Episode Summary
Ryan Ellis started Red Egg Marketing in 2011 after realizing that small businesses desperately needed reliable marketing support. What began with free projects and a willingness to learn quickly grew into an agency serving clients for years, some for more than a decade. In this episode, Ryan shares how he built his agency step by step and why focusing on fundamentals has made all the difference.
Episode Highlights
- How Ryan turned odd jobs and early experiments into the foundation of Red Egg Marketing
- Why keeping expenses low in the beginning gave him freedom to grow at his own pace
- The role of client retention in building long-term stability
- Lessons learned from firing the wrong clients and protecting his team’s energy
Agency Info
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Company: Red Egg Marketing
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Guest: Ryan Ellis
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Year Started: 2011
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Employees: 11-25
If you’re doing what’s in the best interest of your client, it’ll ultimately come back to you
Ryan Ellis
Key Takeaways
Start Small and Build Experience
Ryan’s early days were marked by frugality and experimentation. By keeping costs low and offering his services, even for free at times, he built the experience and credibility needed to land bigger clients later.
Retention Beats Constant New Acquisition
One of Red Egg’s greatest strengths has been client retention. Ryan shares how keeping clients for five to ten years created a stable foundation for growth, proving that dependable relationships matter more than chasing every new lead.
Adapt and Listen to Clients
Agencies often lose touch by sticking to rigid strategies. Ryan emphasizes the importance of listening, adapting, and ensuring that the work being done actually drives results for clients.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fire Clients
Sometimes the biggest growth comes from letting go. Ryan explains how removing the wrong clients not only protected his team’s energy but also opened the door for better opportunities.
Steady Decisions Create Long-Term Impact
Rather than chasing explosive growth, Ryan built Red Egg through deliberate, steady choices. That patience allowed him to create a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
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