Running an agency is no easy job. Businesses entrust you with some of their most important workflows and rely on your expertise, strategy, and execution to best connect them with their ideal customers.
Shifting trends, emerging technologies, and the digital business landscapes evolving at an unprecedented pace make it all the more crucial for agencies to keep their finger on the pulse at all times.
And while agency owners can turn to the myriad sales and marketing resources out there to stay up-to-date, the agency world entails a great deal of unique and intricate elements that require a distinct set of insights.
With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of 35 invaluable resources — books, podcasts, communities, and more — that would be beneficial for every agency owner out there to explore.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, industry insights, or simply a welcoming community of fellow agency professionals, this article is your ultimate guide for staying at the forefront in the agency ownership realm.
Whether you’re running or just starting an agency, this guide by Luca Senatore serves as a comprehensive playbook for agency success. Senatore shares his expertise in establishing a solid agency foundation, scaling operations, and creating a sustainable growth trajectory. With actionable strategies and real-world case studies, this book is essential for everyone looking to thrive in the dynamic landscape of agency ownership.
In “The 7-Figure Agency Roadmap,” Josh Nelson outlines a strategic and detailed path for agency owners aiming to reach that major goal of seven-figure success. Having achieved immense success in the agency realm, Nelson combines his first-hand experience and insights to provide a step-by-step guide, emphasizing key principles for scaling an agency and achieving significant financial milestones. This roadmap is a must-read for those seeking to elevate their agency to new heights.
Greg Alexander’s “The Boutique” offers a detailed exploration of starting, scaling, and ultimately selling an agency service firm. With an emphasized focus on boutique agencies, the book provides practical advice on overcoming challenges unique to this niche sector. Alexander’s insights, drawn from real-world experiences, make this a must-read for all agency owners past the start-up stage aspiring to scale their professional service to new heights.
“The Trusted Advisor” is a timeless guide that delves into the art of building trust and professional relationships. The main essence of this book is the belief that the most imperative key to agency success is “earning the trust and confidence of clients”. Focused on the consultancy aspect of agency work, the book provides actionable insights for becoming a trusted advisor, fostering long-lasting client relationships, and achieving sustained success in the competitive agency landscape. 
Lee Goff’s “Agency Success Roadmap” serves as a personal GPS for agency owners, guiding them through the challenging terrain of success. This book is dedicated to the complex world of modern marketing agencies, from creatives and ads to social media. Goff combines strategic planning with practical execution, offering expert advice to help marketing agency owners overcome common obstacles and reach their full business potential. This roadmap is an indispensable resource for those seeking a clear and effective path to marketing agency success. 
The revised and updated “Agencynomics” by Spencer Gallagher and Peter Hoole offers a deep dive into unique challenges agency owners face and provides 40 ways of overcoming them, so rest assured you will find something applicable to your unique business and leadership style. Having supported over 15,000 agencies, Gallagher and Hoole have the proven experience to help you grow your in-class agency across every stage, from start-up to a large-scale team. 
Darryl Salerno’s “The Complete Agency Management Handbook” is a comprehensive resource covering all facets of agency management, regardless of size and industry. From optimizing operations to fostering strong client relationships, Salerno provides practical guidance and actionable strategies. This handbook equips agency owners with all the tools necessary to run a successful, client-centric operation, covering “long-term planning, top-line growth, employee management and retention, and improving profitability.”
Hosted by Nick Gulic, “Agency Blueprint” is your guide to navigating the intricate blueprint of agency success, delving into some proven, real-world strategies, challenges, and triumphs of running an agency. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your agency growth and leadership approach, this podcast provides a roadmap for success, with each episode offering practical tips and inspiration for agency owners.
Elevate your agency game with the “Smart Agency Masterclass” hosted by Jason Swenk — a podcast-masterclass featuring conversations with some of the top industry leaders and experts. Swenk shares his insights on scaling agencies, winning clients, and staying ahead of the curve, while his exceptional guests compliment this podcast with their unique knowledge and expertise, making this a must-listen for all ambitious agency owners.
Hosted by Chris Martinez, “The World Class Agency Podcast” explores the stories and strategies of agencies that have reached the pinnacle of success. This podcast invites you to join the big leagues by delving into the intricate nuances of building a world-class agency, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for those on the journey to excellence, from those who have already reached it. 
The “Agency Journey” is a dynamic exploration of the common and uncommon challenges and victories in agency life. From client relationships to operational efficiency, Andrew Dymski and Gray MacKenzie share their first-hand experiences and bring in some of the most renowned industry experts to provide insights that resonate with agency owners at every stage of their journey.
