Founder: Kara Jensen
Business: Bop Design
Revenue/Month: $200K
Founders: 2
Employees: 13
Website: bopdesign.com
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Founded: 2009

Founded in 2009, Bop Design has grown from a fledgling operation to a robust digital marketing agency specializing in serving B2B companies. The San Diego-based firm has made a name for itself by crafting lead-driven websites, building strong brand platforms, and delivering strategic content marketing programs. Serving industries as diverse as software, life sciences, high-tech, and industrial manufacturing, Bop Design has steadily refined its focus to meet the complex demands of businesses with long sales cycles. The story of its growth is one of adaptability, strategy, and seizing opportunities in an ever-changing business environment. 

“We started really small,” Kara Jensen recalls. “It was just my co-founder Jeremy and me, working out of our apartment and doing whatever we could to make it work.” In those early days, Jensen juggled part-time work while taking on projects for local small businesses, offering web and graphic design services. The first year’s revenue? $30,000. Modest by any measure, but it was enough to get them started. 

Scaling, however, required more than just grit and perseverance. Jensen describes a key realization early on: “We knew we couldn’t be everything to everyone. So, we asked ourselves, ‘Who can we serve best?’ And for us, it was B2B companies. They had unique challenges, but also the kind of strategic complexity we thrived on.” That decision to zero in on B2B clients marked a turning point for Bop Design. It allowed the company to narrow its expertise and build credibility in an increasingly competitive space. 

As Bop Design grew, so did its reputation. By 2021, the agency had 13 full-time employees, a network of contractors, and a portfolio of clients spanning the globe. Jensen explains that the company’s transformation wasn’t just about hiring more people or increasing output. “It was about evolving our approach,” she says. “The work we do for a software client is completely different from what we’d do for a manufacturer, but what ties it together is that focus on generating results—on giving them tools that deliver ROI.” 

Recognition soon followed. Bop Design earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list for two consecutive years, a milestone that Jensen describes as both gratifying and motivating. “It’s great to see your hard work pay off, but it’s also a reminder that you have to keep innovating. This industry changes so quickly, and you can’t afford to get comfortable.” 

Despite its impressive growth, the agency has never strayed from its original vision: to be a partner that delivers measurable impact for its clients. Jensen attributes much of their success to this client-first mentality. “We’ve always approached our work with the idea that if we can help our clients grow, we’ll grow alongside them. It’s a win-win.” 

Looking back, Jensen says the decision to focus exclusively on B2B was the single most important move they made. “It gave us clarity,” she reflects. “Once we decided who we were and who we wanted to serve, everything else fell into place. The branding, the services, the processes—it all aligned.” 

Today, Bop Design is projected to gross $2.8 million, a far cry from those early days working out of an apartment. But for Jensen, the growth is about more than just numbers. “It’s about the relationships we’ve built,” she says. “The trust our clients place in us to help them grow their businesses—it’s something we take very seriously.” 

The Intersection of Passion and Strategy 

The story of Kara Jensen’s journey to co-founding Bop Design reveals how a series of diverse professional experiences can lay the groundwork for a truly distinctive business approach. Her career trajectory combined design expertise with a strategic understanding of how marketing can drive business outcomes, creating the foundation for Bop Design’s unique model: a creative agency laser-focused on delivering measurable results for B2B companies. 

“My background wasn’t traditional,” Jensen shares. “I started in business studies, but after taking a graphic design class, I realized it was what I truly loved. It was like a lightbulb moment.” That pivot in college marked the start of a career that brought together creative talent and business savvy. Jensen began honing her skills early, taking on freelance projects that allowed her to explore branding and website design while still in school. 

Her first full-time job at a leather manufacturing company was far from glamorous but offered her an invaluable lesson in how marketing and sales intersect. “It was one of those jobs where you wear every hat,” Jensen says with a laugh. “I learned how to translate design into something that supported sales goals, which was a huge stepping stone for me.” From there, she moved through industries ranging from mortgage lending to financial advisory services, each role sharpening her ability to balance creative execution with strategic thinking. 

