Aligning *Client x Agency* Expectations Is Easier With This Marketing Plan | Meet Corey Morris
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast Recap: Aligning *Client x Agency* Expectations Is Easier With This Marketing Plan
In today’s fast-changing digital landscape, running an agency isn’t just about offering more services, it’s about staying relevant, scalable, and strategic. On a recent episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we sat down with Cory Morris, President and Owner of Voltage Digital, to talk about how agencies can grow smarter, not harder, and how AI, focus, and better client alignment are reshaping the way great agencies operate.
We help agency owners grow by taking client management off your plate - and putting you in the CEO seat instead
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast Recap: Aligning *Client x Agency* Expectations Is Easier With This Marketing Plan
In today’s fast-changing digital landscape, running an agency isn’t just about offering more services, it’s about staying relevant, scalable, and strategic. On a recent episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we sat down with Cory Morris, President and Owner of Voltage Digital, to talk about how agencies can grow smarter, not harder, and how AI, focus, and better client alignment are reshaping the way great agencies operate.
The Power of Niching Down
When many agencies chase every opportunity, Voltage took the opposite route. Cory shared how narrowing their focus to search marketing and website development helped them grow faster and collaborate more effectively with other agencies.
“We only do two things, search and websites. That’s made us easier to understand, and allowed us to go deep in expertise.”
By specializing, Voltage became the go-to partner for agencies needing SEO or paid search support. For growing agencies, this is gold: the clearer your niche, the more confidently you can scale and attract aligned partners.
Solving the Capacity Challenge
Every agency owner hits the same wall: too much work, not enough time. Instead of scaling chaos, Cory found a solution in strategic partnerships.
“Some agencies come to us when they hit capacity. We can take on projects, or step in with subject matter expertise they don’t have in-house.”
In other words, growth doesn’t always mean hiring fast. It means finding reliable partners who already know the work, understand client communication, and deliver results seamlessly.
AI Is Reshaping Agency Life, If You Let It
Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing agencies; it’s refining them. Cory’s team uses AI to accelerate research, improve efficiency, and drive smarter client results.
“We’ve got an internal AI task force testing tools and sharing learnings. It’s about protecting client data, using AI responsibly, and finding ways to deliver more value faster.”
His advice for agency owners? Don’t get stuck in fear or shiny-object syndrome. Use AI as an ally to boost creativity and streamline operations — not to replace your expertise.
SEO Isn’t Dead: It’s Evolving
For years, people have been saying SEO is over. Cory disagrees, and he’s got the experience to back it up.
“SEO has been declared dead so many times. If it evolves into optimizing for AI or new search models, great, we’ll evolve too.”
The takeaway: as AI changes search results, strategy still wins. Agencies that understand intent, storytelling, and ROI will always stay ahead of the curve.
Results Matter More Than Metrics
Cory shared a pivotal story from early in his career, one that every agency leader can relate to.
“I showed a client a report full of great metrics: rankings, traffic, conversions. But he looked at me and said, ‘I didn’t get a single new case.’ That changed everything.”
The lesson? Never confuse activity with impact. Great account management means connecting every click and campaign to what truly matters, business results.
The Future Belongs to Strategic Account Managers
Cory’s new book, The Digital Marketing Success Plan, helps agencies and account managers bridge the gap between marketing metrics and real client outcomes.
“Many clients come in with goals or KPIs that don’t align with reality. The best thing an account manager can do is challenge assumptions, ask deeper questions, and document the plan.”
Strong communication, clarity, and accountability aren’t just client management skills, they’re growth strategies.
Final Thoughts
The future of agency success won’t be built on doing more; it’ll be built on doing what matters.
Focus deeply. Use AI intentionally. Keep clients aligned with measurable goals. And, as Cory puts it, “help brands be found, wherever their audience is looking.”
If your agency is ready to scale with stronger client relationships, smarter systems, and expert support, DOT & Company can help you get there.