The Case for Building In Public
*Note: When a significant change is made to the site, the change log below and publish date of this post will be updated.
Productizing Our Processes and Assets
An integral part of our journey in building our agency in public is the concept of productizing our processes and assets. This approach means transforming our services and methodologies into standardized, scalable products. By doing this, we not only streamline our operations but also create a clear, tangible value proposition for our clients.
The beta website plays a pivotal role in this process. As we continuously refine our strategies based on real-world feedback, we are also documenting and systematizing these learnings. This documentation doesn't just help us; it becomes a valuable asset for our clients. For instance, the insights we gain from market interactions are turned into case studies, toolkits, or even digital products that our clients can directly benefit from. This approach not only enhances our efficiency and effectiveness but also creates additional revenue streams and enhances the overall value we offer.
A Living Laboratory for Innovation
Moreover, treating our agency as a living laboratory for our methodologies showcases the effectiveness of our strategies in a real, tangible way. Our clients don't just hear about what we can do; they see it in action on our beta website. This transparency builds trust and gives our clients confidence in our capabilities. It also allows us to demonstrate the process of evolution and refinement in real-time, which is a powerful testimony to the agility and adaptability of our methods.
By productizing our processes and assets, we're not just building an agency; we're creating a suite of solutions that can adapt and evolve with the needs of our clients and the market. This approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions that are grounded in real-world application and continuous improvement.
Learning as We Grow
In the startup world, agility and adaptability are key. Every interaction, be it at networking events, through emails, in sales presentations, or with investors and peers, is an opportunity to learn and refine our approach. These interactions are rich sources of feedback, and they help us understand what resonates with our audience and what doesn't. In a traditional setup, a company might wait to gather a substantial amount of feedback before making any changes. But why wait? A beta website allows us to be nimble – to test, learn, and iterate in real-time.
Transparency and Trust
Building in public brings an added layer of transparency that I find invaluable. It allows our clients, investors, and peers to be part of our journey. This openness not only builds trust but also fosters a sense of community. We're not just a faceless agency; we're a team of real people, working, learning, and growing alongside our clients. Our successes and challenges are out there for everyone to see, and this vulnerability, I believe, is a strength.
A Dynamic Branding Strategy
As our agency interacts with the market, our branding and messaging evolve. This evolution is a strategic approach to ensure that we remain relevant and impactful. A beta website reflects this dynamic nature. It’s a living entity, constantly evolving as we refine our messaging and services based on real-world feedback and experiences.
Inviting Collaboration
Another exciting aspect of a beta website is the potential for collaboration. By sharing our journey and being open about our process, we invite insights and suggestions from a broader community. This collaborative spirit can lead to innovative ideas and opportunities that we might not have considered in a more closed-off, traditional setup.
Change Log:
Website 3.0.0
Updated design language
Typography hierarchy
Clear services categories and messaging
Clear Ideal Customer Profile categories and messaging
Website 2.0
Updated design
Introduced new JWC logo
Focus on recruitment
Added basic information for core Ideal Customer Profiles
Added basic information around JWC services
Began experimenting with brand and offering marketing language
Added portfolio examples
Website 1.0
Placeholder website with some favorite portfolio recent portfolio pieces
Focused on Jon's professional arc and personality