At the mortgage company, Jensen spearheaded major initiatives, managing rebranding efforts and launching websites for several divisions. This was during the lead-up to the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis—a period that tested her resilience and adaptability. “It was chaos,” she recalls. “Everything was uncertain, and people were being let go left and right. But I kept focusing on how I could add value and keep things moving forward.” 

Even amid such upheaval, her work stood out. After being laid off as the crisis deepened, she seamlessly transitioned into contractor roles, leveraging her reputation for delivering high-quality results. A subsequent role at a national financial advisory firm exposed her to B2B marketing on a larger scale, giving her the chance to work alongside developers and experienced marketers. “That’s where I really started connecting the dots between creative and strategy,” she says. “I saw firsthand how aligning the two could drive results for complex businesses.” 

But the financial instability of the late 2000s also prompted Jensen to think beyond traditional employment. Watching talented colleagues lose their jobs sparked a realization: stability wasn’t going to come from someone else’s payroll. Partnering with her husband, Jeremy Durant, she decided to turn her freelance work into something bigger. 

“Jeremy brought this incredible sales expertise that complemented my creative background,” Jensen explains. “We knew that if we combined our strengths, we could build something that was truly our own.” The early days of Bop Design were anything but glamorous. Jensen worked full-time while handling client projects during evenings and weekends. Durant split his time between sales consulting and building the business, using the income to fund Bop Design’s growth. 

“We reinvested every dollar,” Jensen says. “It wasn’t easy—there were sacrifices—but we believed in what we were building.” They also made a strategic choice early on: partnering with a developer who could expand their capabilities. This collaboration allowed them to deliver sophisticated websites, a move that helped them attract larger, more complex clients. 

Eighteen months into their relentless effort, Jensen took a leap, leaving her full-time job to focus entirely on Bop Design. Shortly after, Durant followed suit. With both founders fully committed, the agency began to gain serious traction. “That was when things really started to click,” Jensen reflects. “We weren’t just taking on small projects anymore. We were building a business that could scale and deliver real impact for our clients.” 

The combination of Jensen’s creative expertise and Durant’s sales acumen set the tone for what Bop Design would become: a hybrid of artistry and strategy that resonated with B2B companies looking to build strong brands and generate measurable results. 

Scaling Services for Impact and Longevity 

Bop Design’s transformation from a modest design shop into a full-fledged B2B marketing agency wasn’t accidental. It was the result of deliberate choices to refine services, elevate quality, and align offerings with the evolving needs of its clients. This process required not only creative foresight but also tough decisions about what to leave behind in order to create a scalable and sustainable business model. 

“In the beginning, we offered whatever we could to get projects in the door,” Jensen recalls. “Logos, basic websites, graphic design—you name it. It was just me doing the work, so the projects were small, and the pricing reflected that.” Those early offerings made Bop Design accessible to local businesses, but as the agency gained traction, Jensen realized they needed to expand their toolkit. “Clients were coming to us asking for more—copywriting, digital marketing, advanced web development—so we started building out our services to meet those needs.” 

One of the turning points came when the team began using search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to increase their own visibility. The results were so impactful that SEO became a central part of their service offerings. “It was like flipping a switch,” Jensen says. “Once we saw how well it worked for us, we knew it could be a game-changer for our clients too.” 

However, as the range of services grew, so did the strain on resources. About five years into the business, Jensen and Durant found themselves stretched thin, trying to manage everything from small logo designs to large-scale marketing campaigns. “We realized we couldn’t keep saying yes to everything,” Jensen explains. “It wasn’t just about profitability—it was about doing work we were proud of and making the most impact for our clients.” 

