Episode 101

How He Built a Waitlist Without Ads or Outreach

Solid Digital w/ Jesse McCabe

In a digital world obsessed with redesigns, Jesse McCabe, founder of Solid Digital, is breaking the mold. This episode of An Agency Story dives deep into the journey of evolving a digital agency from one-off projects to long-term brand growth partners. Whether you’re an agency owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, Jesse’s approach to scaling with intentionality, quality, and experience-first service is packed with game-changing insights.

How He Built a Waitlist Without Ads or Outreach

Episode Summary

From building PCs as a kid to leading a thriving digital agency, Jesse McCabe’s journey is rooted in curiosity, quality, and a relentless focus on client experience. In this episode, Jesse opens up about his transition from freelance to founder, surviving financial downturns, and how his team now turns away work to maintain their quality promise.

Top Takeaways:

  • Evolve beyond the redesign cycle…build with your clients, not just for them.
  • Build a repeatable, intentional sales process…that maintains control and delivers value.
  • Contentment over chaos…why staying small and nimble might be your agency’s biggest advantage.

Agency Info

We used to chase every project. Now we’re okay saying no. The right clients will wait, and that’s how we know we’re doing it right.

Jesse McCabe

Key Takeaways

Stop Redesigning. Start Evolving.

“Why do brands redesign their website every three to four years? Why can’t we just evolve with the brand and keep it valuable?”

Solid Digital focuses on building scalable, evolving digital hubs that grow with their clients. This strategy not only enhances ROI but also creates lasting partnerships.

Sales Isn’t a Personality, It’s a Process

Early growth was fueled by referrals, but Jesse soon realized he needed a defined, repeatable sales process. Hiring a sales consultancy was a pivotal moment. By treating sales as an intentional experience, not just a transaction, Solid Digital earned trust and longevity.

Grow Less. Thrive More.

At their peak, Solid Digital had 33 full-time employees. Now, they operate with 11, focusing on quality, culture, and financial control.

“We made cuts not because we were struggling, but because it was the right structural decision.”
This strategic downsizing allows the team to maintain top-tier service and internal harmony.

Client Experience Matters More Than You Think

“You could even do a little less quality work, but if they feel really good about the relationship, it has a big impact.”

Jesse emphasizes that creating a memorable and seamless experience often trumps technical perfection. Celebrating small wins and making clients feel prioritized has become central to their approach.

Show Notes

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