How automations began from necessity

Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan is joined by agency owner and automation enthusiast Caitlin Studdy for a deep dive into the world of AI-driven automations—an essential, but often underutilized, tool for agencies looking to boost efficiency, profitability, and team satisfaction.

In this episode, Caitlin Studdy recounts her journey from agency founder to automation "nerd," sharing how necessity and a passion for problem-solving led her to streamline countless repetitive tasks using tools like Zapier, ChatGPT, and more. Whether she's automating social posts, onboarding clients, or implementing AI-powered hiring bots, Caitlin Studdy reveals how each automation not only saves time, but also reclaims valuable brain space for higher-level creative and strategic work.

The conversation is packed with actionable insights—from identifying automation opportunities in everyday agency operations to building simple "grilled cheese" workflows that anyone can try. Drew McLellan and Caitlin Studdy also explore the evolving landscape of AI technology, discussing how new capabilities are opening doors previously closed to small and mid-sized agencies.

If you're ready to tackle inefficiency head-on, empower your team to work smarter (not harder), and get inspired by real-world examples of automation in action, this episode is a must-listen. By the end, you'll view your agency's processes with a fresh perspective—and be eager to experiment with automations that can transform your business for good.

A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

• How to identify which repetitive tasks in your agency are prime candidates for automation
• The step-by-step process for building your first agency automations using beginner-friendly tools like Zapier
• Why starting with simple two-step automations leads to better long-term success than complex workflows
• How AI integration has expanded automation possibilities beyond basic task scheduling to intelligent decision-making
• The communication strategies needed to get team buy-in when implementing automated systems
• Which types of agency tasks should remain human-driven versus automated for optimal results
• How to build automated hiring systems that score candidates and send follow-up questionnaires
• The surprising ways agency automations improve client service and reduce dropped balls
• Real examples from 500+ automations including client meeting prep, social media management, and billing workflows