The solution was a strategic narrowing of focus. By analyzing their client base and reviewing which services delivered the most value, they refined their offerings to concentrate on three pillars: website builds, branding projects, and ongoing content marketing programs. Jensen describes this shift as a turning point. “Once we streamlined, everything became more cohesive,” she says. “Instead of being a vendor for random tasks, we became a partner offering holistic solutions.” 

Within each core service, Bop Design created a bundled approach that addressed the interconnected needs of their clients. A new website build, for example, wasn’t just about design—it included elements like content strategy, custom WordPress development, page speed optimization, and even video integration. “Clients didn’t want to piecemeal their marketing efforts,” Jensen explains. “They wanted someone who could see the bigger picture and deliver everything they needed to succeed.” 

This approach also transformed the agency’s pricing. Early on, a 10-page website might have cost $3,000, covering basic design and development. By 2021, that same project included far more strategic elements and started at $30,000. “It wasn’t just about raising prices—it was about the depth of the work,” Jensen says. “We weren’t just building websites anymore; we were creating tools that could generate leads and deliver ROI.” 

The decision to focus on higher-value, larger-scale projects also allowed Bop Design to strengthen client relationships. Jensen notes that these deeper engagements fostered trust and loyalty. “When you’re involved in a client’s branding, their website, and their content strategy, you become invested in their success,” she says. “It’s not just a project—it’s a partnership.” 

This evolution cemented Bop Design’s reputation in the B2B sector. By narrowing their scope and refining their services, Jensen and her team not only improved operational efficiency but also positioned the agency as a trusted resource for businesses seeking long-term, results-driven solutions. 

A Practical Beginning: How Bop Design Took Shape 

Launching Bop Design wasn’t about grand openings or immediate splashy success—it was a calculated, methodical process rooted in resourcefulness and hard work. Jensen and Durant started with a clear focus: build a business that could grow sustainably without sacrificing financial stability or operational integrity. From invoicing their first clients to developing a streamlined sales process, the early days of Bop Design were all about laying a solid foundation that could support long-term success. 

“When we first started, it was really scrappy,” Jensen says. “I already had a handful of freelance clients, so transitioning them to Bop Design wasn’t difficult. We put together the branding, the website, and basic marketing materials in about two months, and we were up and running.” With the infrastructure in place, Durant turned his attention to securing new business. He crafted a sales strategy focused on identifying companies with underperforming websites, building a prospecting list, and reaching out through a combination of cold calls, emails, and direct mail campaigns. 

“Postcards were huge for us back then,” Jensen recalls. “They were inexpensive but effective—perfect for connecting with small and medium-sized businesses that didn’t have strong digital presences yet.” This multi-channel approach allowed the fledgling agency to reach a wide audience, securing its first new clients and quickly building momentum in the competitive B2B marketing world. 

Financially, Bop Design was built on the principles of bootstrapping. Jensen and Durant used income from their full-time jobs and freelance work to pay personal bills while reinvesting every dollar the agency earned back into the business. “We lived lean,” Jensen explains. “We didn’t take on debt, and we didn’t pay ourselves much at all in the beginning. Everything went into growing the company—whether it was attending networking events, improving our website, or putting more money into marketing.” 

This careful reinvestment strategy distinguished Bop Design from many of its peers. Jensen reflects on the pitfalls she saw among other small business owners: “A lot of people would start making a little money and immediately spend it on themselves. But if you’re not reinvesting in your business—especially in marketing and sales—it’s impossible to grow.” By prioritizing the agency’s long-term health over short-term rewards, the duo ensured that Bop Design could weather challenges while continuing to build momentum. 

Networking also became a key growth driver during this period. Both Jensen and Durant immersed themselves in the entrepreneurial community, attending events and building relationships with other small business owners. “We met so many people who were just starting out, just like we were,” Jensen says. “It was inspiring, but it was also a learning experience. We saw a lot of businesses fail because they didn’t manage their finances well or couldn’t keep clients coming in. It reinforced for us the importance of staying disciplined.” 

