Agency Action

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast gets into a question more WordPress agencies are going to have to answer: What work should humans still be doing?

Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns talk about using AI to manage email, improve project workflows, rebuild WordPress sites, and even replace piles of plugins with custom code. Kurt shares how AI helped take an abandoned site from a 56 to a 92 on desktop page speed, while Toby explains why he’s looking at AI as a way to reduce the time spent on complex WooCommerce projects.

But the conversation gets more complicated when AI-generated work still needs human judgment. They debate whether agencies should build custom solutions or rely on established products, how much customization clients should expect, and where the line is between efficiency and creating another maintenance headache.

Then there’s the other problem: AI subscriptions are piling up. Between Claude, ClickUp AI, Figma, Canva, Descript, Perplexity, and a growing list of specialized tools, agencies have to figure out whether the productivity gains actually justify the cost. Kurt and Toby dig into whether agencies are passing those costs on to clients — or simply absorbing them.

It’s a very Agency Action conversation about AI, margins, clients, employees, and the uncomfortable question of what happens when the tools get better faster than the business can adapt.

Takeaways

• AI is starting to replace real agency tasks, not just assist with them.
• Human judgment still matters when AI gets something 80% right.
• AI can make WordPress sites faster by eliminating unnecessary bloat.
• Agencies may start replacing plugin stacks with custom AI-built solutions.
• Clients can turn small customizations into endless maintenance work.
• Professionalism still matters when AI handles more of the actual work.
• AI subscriptions can quietly become a major agency expense.
• Agencies need to figure out whether AI savings are actually improving margins.
• Better AI may make leaner agencies possible.
• The real challenge is knowing what to automate and what to keep human.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas 
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! 
• Follow Kurt & Toby:
  LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby 
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast gets into what happens when AI starts doing the work WordPress agencies have traditionally billed for.

Toby Cryns and Kurt von Ahnen talk about using Claude to rebuild WordPress sites, the shrinking size of some development projects, and what happens when clients can build functioning apps themselves with AI. They also dig into the bigger questions: How do you price work that AI can do in minutes? What does a WordPress developer actually need to bring to the table? And how do agencies hire people who can think beyond a task list?

The conversation eventually moves from AI to the realities of agency growth — accountability, hiring, delegation, profitability, and knowing when adding more people actually makes the business harder to run.

Takeaways

• AI is already shrinking some WordPress projects from days to hours.
• Agencies may need to sell expertise instead of time.
• AI-generated websites are good enough for many clients.
• Developers increasingly need to be customer-facing problem solvers.
• AI can create more technical debt through tools and subscriptions.
• Consultants may become more valuable as clients get overwhelmed by AI options.
• Value-based pricing becomes more important as AI speeds up delivery.
• Hiring for judgment is harder than hiring for technical skills.
• Agency growth can create more complexity instead of more freedom.
• Clear accountability can help agencies identify the right people and processes.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!
• Follow Kurt & Toby:
  LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
• Join us in Slack: The WP Minute Slack

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast explores how AI is changing the way agencies build websites—and what that means for the future of the WordPress agency model. Kurt and Toby share their experience using AI tools to build and redesign a website, including where tools like Lovable can replace traditional workflows and where WordPress and developer expertise are still essential. They also dig into the business side of running an agency, from reducing tech debt and improving performance to hiring top talent, measuring profitability, and improving client communication.

The conversation wraps with a discussion about the changing energy around WordCamps and the WordPress community.

Takeaways:

• Simple brochure sites may no longer need WordPress. 
• AI is great for first drafts, but humans still shape the final product. 
• Complex business logic still requires developer expertise. 
• Removing tech debt can improve performance more than adding new plugins. 
• Expensive systems can’t replace strong operators. 
• One great hire can outperform several average ones. 
• Profitability matters more than billable hours. 
• Frequent client status calls can signal internal communication problems.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!
• Follow Kurt & Toby:
  LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
  
  

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast explores a core agency question: is it better to pursue fewer, higher-value clients or more, lower-value clients with recurring revenue? Kurt and Toby compare both models using real examples from their own agencies, then widen the conversation into leadership, client fit, and what it means to build a business that lasts.

Takeaways:

• Don’t seek cheap clients just because they’re available.
• Higher-value clients can be easier and more profitable.
• Firing poor-fit clients creates room for better ones.
• Recurring revenue creates stability and upsell opportunities.
• Hosting offers recurring revenue but is highly commoditized.
• Good leadership requires transparency, communication, and trust.
• Less financial pressure makes it easier to choose better clients.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!
• Follow Kurt & Toby:
  LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
  
  

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently? That’s the question Kurt and Toby tackle on this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast. The guys recall services they shouldn’t have sold and the boundaries they didn’t create. The good news is that these lessons are learned through experience, and your agency has the power to evolve. It’s all about knowing when to make a positive change.

You’ll also find thoughts on scaling your business, delegating tasks, and balancing profit and enjoyment.  And don’t miss their riffs on meeting client expectations, AI-generated RFP responses, and offering warranties on your work.

Takeaways:

• Kurt would refuse to sell site audits and remodeling jobs.
• Toby emphasizes the need for firm processes and boundaries.
• User support is crucial for maintaining client relationships.
• Delegation is essential for growth but comes with discomfort.
• Profitability and enjoyment can often conflict.
• Successful agencies know when to stop certain practices.
• Cheap work can lead to better relationships if managed well.
• Scaling requires a shift in mindset and operations.
• Most successful founders lose the ego and focus on key performance indicators.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!
• Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

https://thewpminute.com/if-i-could-turn-back-time-for-my-agency/ 

Are you tired of long, unproductive meetings that feel like a waste of time? Things don’t have to be this way! On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore tips and techniques for making meetings that work for everyone. It’s not as hard as you may think.

