Size isn’t everything: Big ideas for small agencies
In a landscape dominated by big business shouting about scale, small agencies are quietly proving that focus, creativity, and care still win the day.
The very real challenges faced by small businesses:
- Rising competition from large players
- Procurement barriers, favouring big brand over skill
- Client budgets still stretched post-pandemic
So how can us small agencies compete, and win?
We say, play to our advantages:
Agility
While the big boys are still scheduling a meeting, small teams are already moving the project forward.
Our superpower over the big guys:
- Decisiveness: No endless sign-offs; we can pivot fast and keep momentum rolling
- Innovation: New workflows, creative approaches, or design tools can be trialled without the red tape
- Responsiveness: Adapting to feedback in days, not weeks – clients feel cared for and heard
Relationships
Our clients don’t just know the account manager; they know the designer, the developer, and Edgar the office dog. Relationships are built with the people who actually do the work.
Our superpower over the big guys:
- Personal connection: Building relationships that go beyond the project brief
- Continuity: Clients work with the same trusted team from start to finish
- Honesty: No automated touchpoints, real relationships forge a tailored process
Authenticity
Your story is your strength. Share why your agency exists, what you believe in, and who you help.
Our superpower over the big guys:
- Sincerity: Founder-led storytelling and real-life case studies builds genuine credibility
- Integrity: Sharing lived experience shows expertise, not just shouting loud and claiming it
- Values: Stay true to what you believe in to attract connection, not just clicks
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Mark Twain
So, how do we stand tall among the giants?
- Build a trusted network of specialists, and partner with other small agencies or trusted freelancers to scale when needed. You stay small but act big when opportunity knocks.
- A small agency’s most powerful growth lever is repeat business and referrals. Invest in long-term relationships, regular check-ins, and stay proactive.
- Energy is contagious – share your passion. Showcase your people, your values, and your working style. Clients love working with motivated, creative teams.
Truly good learning doesn’t scare learners away, it draws them in, keeps them curious, and leaves a lingering impression.
Boutique agencies will thrive by staying connected – to their clients, their craft, and their purpose. In an industry that requires speed, quality, and trust, that connection will consistently outperform scale.
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