Many of those connections ultimately didn’t survive the turbulence of entrepreneurship, but Bop Design thrived. Jensen credits their survival to a combination of careful financial planning, an effective sales strategy, and an unwavering focus on reinvesting in the company’s future. “It was never about overnight success,” she says. “We wanted to build something that would last, and that meant making sacrifices in the beginning to set ourselves up for the long haul.” 

From Local Hustle to Global Inbound Success 

Bop Design’s early growth was fueled by grassroots tactics—methods that required time, persistence, and an unwavering focus on relationships. In the company’s infancy, Jensen and Durant leaned heavily on networking, referrals, and word-of-mouth recommendations to build their pipeline. Without the resources for large-scale marketing campaigns, they made every connection count, delivering exceptional results to their clients and fostering trust that translated into more business. 

“In those early days, it was all about getting out there and meeting people,” Jensen recalls. “We attended networking events, joined local business groups, and followed up with every connection. The work we did for one client would lead to another referral, and that kept the momentum going.” This hands-on approach allowed them to establish credibility quickly, even as a new player in the market. 

But grassroots networking could only take them so far. As the business matured, Jensen and her team shifted gears to adopt scalable inbound marketing strategies. “We knew that to grow, we had to expand beyond local connections and start building a presence where clients could find us on their own,” she explains. 

One of their first major initiatives was optimizing the Bop Design website for search engines. The team worked to ensure the site ranked highly for keywords that reflected the specific needs of their target audience, such as “B2B web design” and “B2B content marketing.” “We approached our own website the same way we would approach a client’s,” Jensen says. “It needed to be more than just a showcase for our work—it had to actively generate leads.” That effort proved transformative, turning the site into a primary driver of new business. 

Paid digital advertising became another essential piece of the puzzle. Carefully planned campaigns brought in qualified leads, complementing the organic traffic generated by their SEO efforts. But the most significant driver of inbound success was content marketing. “We wanted to position ourselves as thought leaders, not just service providers,” Jensen explains. To do this, the team published a steady stream of resources designed to educate and engage their target audience. 

These resources ranged from blog posts offering practical tips on digital marketing and branding to comprehensive white papers like “The B2B Website Buyer’s Guide.” Each piece was crafted to address the questions and challenges potential clients were already facing, moving them closer to a decision while building trust in Bop Design’s expertise. “We weren’t just marketing to prospects,” Jensen says. “We were helping them. That’s what resonated.” 

The blog, in particular, became a key engine for organic traffic, drawing in readers with actionable insights on topics like SEO, user experience, and lead generation. At the same time, the team showcased their work visually through a well-curated portfolio, detailed case studies, and striking before-and-after project comparisons. These assets gave prospective clients a clear picture of the results they could expect, reinforcing Bop Design’s credibility and setting the stage for seamless conversions. 

By 2021, the results of these efforts spoke volumes: 100% of new business came through inbound marketing. “We didn’t need to chase clients anymore,” Jensen says. “They were finding us.” The agency’s reputation had expanded far beyond its local roots, attracting clients from across the globe and positioning Bop Design as a serious competitor to much larger firms. 

The online presence they built became one of their most valuable assets. With an impeccable reputation and a website that functioned as both a resource and a lead-generation tool, Bop Design not only grew its client base but also shortened its sales cycle. Jensen attributes much of this success to the intentionality behind every piece of content and every touchpoint. “We never wanted to just ‘sell’ to people. We wanted to be their partner in solving real business challenges. That’s what made the difference.” 

The Bigger Picture: Lessons Learned and Future Plans 

Behind Bop Design’s success lies a story of intentional growth, strategic thinking, and financial discipline. From its earliest days, Jensen made deliberate decisions that prioritized the company’s long-term stability over short-term wins, creating a business that could withstand uncertainty while continuously evolving. For Jensen, one of the most critical lessons learned along the way has been the power of reinvestment. 