Preparation is the key to success. For example, setting a clear agenda with achievable goals will help you keep things from going off the rails. There’s also something to be said for the balance between urgency and importance in the decision-making process.

With a little work, you can turn meetings from a dreaded duty to a way to move things forward. This episode has everything you need to get started.

Takeaways:

• Meetings often lack structure and purpose.
• A good meeting should leave participants feeling productive.
• Implementing a consistent agenda can improve meeting effectiveness.
• Team dynamics can significantly impact meeting outcomes.
• Urgent tasks often distract from important goals.
• Building relationships is key to finding work.
• Sales should be prioritized over marketing in early stages.
• Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Accountability in meetings fosters better follow-through.
• Effective communication is essential for team success.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!
• Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
  
  

https://thewpminute.com/meetings-dont-have-to-suck/ 

It’s easy for freelancers and agency owners to be pessimistic these days. The market is saturated with competition, AI is disrupting everything, and a “sure thing” is hard to find. This week’s episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast is all about casting a ray of light on your career.

Kurt and Toby examine the opportunities in the WordPress and freelancing space. The guys are all about keeping an optimistic outlook, even during the inevitable downturns. They have tips for distinguishing between marketing and sales, as well as for keeping your focus on revenue generation. Most of all, it’s about understanding who you are and defining your area of expertise. Remember, you can do it! 

Takeaways:

• Optimism is crucial for success in running an agency.
• Freelancers must focus on their marketing strategy to attract clients.
• Understanding the difference between freelancing and full-time employment is essential.
• Generating revenue should be the primary focus for freelancers.
• Freelancers can expand their services to include IT-related tasks.
• WordPress is a tool, and the real challenge lies in running an agency.
• Community pessimism can be countered with a focus on solutions and expertise.
• Sales and marketing serve different purposes in business development.
• The future of software development presents new opportunities for agencies.
• Effective communication and understanding client needs are key to closing deals.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!
• Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
  
  

https://thewpminute.com/who-are-you-wordpress-professional/ 

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby examine the challenges of taking time off. A sabbatical can be great for the soul. However, it’s also a test for your agency’s processes and team members. Can they keep things going while you’re away?

You’ll also find takes on pricing projects in the age of AI, the role of trust in agency work, and the future of content creation. There’s also advice for that age-old dilemma of asking for money. Don’t miss it!

Takeaways:

• Taking breaks is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Sabbaticals can help test team dynamics and processes.
• Pricing strategies must adapt to the efficiencies brought by AI.
• Trust is a key factor in agency/client relationships.
• The future of software development is leaning towards no-code solutions.
• Documenting team dependencies can help streamline workflows.
• Ethics in pricing is a complex issue for agency owners.
• Local AI processing is currently slower than cloud-based solutions.
• Video is seen as more trustworthy than AI-generated content.
• Agencies should focus on creating valuable content to attract clients.
• Asking for money is a necessary part of business.
• Pricing strategies can impact perceived value.
• Integrity-driven marketing can lead to sustainable growth.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas 
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! 
• Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
  
  

https://thewpminute.com/what-happens-to-your-agency-while-youre-away/

Get ready for a special edition of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast! Matt Medeiros (filling in for a vacationing Kurt and Toby) is joined by developer and WordPress core contributor Brendan O'Connell. Together, they explore the increasing role of AI in agency life. The discussion touches on the technology’s impact on automation, creativity, and web hosting.

You’ll also find tips on using tools like N8N and Hermes to boost your workflow and advice for navigating the lightning-paced industry shifts. Where does AI fit into your agency? This episode will help you find the perfect balance.

Takeaways:

• AI is transforming how agency owners operate and build tools.
• Understanding automation is still crucial despite the rise of AI.
• The rapid pace of AI’s evolution impacts our productivity and attention spans.
• Creative professionals are experiencing a surge in idea generation.
• Open-source solutions like Hermes are becoming more accessible.
• The balance between buying and building tools is shifting.
• AI tools can enhance workflows but may also lead to dependency.
• The economics of AI are changing as open-source models emerge.
• Agencies need to adapt to the evolving landscape to stay competitive.
• AI can help manage project context and prevent drift.
• AI should augment human roles, not replace them.

Important Links:

• Connect with Brendan: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Website
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

This episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast looks at the growing trend of AI fatigue. Kurt and Toby note that clients are finding that AI tools alone can’t solve their pain points. It presents a big opportunity for agencies and freelancers to save the day!

You’ll find advice on the importance of selling solutions (rather than code), adopting agency subscription models, and effective time management strategies. The guys also examine the challenges of staying productive and diversifying client relationships to mitigate risk. It’s everything you need to turn your client’s AI problem into profit.

Takeaways:

• Mid-sized clients prefer to work with experts rather than engage with AI tools themselves.
• There is a growing fatigue among clients regarding AI technologies.
• Selling is more profitable than merely building websites.
• Clients often underestimate the complexity of maintaining digital products.
• AI can add complexity to client relationships, especially regarding billing and access.
• Subscription models can provide steady revenue streams for agencies.
• Time blocking is essential for maintaining productivity and focus.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas 
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo! 
• Follow Kurt & Toby:
  LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby 
• Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe