How to start a 100k creative agency in 2025

Learn how to kickstart your journey into agency ownership with our comprehensive guide.

woman in black turtleneck shirt

Dhyna Phils

Head of Marketing

Featured

Featured

Featured

A woman with a file
A woman with a file
A woman with a file

According to Forbes, digital agencies grew 32.1% between 2024 and 2025, with 89,912 agencies in business by the end of last year. Better yet – revenues support that growth. This means the numbers add up. And you, as somebody who’s interested in starting a new business, can see that the agency model could be key to your success.

That brings the question: How can I start an agency?

What is an Agency Business?

The agency business in simple terms is bringing together a team of specialized experts within a specific niche to deliver a set of services. Take design as an example. In a design agency, you’ll have a host of experts like Product designers, web designers and developers, animators and 3D designers, search engine optimization (SEO) specialists. Each provides a specific service for which you can charge money.

The trick lies in finding a service that people actually want and then building an agency business around that service.

How much does It cost to start an agency?

Well!!! This is a tricky question to answer.

Your agency costs may vary depending on the type and size of agency you create. If your agency offers one service and has a couple of employees costs less to start than a multi-service agency.

Let's say an average cost of starting a digital agency falls within a high range: $730 to $29,100.

How to start an agency – The 5 solid steps

Now you know the pros and cons, here're 5 solid steps you can take to start an agency:

  1. Choose a Niche

  2. Know your audience

  3. Choose the best agency software

  4. Plan, Plan, Plan

  5. Choose a strategy.

Baseline is, don't allow the vastness of current agencies, be flexible with your strategy, grind, temper your expectations and keep a positive attitude throughout.

Share on social media

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.