“We made a conscious choice not to take on debt,” Jensen says. “Instead, every dollar we earned went right back into the business—whether it was marketing, hiring, or improving our processes. That discipline gave us the flexibility to grow sustainably and weather tough times without losing momentum.” By focusing on reinvestment, Bop Design built a foundation strong enough to support steady growth in an industry that often demands agility in the face of shifting client expectations and economic conditions. 

This philosophy has not only shaped the company’s operations but also influenced how Jensen views success. “A lot of businesses focus on scaling as quickly as possible,” she reflects. “For us, it’s always been about making thoughtful decisions that align with our goals and values. It’s not about being the biggest—it’s about being the best at what we do.” 

As the company looks ahead, this measured approach continues to guide its trajectory. Jensen emphasizes that the focus remains on B2B clients, whose unique challenges require a mix of creative expertise and strategic insight. “We’re constantly refining our processes,” she says. “The goal is always to make things easier for our clients while delivering work that has a measurable impact on their business.” 

Inbound strategies remain central to Bop Design’s success, and Jensen’s team continues to enhance their approach to content marketing, SEO, and digital advertising. At the same time, they’re exploring new tools and techniques to help clients better position themselves in competitive industries. “Our clients rely on us to stay ahead of the curve,” Jensen explains. “It’s our job to keep evolving so they can, too.” 

Reflecting on the journey so far, Jensen credits Bop Design’s growth to its ability to balance creativity with practicality. While the agency is known for its bold and innovative work, its foundation is built on meticulous planning and a deep understanding of what drives business success. “At the end of the day, it’s about more than just delivering a great website or a strong brand,” she says. “It’s about helping our clients achieve their goals and build something that lasts.” 

This philosophy has not only positioned Bop Design as a trusted partner for its clients but has also ensured its own longevity in the ever-changing world of B2B marketing. For Jensen, the future is about building on that foundation—one strategic decision at a time. “We’re not looking to reinvent who we are,” she says. “We’re focused on getting even better at what we already do so well.” 

Success Factors: Why Did Bop Design Succeed? 

• Focused Specialization in B2B Marketing: Bop Design’s deliberate decision to focus exclusively on B2B clients was transformative. By narrowing their expertise, they honed their ability to address the specific challenges of businesses with long sales cycles and complex needs. This clear positioning allowed them to differentiate themselves in a crowded industry and build credibility in the B2B space. 

• Strategic Financial Discipline and Reinvestment: Jensen and Durant’s financial discipline played a critical role in their success. From the start, they chose to grow the company without taking on debt, reinvesting all earnings into marketing, networking, tools, and team development. This cautious, sustainable approach minimized risk and ensured the company had the resources to grow steadily over time, even during uncertain economic periods. 

• Strong Inbound Marketing Foundation: A cornerstone of Bop Design’s growth was its investment in inbound marketing strategies. The team optimized their website for SEO, created high-value content like blogs, guides, and white papers, and embraced thought leadership. This approach transformed their website into a lead-generation powerhouse, enabling them to attract global clients and secure 100% of new business through inbound efforts by 2021. 

• Grassroots Beginnings and Networking: In its early days, Bop Design relied heavily on grassroots methods, including networking events, personal connections, and referrals. This hands-on approach allowed them to build trust and establish a reputation for quality and reliability, which became the foundation for future growth. 

• Refining and Streamlining Services: Early on, Jensen and her team recognized the challenges of trying to offer too many services. By narrowing their focus to three key offerings—website builds, branding projects, and content marketing—they were able to deliver more cohesive, impactful solutions. Bundling services and eliminating smaller, one-off projects positioned the agency as a long-term strategic partner rather than just a vendor. 

• Dedication to Exceptional Client Results: From the beginning, Jensen prioritized delivering value to clients. By focusing on measurable results, such as ROI-driven websites and strategic content marketing, Bop Design built trust and fostered long-term partnerships. The agency’s commitment to helping clients achieve their goals became a major driver of referrals and repeat business. 

