How Can You Scale Outbound Without Sounding Like Spam? | Ep #189
Neil Patel – Co-founder of NP Digital and recognized growth expert who helped brands like Amazon, GM, and NBC double traffic. Known for data-driven acquisition, Neil shares how agencies can break free from cold calls and ads to build predictable outbound systems that scale.
What You’ll Learn
- Why traditional cold outreach is dying—and what to replace it with
- How to build an efficient outbound machine that feels relevant and personal
- The KPIs that actually move the needle in automated outreach
- How to use feedback loops to constantly refine messaging and targeting
- Why blending new tech with old-school fundamentals leads to more predictable leads
Key Takeaways
- Outbound should be data-informed, not spam-informed.
- Personalized, value-first outreach beats poorly tuned cold calls.
- Track connection-to-meeting-to-opportunity ratios to spot leaky funnels.
- Constant testing and feedback loops are your best ROI driver.
- The best systems blend tech automation with human insight.
3 Steps to Grow New Agency Business
#1- Make your hit list.
Make a list of your ideal clients and be specific with who you want to work with. Who can you help that is within your niche and area of expertise? Then use a source like Crunchbase to find out the CEO, investors and decision-makers.
#2 - Do targeted research.
Use industry resources to know what they’re spending on the services you provide. Neil suggested tools such as: Google keyword planner, SEMrush, and his own UberSuggest to research spend amounts.
#3 - Reach out.
Once you’ve done the research on your prospect, then it's time to make contact. Neil says it’s important not to sell services, but instead, sell a solution. To do this, explain what they’re doing wrong, what could be done better and how you would fix it. I know it’s hard, but go old school and PICK. UP. THE. PHONE. Cold calling as an outbound strategy can be a total game-changer.
Outbound Strategy Advice for Digital Agency Owners
It’s all about the hard work and the hustle. I always tell agency owners that if you’re building an agency just to create a job for yourself, you’ll struggle the entire time. You’ve got to be passionate about the agency space, the niche you’re in and the clients you’re helping. That’s the only way you’ll succeed and thrive.
Neil says his biggest challenge, in the beginning, was knowing how to scale with a team. He felt the entire hiring and training process was completely trial and error. In hindsight, he would advise his old self to hire people who know how to fill their role instead of training up.
Need Guidance and Support to Grow Your Agency Faster?
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