Ever hear about a fellow WordPress agency that’s absolutely crushing it and wonder, how do they do it?
Do they have a secret playbook? A pile of venture capital? A once-in-a-generation founder?
The reality is often much simpler.
Big Red Jelly, a Utah-based digital marketing and web development agency, has been named one of the state’s fastest-growing companies two years in a row, with over 1,000 active websites under management. Their success isn’t magic—it’s the result of smart strategy, the right team, and intentional partnerships.
Here’s a look at how they’re scaling sustainably and keeping their operations efficient along the way.
The Foundations of Growth
From day one, Big Red Jelly’s approach to scaling has been built on two key principles:
- People first. A strong, unified team is the backbone of any agency. Finding and keeping the right talent makes everything else possible.
- Smart systems. Reinventing workflows for every project is a surefire way to stall growth. Instead, Big Red Jelly focuses on repeatable, scalable processes that allow them to take on more clients without sacrificing quality.
“When you get those building blocks in place,” says co-founder Josh Webber, “things just take off. We’re growing faster than we ever have before.”
But growth comes with its own set of challenges.
The Scaling Dilemma: More Clients, More Complexity
Fast-growing agencies run into a common problem: how do you scale without breaking the systems that made you successful in the first place?
For Big Red Jelly, the challenge wasn’t just about getting more clients—it was about:
- Managing thousands of sites efficiently.
- Minimizing manual work while maximizing profitability.
- Maintaining (or improving) service quality as they grow.
They had the right team in place but needed the right tools to support them.
That’s when they started looking for a technology partner—not just a collection of plugins and hosting solutions, but a strategic ally that understood agency challenges and could help them scale without friction.
The Role of Automattic for Agencies in Big Red Jelly’s Growth
Big Red Jelly has been using Automattic products for years—Pressable for hosting, Jetpack for security and performance, and WooCommerce for e-commerce solutions. So when Automattic for Agencies (A4A) launched, it was a natural fit.
“We literally joined at inception,” says co-founder Zach Webber.
Since becoming part of the program, the agency has seen a tangible impact:
- Faster deal closures. Having access to enterprise-level hosting, security, and e-commerce tools at competitive prices makes them more attractive to clients.
- Increased recurring revenue. Between referral commissions and volume discounts, they’ve built a stronger financial foundation with predictable, passive revenue streams.
- Operational efficiency. Managing 1,000+ sites is a big task, but having centralized tools keeps things streamlined.
- Stronger team buy-in. “When there’s excitement about a new system, that’s always a good sign,” says Josh.
And, importantly, it’s making a difference for their clients.
“With WooCommerce extensions like Back in Stock Notifications, AutomateWoo, and Product Recommendations, we’re helping clients boost retention and drive sales,” says Lauren Robinson, Online Tools Lead at Big Red Jelly.
Lauren also appreciates that the relationship is a two-way street—since joining, Big Red Jelly has been able to contribute feedback that helps shape the future roadmap of Automattic for Agencies.
Lessons from Big Red Jelly for Other Agencies
Every agency’s growth story is different, but there are a few universal takeaways from Big Red Jelly’s approach:
1. Standardize, Then Scale
Before taking on more clients, create internal systems that are efficient, repeatable, and scalable.
2. Choose Technology Partners, Not Just Tools
The right platforms should integrate seamlessly into your workflow and actively support your business goals—not just add to your tech stack.
3. Diversify Revenue Streams
Agencies that rely solely on project-based work can hit revenue plateaus. Big Red Jelly found that adding recurring revenue sources (like hosting, referral commissions, and subscription-based services) smoothed out their cash flow and fueled long-term growth.
4. Don’t Grow Alone
The most successful agencies lean on strong partnerships—whether with software providers, hosting companies, or community events like WordCamps.
What’s Next for Big Red Jelly?
With a strong foundation in place, Big Red Jelly is doubling down on scalable growth. They’re expanding service offerings—including GROW, a marketing-focused program designed to help clients scale as fast as they have.
As they continue to refine their approach, one thing remains constant: their commitment to balancing growth with quality, efficiency, and great client outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Big Red Jelly’s success is about smart, intentional decisions that helped them scale without losing control. If you run a WordPress agency, their story offers a valuable takeaway: growth isn’t just about getting more clients—it’s about building a system that can handle them.
And whether it’s through better workflows, strategic partnerships, or more efficient tech stacks, there’s always a way to take things to the next level.
If you’re already using Pressable, WooCommerce, Jetpack, WordPress.com, WordPress VIP, or any Automattic product, you’re leaving money on the table by not joining Automattic for Agencies.
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