• Collaboration of Complementary Skills: Jensen’s creative expertise and Durant’s sales acumen formed a powerful partnership. This combination of strengths allowed them to effectively balance creative execution with strategic business development, a critical factor in both their early survival and long-term success. 

• Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Jensen and her team consistently evolved their approach to meet the changing needs of their clients and the industry. From grassroots networking to global inbound strategies, Bop Design adapted their processes and offerings to stay competitive and ahead of trends. 

• Leveraging Thought Leadership and Content: By establishing themselves as experts in B2B marketing through thought leadership content, including educational blogs, guides, and case studies, Bop Design not only attracted prospects but also educated them. This strategy enhanced their credibility, shortened sales cycles, and built trust with potential clients. 

• Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Wins: Throughout the journey, Jensen’s focus on sustainable growth rather than immediate profit helped the company weather challenges that caused many of their contemporaries to fail. Their patience, careful planning, and goal alignment ensured Bop Design was built to last. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Find and Own Your Niche: One of Bop Design’s most critical decisions was narrowing its focus to B2B clients. This specialization allowed the agency to tailor its offerings to meet the unique needs of a specific audience, positioning itself as an expert in the space. The lesson: Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, identify your niche and serve it exceptionally well. 

2. Reinvest in Your Business Early On: Bop Design’s founders made financial discipline a priority, reinvesting all earnings back into the business instead of extracting profits too early. This reinvestment funded their marketing, networking, and tools for growth, enabling steady and sustainable development. The takeaway: Long-term success often requires short-term sacrifices—reinvesting in your business is critical to building a strong foundation. 

3. Focus on Measurable Value for Clients: Jensen consistently emphasized delivering measurable results for clients, whether through ROI-driven websites, strategic branding, or content marketing. This approach not only built trust but also positioned Bop Design as a partner, not just a vendor. The lesson: Businesses thrive when they prioritize delivering tangible value that directly impacts their clients’ goals. 

4. Start Small, but Think Big: Bop Design began with grassroots efforts—networking, referrals, and affordable projects—while maintaining a vision for growth. By taking incremental steps, the agency was able to build its capabilities and reputation over time without overextending itself. The takeaway: You don’t need to start with perfection, but you do need to have a vision for where you want to go and grow strategically. 

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot or Refine: About five years in, Jensen and her team realized they were stretched too thin by offering too many services. By refining their offerings to focus on three core areas—website builds, branding, and content marketing—they increased efficiency, improved profitability, and enhanced client satisfaction. The lesson: Evaluate your offerings regularly, cut what doesn’t serve your business, and focus on what delivers the greatest impact. 

6. Leverage Thought Leadership to Build Credibility: Bop Design used content marketing, such as blogs, guides, and case studies, to establish itself as a thought leader in B2B marketing. These resources educated prospects, showcased expertise, and drove organic traffic to their website. The takeaway: Sharing knowledge and insights not only attracts leads but also builds trust and positions you as an authority in your field. 

7. Adapt to Market Trends and Embrace Scalability: As the business matured, Bop Design transitioned from grassroots networking to scalable inbound strategies, such as SEO, paid advertising, and content marketing. This shift allowed the agency to reach a global audience and bring in 100% of its new business through inbound efforts. The lesson: Adapt your strategies as your business grows, and don’t hesitate to invest in scalable approaches to expand your reach. 

8. Financial Discipline Ensures Stability in Uncertain Times: By avoiding debt and growing organically, Bop Design maintained stability, even in the face of economic shifts. This disciplined approach ensured that the business could weather challenges and maintain momentum. The takeaway: Financial discipline is essential for long-term success—it allows you to stay nimble and make decisions from a place of strength, not desperation. 

9. Strong Partnerships Drive Success: Jensen and Durant’s complementary skills—her creative expertise and his sales acumen—were a driving force behind the agency’s success. By combining their strengths, they created a balanced partnership that addressed both the creative and business sides of their company. The lesson: Building a strong leadership team with diverse but complementary skills can give your business a competitive edge. 

