I Studied 200 Automation Agencies: Here's What Works In 2025

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares insights on the challenges and strategies for building a successful AI and automation business. They discuss the importance of focusing on actionable business outcomes, rather than getting bogged down in technicalities like self-hosting. The speaker advocates for using cloud-based platforms like Make.com to streamline operations and drive results. Additionally, they introduce the concept of Omni-Channel Lead Generation, emphasizing how it boosts visibility and efficiency in outreach efforts. Overall, the video encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize value-driven approaches and foundational business principles for sustainable growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI and automation can be approached like a game of chess, where the key to success is focusing on driving business results, not just technical complexities.
• 😀 Self-hosting platforms like Naden can lead to getting bogged down in technicalities, delaying real business outcomes despite being popular and growing rapidly.
• 😀 Make.com is recommended as a more efficient platform for AI and automation, offering faster deployment and less technical overhead despite higher upfront costs.
• 😀 Cloud solutions are preferable over self-hosted options, as they allow you to quickly implement and start generating income without worrying about server management.
• 😀 Avoid getting lost in building the perfect product or setting up a highly efficient system before starting to sell—sell first, then improve your system over time.
• 😀 Omni-channel lead generation increases the chances of prospects seeing your outreach efforts, effectively tripling your odds of engagement by using multiple platforms.
• 😀 Cost per acquisition (CPA) is a crucial metric to track, as inefficient lead generation can lead to spending more money than you earn from conversions.
• 😀 If only a small percentage of leads see your outreach, you're essentially throwing money away. Omni-channel approaches maximize the visibility of your outreach efforts.
• 😀 Tailor your outreach by creating high-quality, personalized assets that add value upfront, and then use multiple channels to ensure they are seen by your target audience.
• 😀 Understanding core business principles such as starting without perfect conditions, personalizing your outreach, and offering upfront value is essential for long-term success in AI and automation businesses.
• 😀 Strategies for success evolve over time, so adapt and apply these core principles as new tactics become less effective with increased competition.

Q & A

Why does the speaker suggest N8N may not be the best choice for starting an AI automation business?

The speaker suggests that while N8N is a great tool, it can be overwhelming for newcomers due to the technical complexities of self-hosting. This can distract users from focusing on business outcomes and making money quickly.

What is the main advantage of using Make.com over N8N for building an AI automation business?

Make.com is cloud-hosted, meaning users don't need to worry about the technical setup or managing servers. This allows them to focus on building and selling their products more efficiently, despite the higher upfront cost.

How does self-hosting impact the progress of building a product, according to the speaker?

Self-hosting can give the illusion of progress as users get bogged down in setting up their environment, but it doesn't lead to actual business outcomes or revenue generation, which is crucial for success.

What is the role of 'Omni-Channel Lead Generation' in improving outreach efficiency?

Omni-channel lead generation combines multiple channels like email, Instagram DMs, LinkedIn, and X messages to increase the chances of a prospect seeing the outreach, thereby improving the likelihood of engagement and conversions.

Why does the speaker emphasize the need for multiple outreach channels rather than relying on a single one?

Relying on a single channel, like email, has a low probability of the message being seen due to high spam filtering and other challenges. Using multiple channels increases the chances of the message being seen by tripling the likelihood of engagement.

How does the speaker calculate the probability of a prospect seeing outreach through multiple channels?

If each channel (email, Instagram DM, LinkedIn, etc.) has a 20% chance of being seen, using all four channels increases the probability of visibility to 59%, thereby significantly boosting engagement chances.

What is the main takeaway about cost per acquisition (CPA) from the speaker's analysis?

The speaker highlights the importance of managing the cost per acquisition efficiently. By optimizing lead visibility and engagement through omni-channel strategies, businesses can reduce the wasted spend on outreach efforts and improve their return on investment.

What does the speaker mean by 'asset-based cold outreach'?

Asset-based cold outreach involves creating valuable content (like custom proposals or personalized assets) to offer upfront value before making an ask. This strategy increases the chances of engagement and a positive response from prospects.

How does the speaker suggest maximizing the effectiveness of outreach campaigns?

To maximize outreach effectiveness, the speaker recommends focusing on personalization, creating high-quality assets, and using omni-channel lead generation strategies to ensure the message gets seen by a wider audience.

What fundamental principles does the speaker suggest for growing a business in AI and automation?

The speaker emphasizes core principles like personalization, providing upfront value, starting without perfect conditions, and operating with a lower level of certainty. These fundamentals help maintain business growth despite evolving tactics and market changes.