Hello everyone, I used to run an SMMA 20 months ago, and honestly, I hated it. But my plan since the start was to gain experience, a client base, and capital to start "automating businesses using AI" because there was no such thing as an AI automation agency at that time. So technically, I had the idea before it even became a trend. Everyone is wondering, is it worth it? Like every other industry, yes, if done right.
I will tell you exactly the mistakes I made and the advice you need to start:
- The first mistake that I made and stopped doing quickly, and the mistake that literally 99.99% of people who are starting their AIAA right now are doing: trying to do "business automation" instead of "tasks automation," so basically, they are trying to automate everything. Once the client hits them with "how can you help me," they get confused and say something like "AI automation." It's exactly like starting an SMMA in "marketing" without actually being more specific in Google Ads, social media advertising, PPC, social media marketing, SEO, YouTube ads... So, my advice is to start small with one or two AI services. You might think that those services are not that profitable, but trust me, companies are willing to pay for simple AI automation that you can deliver easily rather than vague claims that you know nothing about, such as predictive analytics...
- The second mistake is: most people start offering some services without even knowing who's going to benefit from them, where they'll find paying clients, how they're going to deliver them, how they're going to price them, and how to use those services to make money monthly. So, they end up stuck in their place. My advice is to study all this before you start and focus on having the right services and a system that can make you money monthly. It will make things so much easier, and you'll make more money.
- The third mistake is: your website. Many AI automation agency owners have websites that give off an SMMA vibe. It's like hiring an offline press to do online advertising for you or hiring a non-digital agency to digitalize your agency. Your clients feel that you are not AI-oriented enough to use AI on their system. So, make your website more AI-oriented, simple, clean, but with AI features that make you look reliable.
- The fourth mistake: trying to make millions from your agency. Can agencies make millions? Yes, but not in a short timeframe. Did I make millions? No, but I will. My advice here is to understand that you will make just $500 in the first month, and it's pretty easy with low competition, I guarantee that. Then you'll be making $1k or $2k after 2 or 3 months of work and scaling your business. But having high expectations like making 6 or 7 figures in the first year is just crazy and influenced by SMMA gurus like Iman Gadzhi, etc. So, please be more logical, rational, and you will succeed.
I wish I could add more information, but I have a lot to say, and I can't write all of it. I wish you the best of luck, and I'm open to answering questions in the comment section or DM. Have a great day!