10. Sustainability Over Speed: Bop Design’s steady growth was rooted in intentional decision-making rather than rapid scaling. This focus on building a sustainable, high-quality business ensured long-term viability while avoiding the pitfalls of overextension. The takeaway: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize thoughtful decisions that align with your long-term vision rather than chasing quick wins. 

11. Be Willing to Do the Work: From cold calls and networking events to working late nights, Jensen and Durant embraced the grind in Bop Design’s early days. Their willingness to put in the effort built the reputation and pipeline that sustained the business. The lesson: Success doesn’t happen overnight—it takes persistence, hard work, and a hands-on approach, especially in the beginning. 

12. Prioritize Client Relationships: Bop Design’s early reliance on referrals underscores the importance of delivering excellent service and building trust. Even as the company grew, the focus on being a trusted partner rather than just a vendor created long-term client relationships. The takeaway: Happy clients are your best advocates, and building strong relationships can be a powerful driver of business growth. 

Opportunity Matrix  

Founder Background 

Kara Jensen: Background in graphic design, branding, and business strategy, with experience across diverse industries like mortgage lending and financial advisory. Jeremy Durant: Sales expert with a complementary skillset to Jensen’s creative background. 

Problem Identification 

Small and medium-sized B2B companies lacked high-quality, lead-generating websites, cohesive branding, and strategic digital marketing solutions tailored to their long sales cycles and complex offerings. 

Market Opportunity  

The growing demand for specialized B2B marketing agencies that deliver measurable ROI through branding, web design, and content marketing. Expansion into global markets via inbound marketing also created opportunities. 

Competitive Landscape  

Fragmented industry with many agencies competing on price and offering generic solutions. Few agencies were focused specifically on B2B companies or tailored offerings for long sales cycles. 

Market Research  

Direct client feedback, analysis of underperforming websites, and industry demand for comprehensive branding and marketing services. Leveraged personal networks and grassroots interactions to understand client needs. 

Business Model  

Service-based agency focusing on core offerings: website builds, branding projects, and ongoing content marketing. Positioned as a strategic partner offering bundled, high-value services rather than one-off projects. 

Initial Capital  

Bootstrapped using personal savings and earnings from full-time jobs and side gigs. Reinvested all revenue back into the business for marketing, operations, and growth. 

Product/Service Development  

Started with basic services (logos, small websites, and graphic design) before expanding to include copywriting, SEO, content marketing, and custom web development. Streamlined offerings into three pillars to focus on high-impact services. 

Marketing Strategy  

Early-stage grassroots efforts: networking, cold calls, direct mail, and referrals. Mature-stage strategy: inbound marketing (SEO, thought leadership content, and paid advertising), creating a lead-generation website, and publishing educational resources. 

Milestones  

• Transitioned freelance clients to Bop Design brand (2009) 

• Full-time dedication by both founders after 18 months 

• Streamlined offerings to focus on high-value services after 5 years 

• Recognition on Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list (two consecutive years) 

• 100% of new business generated through inbound marketing by 2021. 

Scalability  

Scaled effectively through inbound marketing and global reach, with content and SEO strategies driving lead generation. Service offerings are replicable for new clients across industries. Remote and contractor-friendly structure allowed for flexible growth. 

Potential Risks and Challenges  

Overextending by offering too many services early on strained profitability and efficiency. Competition from larger agencies with greater resources. The need to consistently stay ahead of digital marketing trends to remain relevant. 

Key Performance Indicators/Metrics  

• Revenue growth: Grew from $30,000 in Year 1 to $2.8 million in 2021 

• Percentage of leads from inbound marketing: 100% by 2021 

• Website traffic and organic search rankings 

• Client retention rates and repeat business 

• Profitability and efficiency improvements after streamlining services.