Scaling an agency without losing quality, breaking the bank, or maintaining control is no joke. It’s the reality for many of all shapes and sizes globally. But not for one agency. Introducing the story of CoolFire, a South African digital marketing agency co-founded by Olivia and Colleen.
Starting as a passion project, CoolFire has rapidly grown into an agency with a seven-figure revenue and a diverse client portfolio. The turning point? Their partnership with our white-label digital marketing agency, Globital. What began as a small hustle blossomed into a thriving partnership, allowing CoolFire to strategically and sustainably grow into an agency powerhouse.
The challenge: Overcoming start-up bottlenecks
For Olivia and Colleen, the journey began with a desire to build something independent. But in the early days, they faced typical start-up struggles, including undercharging for services, limited resources, and offering multiple digital marketing solutions without the right skills.
“We started with just two clients, and we were still figuring out the pricing,” recalls Olivia. “We didn’t have a clear structure, and we were struggling to balance our workloads without hiring a full-time team. The need for scalable solutions was clear, but we didn’t have the resources to build everything in-house.”
Financial uncertainty and an unclear value proposition thwarted their initial attempts to build the agency. Olivia and Colleen knew that scaling was the next step but were hesitant to commit to hiring full-time staff.
The solution: Globital’s white-label digital marketing support
The breakthrough came when Olivia and Colleen decided to try wholesale digital marketing fulfilment. They connected with Globital, a decision that would transform the trajectory of their digital business. At the time, we offered a 10,000 Rand credit voucher, allowing agencies to test our solutions risk-free. This invaluable opportunity provided the freedom CoolFire needed to experiment with premium marketing tools and refine its processes.
“The voucher was like an olive branch we didn’t know we needed,” says Colleen. “It allowed us to test the waters without worrying about the financial implications. We could try out Globital’s services and see how they fit into our business model, and it was an absolute game-changer.”
Beyond just the financial support, Globital’s structured approach helped CoolFire solidify a foundation. The 30-day kickstart program provided essential training and practical insights on everything from pricing strategies to consulting fees, which helped Colleen and Olivia further improve their service offerings.
“The 30-day kickstart was gold,” Colleen continues. “It gave us the tools to redefine our business structures and the confidence to raise our prices, which ultimately helped us attract the right clients.”
The impact: From pitfalls to profits
With our support, CoolFire went from strength to strength. Within just a year, their revenue skyrocketed. Their client base expanded from two to ten clients, including some major industry players. They even achieved seven-figure revenue in their second year, which is a remarkable testament to the power of partnership.
“We hit seven digits in revenue faster than we thought possible,” says Olivia, reflecting on their growth. “The support we received from Globital made scaling easier, and without the overhead of hiring full-time staff, we could focus on growing our business rather than getting bogged down by the logistics.”
From working with Globital, CoolFire could scale without the demands that come with managing a large team. The flexibility to pull resources as needed without hiring permanent staff was crucial in maintaining low operational costs while expanding their client base.
“We didn’t have to worry about the financial and emotional burden of hiring employees. If we lost a client, we didn’t have to worry about letting staff go,” Olivia explains. “Globital’s team acted as an extension of ours, giving us the flexibility to scale when we needed it most.”
Key learnings: Why adaptability and relationships matter
CoolFire’s success moves beyond the numbers. A flexible partnership taught them valuable lessons in adaptability, relationship-building, and efficiency.
- Scalability without overhead: Scaling without the need to hire full-time staff is a key factor in this success story. With Globital providing the necessary resources, CoolFire could take on more projects without being limited by internal capacity.
- Financial confidence and strategic pricing: With Globital’s guidance, CoolFire raised its pricing confidently. They found a pricing structure that aligned with their business goals and remained competitive.
- Optimising processes: The early days involved figuring out workflows, but once CoolFire and Globital aligned their processes, it blended seamlessly, from the creative process to managing client expectations.
- Building relationships with clients and partners: As Olivia puts it, “Globital feels like an extension of our team. It’s about more than just doing the work – it’s about building trust, understanding, and collaboration.”
- Personal freedom and work-life balance: Thanks to Globital’s support, the co-founders now have the freedom to focus on family and passions without sacrificing the success of their agency. “I got to attend my daughter’s first dance competition without worrying about the business,” says Olivia. “The flexibility Globital provides allows us to live our lives without compromising our professional commitments.”
The future: Positioning CoolFire for long-term growth
Looking ahead, CoolFire aims to position itself as a premium digital agency with a unique value proposition. With streamlined processes, seasoned teams, and strong support from Globital, CoolFire is becoming a leading force in the digital marketing space.
“Our goal now is to build a brand of value and to position ourselves for long-term growth,” says Colleen. “We’re no longer just about taking on clients; we’re about creating real value for the businesses we work with and ensuring that our brand stands out in the market.”
Conclusion: The power of strategic partnerships
CoolFire’s story is a powerful example of how the right partnership can help an agency scale without compromising on quality or personal values. With Globital as a trusted resource partner, CoolFire has been able to grow, innovate, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, all while increasing revenue and client base.
Digital agencies continue to face the challenge of scaling effectively. But CoolFire’s success offers proof of the value of strategic support. By leveraging external partnerships, agencies can unlock their potential and achieve sustainable growth, just as CoolFire has.
Ready to scale your agency?
If you’re ready to take your digital agency to the next level, why not explore the resources that can help you grow? Book a free strategy call with our expert team and discover how we can help you structure your offerings, set competitive rates, and unlock the flexibility to scale your digital business without the overhead of hiring full-time staff.
