"Most agencies are invisible and it’s their fault. If your positioning is broken, your website forgettable, and your marketing says nothing, you’re out before the game starts. The shortlist isn’t random—it’s earned. If you can’t clearly explain who you help and why you’re different, buyers won’t take the time to figure it out. If you can’t tell a compelling story, stand for something, or look credible online, you won’t even make the list." - Stephen Boehler In this episode of Revenue Boost: A Marketing Podcast, Your Agency Growth Strategy Is Broken: How to Pivot Now to Stand Out and Get Shortlisted, host Kerry Curran sits down with Stephen Boehler, Partner at Mercer Island Group and trusted agency growth advisor. Stephen delivers a blunt reality check for agencies struggling to get shortlisted, stand out, or win more pitches. The biggest problem? A broken strategy—and failure to show up like a brand. If your agency can’t articulate its value, differentiate in-market, or make a credible impression online, you’re not just behind—you’re invisible.
We dig into:
The 3-part growth flywheel: Be ready, be memorable, be findable
Why most agencies lose before the pitch process even begins
The shift from reactive pitching to proactive visibility and relevance
What today’s clients actually look for when shortlisting agency partners
Why clarity, consistency, and conviction in your story are your competitive edge
If you're leading new business, driving growth, or rethinking your agency's positioning—this episode is your wake-up call.