Leaving An Agency To Start As An Affiliate with Tom Livingstone - CCDM Podcast

TL;DR

Tom Livingstone discusses his journey from agency work to affiliate marketing.

Transcript

so today's podcast guest is one of my good friends I've known him for a good few years now and it's mr. Pompeo of instant Tom thank you for speeding some tiny communion talk said to me so first thing I've got to ask you before we talk anything and it was this P stand for in your what's the P anybody mean well I don't know where you got that from me... Read More

Key Insights

• Tom Livingstone transitioned from working at an agency to starting his own affiliate marketing venture, emphasizing the importance of having a solid plan and strategy.
• The initial step in Tom's SEO career was with SEO Junkies, which he describes as a stepping stone despite their lack of quality.
• Tom co-founded an agency with a sales partner, which has grown to 100 clients and 25 staff, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships.
• He emphasizes the significance of training and mentoring staff from the ground up to ensure they align with company goals and values.
• Tom's agency, Brake Design, focuses on offering comprehensive online solutions rather than just SEO packages, setting them apart from other agencies.
• The decision to move into affiliate marketing was driven by the desire to make SEO work for himself rather than just clients.
• Tom stresses the importance of having SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to streamline processes and improve efficiency within the agency.
• He highlights the value of networking and learning from industry peers, as well as the necessity of focusing on one goal to avoid distractions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was Tom Livingstone's first step in his SEO career?

Tom Livingstone's first step in his SEO career was working at SEO Junkies, which he describes as a stepping stone despite their lack of quality. This experience provided him with the initial opportunity to get his foot in the door and start learning about the industry.

Q: How did Tom transition from agency work to affiliate marketing?

Tom transitioned from agency work to affiliate marketing by first ensuring his agency, Brake Design, was running smoothly with trained staff and efficient processes. He then focused on learning the mechanics of affiliate marketing, starting small and gradually building his strategy to make SEO work for himself.

Q: What sets Brake Design apart from other agencies?

Brake Design sets itself apart from other agencies by offering comprehensive online solutions rather than just SEO packages. They focus on providing a full-service approach, including SEO, web design, and paid search campaigns, tailored to meet the specific goals and growth targets of their clients.

Q: Why is having SOPs important for an agency?

Having SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) is crucial for an agency because they streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure consistency across tasks. SOPs provide clear guidelines for staff, reducing the need for constant supervision and allowing the agency to scale while maintaining quality and productivity.

Q: What role does networking play in Tom's career?

Networking plays a significant role in Tom's career, as it allows him to learn from industry peers, gain insights, and stay updated on the latest trends. Building relationships with other professionals has helped him grow his agency and transition into affiliate marketing by leveraging shared knowledge and experiences.

Q: How does Tom approach staff training at Brake Design?

Tom approaches staff training at Brake Design by recruiting individuals who are eager to learn and providing them with thorough SEO training. This includes a week of in-depth training followed by shadowing experienced team members. The aim is to align new staff with the company's goals and values from the outset.

Q: What challenges has Tom faced in managing his agency?

Tom has faced challenges in managing his agency, particularly with staff management. It can be frustrating when tasks seem simple to him but are complex for others. Managing people, getting the best out of them, and knowing when to make tough decisions are some of the key challenges he has encountered.

Q: Why did Tom decide to move into affiliate marketing?

Tom decided to move into affiliate marketing because he wanted to make SEO work for himself rather than just for clients. He recognized the potential for growth and profitability in the affiliate space and was motivated by the challenge of creating something new and successful outside of the traditional agency model.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tom Livingstone shares his journey from working at an SEO agency to founding his own successful agency and transitioning into affiliate marketing. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and training staff from the ground up to align with company goals.

• Brake Design, Tom's agency, differentiates itself by offering comprehensive online solutions rather than just SEO packages. This approach has contributed to their growth, with 100 clients and 25 staff. Tom emphasizes the significance of having SOPs for process efficiency.

• Tom's move into affiliate marketing is driven by the desire to make SEO work for himself. He stresses the importance of networking, learning from peers, and focusing on one goal to avoid distractions, ultimately aiming for a successful transition into the affiliate space.