Why Now is the Perfect Time to Launch a One-Person Marketing Agency

Three years ago, I found myself at a pivotal moment in my marketing career.

I was working in-house at a fast-growing tech company, leading their design and marketing technology efforts. From the outside, everything seemed great. The company was scaling, we were hitting ambitious targets, and the marketing department was thriving. But inside, I felt unfulfilled. Despite our success, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the work we were doing wasn’t making a positive impact on society.

That’s when I made the decision to leave.

I wanted to use my digital marketing skills to help people and businesses focused on making a positive impact.

I saw an opportunity to empower entrepreneurs and startups solving real-world problems, whether in sustainability, health, or tech innovation.

By going solo, I believed I could be more intentional with the work I took on, working directly with clients who shared my passion for purpose-driven growth.

Today, having built a successful one-person marketing agency (OPMA) around these values, I can confidently say the current market it perfect is for people looking to take a similar path in 2024.

Whether you want to work with fast-growth tech startups, health companies, or purpose-driven organizations, now is the perfect time to launch your own OPMA.

Here’s why...

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Digital marketing is a rapid growth industry

The digital marketing industry is projected to grow by 11.8% annually through 2032, reaching over $1 trillion. Companies of all sizes are doubling down on digital strategies, and this growth shows no signs of slowing.

Unlike most traditional industries, marketing is expanding rapidly, fueled by advancements in AI, automation, and digital transformation.

This surge in demand means there’s plenty of opportunity for solo marketers, particularly because many businesses, especially small-to-medium-sized ones, can’t afford the services of larger agencies. They need more agile, cost-effective solutions. As a one-person marketing agency, you can offer exactly that—tailored services without the hefty price tag of a large firm.

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AI and Digital Tools Have Lowered the Barriers to Entry

A decade ago, starting a marketing agency might have required large investments in expensive software, employees, and offices.

But today, the rise of accessible tools like ChatGPT, Figma, Webflow, Stripe, and Upwork has leveled the playing field. These tools allow one-person operations to deliver high-quality results at scale without the need for a large team.

For instance, with Canva, you can quickly create professional designs without needing a dedicated designer.

‍Webflow allows you to build custom websites without needing a full development team.

‍Stripe simplifies your invoicing and payment processes, while Upwork connects you to a global network of potential clients.

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Freelance and Contracting is on the Rise

Another compelling reason to launch a one-person marketing agency right now is the increasing preference for freelancers over full-time hires.

Companies are looking for ways to cut costs, and outsourcing marketing tasks to freelancers or contractors has become an attractive solution. By hiring a solo marketing professional, businesses can avoid the overhead of full-time salaries, benefits, and long-term commitments.

This shift has created a golden opportunity for independent marketers. As businesses aim to stay lean and flexible, they’re actively seeking specialized expertise on a contract or subscription basis. Whether it's a short-term project or ongoing support, companies value the flexibility that a one-person marketing agency can offer.

Plus, in the wake of the pandemic, remote work has become the new normal, making it easier than ever to operate a business from anywhere.

This shift has not only normalized working with freelancers but also made companies more comfortable outsourcing their marketing needs to independent marketing specialists like you. With tools like Zoom and Slack, you can seamlessly collaborate with clients, no matter where they’re located.

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Niche Marketing Creates Opportunities for Agility

As a solo operator, you have the freedom to define your niche while positioning yourself as a versatile digital marketing generalist.

Within your chosen niche, you can offer a broad (not infinite) range of marketing services that allow you to adapt quickly to client needs.

This balance between specialization and flexibility makes you highly attractive to businesses looking for both strategic insight and the ability to implement campaigns swiftly.

Unlike large agencies that may have rigid processes and siloed departments, your one-person marketing agency can move quickly and pivot as needed.

Whether clients need SEO optimization, content creation, or a rapid overhaul of their marketing funnel, you can deliver at a faster pace with less red tape.

Your ability to wear multiple hats, from strategy to execution, means businesses get the hands-on support they need, all while benefiting from your deep understanding of their specific industry.

For me, leaving the corporate world and starting my one person marketing agency allowed me to combine the flexibility of a generalist with the focus of working in industries that align with my values, businesses that prioritize making a positive impact.

This agility and intentionality are huge benefits of running a one-person agency, giving you the ability to work on projects that resonate with you emotionally making it easy to quickly adapt to the changing needs of your clients.

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The Subscription Model is a Win-Win

Many one-person agencies are adopting subscription-based service models, offering clients flexible, ongoing support for a flat monthly fee.

This structure is not only attractive to businesses looking to avoid unpredictable costs, but it also provides you with steady, recurring revenue. Whether you offer services like SEO, content creation, social media management, or strategy sessions, a subscription model ensures long-term relationships, increasing your customer lifetime value (CLV) and less reliance on constantly finding new clients.

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Now is the Time to Make Your Move

If you’ve been thinking about launching your own marketing agency, now is the perfect time to take the leap. The industry is growing, tools are more accessible than ever, and the demand for personalized, cost-effective marketing services is at an all-time high.

By leveraging modern technologies, leaning into remote work, and focusing on your niche, you can create a scalable, flexible, and fulfilling one-person marketing agency. The best part? You’ll have the freedom to choose clients who align with your values, allowing you to make a real impact with your work—just as I’ve done.

So why wait? This is your moment. Take advantage of the opportunity, align your values with your work, and build the agency of your dreams.

Ready to get started?

‍Check out the One-Person Marketing Agency (OPMA) book by Rich Ux for a roadmap to launch and grow your own successful solo marketing business.