: Use your existing connections to find potential clients and get referrals.
  • Create Valuable Content: Develop content that addresses the pain points and needs of your target audience.
  • Offer Educational Resources: Provide free resources, such as eBooks or webinars, to attract and educate potential clients.

Managing Client Expectations

Importance of Transparency

Jason emphasizes the importance of managing client expectations and selling results rather than making unrealistic promises. Transparency about the time and investment required for SEO is crucial for building trust and achieving successful outcomes.

Strategies for Managing Client Expectations:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Clearly communicate what clients can expect in terms of results and timelines.
  • Educate Clients: Help clients understand the SEO process and the factors that influence success.
  • Regular Updates: Provide regular updates and reports to keep clients informed about progress.

Actionable Tips for Managing Client Expectations

  • Be Honest: Clearly communicate the time and effort required to achieve SEO results.
  • Educate Clients: Provide resources and explanations to help clients understand the SEO process.
  • Regular Communication: Keep clients informed with regular updates and progress reports.

Systems and Processes for Scaling

Importance of Systems and Processes

Jason highlights the significance of having robust systems and processes in place to scale an agency. Specialization allows for the development of efficient strategies that can be replicated across clients.

Key Systems and Processes:

  • Standardized Procedures: Develop standardized procedures for common tasks to ensure consistency and efficiency.
  • Automation Tools: Leverage tools to automate repetitive tasks and streamline operations.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of processes to ensure clarity and consistency.

Actionable Tips for Developing Systems and Processes

  • Standardize Tasks: Create standardized procedures for common tasks to ensure consistency.
  • Use Automation Tools: Implement tools to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
  • Document Processes: Maintain detailed documentation of all processes to ensure clarity and consistency.

Staying Updated on SEO Trends

Continuous Learning

Jason stays updated on SEO and business trends by reading SEO books, following industry experts, and writing for publications like Search Engine Journal. He recommends “The Art of SEO” as a comprehensive resource for those looking to delve into the subject.

Strategies for Staying Updated:

  • Read Books: Invest time in reading books by industry experts.
  • Follow Experts: Stay connected with industry leaders and follow their insights.
  • Contribute to Publications: Write for industry publications to stay engaged and informed.

Actionable Tips for Continuous Learning

  • Read Regularly: Dedicate time to reading books and articles by industry experts.
  • Follow Industry Leaders: Stay connected with industry leaders and follow their insights.
  • Engage with the Community: Participate in industry forums and contribute to publications.

Final Note:

The conversation between Jason and Ryan provides a wealth of insights into the strategies and principles that have driven the success of Jason’s $19 million SEO agency. By focusing on specialization, building a personal brand, managing client expectations, developing robust systems and processes, and staying updated on industry trends, Jason has built a thriving $19M SEO agency that serves the legal industry with excellence.

For anyone looking to be a part of these expert-led conversations, become a part of our The Blueprint Training community today and start achieving the results you’ve always wanted!

 

Ryan Stewart

I build, grow and sell digital agencies. Most recently, WEBRIS, a 7 figure SEO agency.

July 15th , 2024

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