Episode 296: Scaling a Business Without Ads: Proven Strategies for Organic Growth

My Story of Scaling A Business Without Ads to Grow My Digital Agency to 7 Figures (And You Can Too)

Hey everyone! In today’s episode of the Podcast, I’m sharing a part of my journey that I don’t talk about enough. 

I scaled my digital learning agency to seven figures without spending a dime on ads. Now, before you jump to conclusions, I’m not against ads. In fact, I believe ads can be incredibly powerful—when used at the right time. 

But there’s a strategy that needs to come first, and today I’m diving into exactly how I did it and how you can too.

Why Ads Aren’t the Only Way Of Scaling a Business

When I started, I knew visibility was crucial. People needed to know I existed, what I offered, and how I could help them. But instead of pouring money into ads right away, I focused on organic growth strategies. This involved going out, meeting people, and finding where my ideal customers were hanging out.

If you’re in the early stages of your business, building relationships and making connections will serve you far better than jumping straight into ads. Ads are simply a megaphone for your message. If your message isn’t dialed in or you’re not converting the people already in your world, ads won’t fix that.

My Organic Growth Strategy

Here’s the exact approach I used to scaling a business without ads:

1. Find Where Your Audience Is Gathering
I spent time identifying where my ideal customers hung out. I attended networking events, joined local and national associations, and spoke at conferences. I even ran user groups to build credibility and provide value.

By putting myself in environments where my audience was already congregating, I positioned myself as the go-to expert in my field. If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself: Where are my ideal clients spending their time? Then, go there and join the conversation.

2. Build Relationships, Not Just Leads
Sales are a byproduct of relationships. I prioritized connecting with people, understanding their needs, and providing solutions before asking for anything in return. This approach not only helped me gain trust but also created a network of referrals and repeat clients.

Even if you’re online, this principle applies. Engage in online communities, answer questions, and offer valuable insights without expecting immediate returns.

3. Leverage Speaking Engagements
One of the most effective ways I scaled my agency was by speaking at conferences. Speaking engagements gave me direct access to audiences that needed my services. After each talk, I had people approaching me, eager to learn more.

Public speaking establishes authority and attracts the right clients faster than cold outreach or ads. If public speaking isn’t your thing, start small by offering webinars or guest appearances on podcasts.

4. Test Your Offer Organically First
Before running ads, make sure your offer converts organically. If you have people in your audience already interested but not buying, focus on refining your messaging and offer. Running ads without having a validated offer is like shouting into the void.

I worked on converting leads who were already familiar with my services before scaling up. Once you’re consistently converting those leads, you can amplify your reach with ads.

The Key Takeaway

Scaling a business without ads isn’t about avoiding paid strategies altogether. It’s about building a solid foundation first. Ads will amplify what’s already working. If you’re struggling to convert organically, ads won’t fix that problem.

So, if you’re in the early stages of your business or hitting a plateau, focus on building relationships, refining your offer, and establishing authority. Ads can come later—when you’re ready to scale further.

Ready to take the next step in growing your digital business? Start building relationships today and watch your business transform.