In an industry often characterized by quick fixes and fleeting tactics, Big Leap is a refreshing counterexample of how sustainable growth in digital marketing should look. As someone who has observed the digital marketing landscape for years, what strikes me most about Big Leap’s journey is not just its impressive client portfolio of over 600 businesses but also its methodical approach to growth and unwavering commitment to doing things “the right way.”
The Foundation of Authentic Expertise
What sets Big Leap apart is that their expertise isn’t merely theoretical – it’s built on founder Bryan Phelps’ hands-on experience in the early days of SEO. Before launching Big Leap in 2008, Phelps had already proven his methodology through his own successful websites, generating enough revenue through advertising and affiliate marketing to surpass his regular income. This practical foundation gives Big Leap a crucial advantage: they’re not just applying textbook strategies; they’re implementing battle-tested approaches that have proven successful in the real world.
Growth Through Crisis Management
Perhaps the most telling indicator of Big Leap’s capabilities is its handling of crisis situations. Take, for example, their work with a major project management software company that had lost 80% of their search traffic due to a botched rebrand. In the world of SEO, this kind of traffic loss is equivalent to a cardiac arrest – it can kill a business if not addressed immediately and correctly. Big Leap’s ability to not only recover the lost traffic but also put the company back on a growth trajectory demonstrates their deep understanding of SEO’s technical intricacies.
The Irony of Success
Interestingly, Big Leap’s early success also revealed a common blind spot in the agency world – they initially didn’t invest enough in their own digital marketing. This candid admission from Phelps is telling. It shows both humility and adaptability, two crucial traits for long-term success in the ever-evolving digital landscape. The fact that they recognized and corrected this oversight speaks volumes about their commitment to practicing what they preach.
Strategic Growth Through Acquisition
The company’s 2015 acquisition move was particularly impressive. For a relatively small agency to successfully acquire another company without prior M&A experience shows remarkable business acumen. This bold move resulted in 50% overnight growth and brought in valuable talent that has contributed to the company’s continued success. It’s a perfect example of how calculated risks, when taken thoughtfully, can accelerate growth dramatically.
The Human Element
What truly distinguishes Big Leap in today’s AI-dominated marketing landscape is its focus on the human element. Its approach to avoiding burnout—simply not taking on ill-fitting clients—might seem obvious, but it’s surprisingly rare in an industry where many agencies chase revenue at any cost. This philosophy extends to its internal operations, where it prioritizes creating opportunities for team members before looking externally.
Looking Ahead
As digital marketing continues to evolve with AI and new technologies, Big Leap’s approach to adaptation is noteworthy. Rather than chasing every new trend, they focus on sustainable evolution that serves both their clients and team members. Their goal isn’t tied to specific revenue targets but rather to building an agency that both clients and employees love being part of – a refreshingly long-term perspective in an often short-sighted industry.
The Verdict
In analysis, Big Leap’s success isn’t just about its technical expertise in SEO and digital marketing. It’s about its combination of proven technical knowledge, strategic business acumen, and human-centric approach to client relationships and team development. While many agencies claim to be different, Big Leap has the track record and methodology to back up its claims.
What’s particularly impressive is their ability to maintain steady growth while adhering to their principles of doing things “the right way.” In an industry where cutting corners can often lead to quick wins but long-term problems, Big Leap’s commitment to sustainable, ethical practices sets them apart as a true leader in the digital marketing space.
For businesses looking for a digital marketing partner, Big Leap’s journey and approach offer valuable insights into what to look for: proven expertise, crisis management capabilities, strategic thinking, and a commitment to sustainable, ethical growth. These qualities have driven Big Leap’s success and set a standard for what excellent digital marketing service should look like.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
