Episode 229 – Building in the Age of AI: How I’m Positioning My Agency for What Comes Next

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Description:

In this solo episode of The Builders Podcast, Matt Levenhagen opens up about the state of his agency and how he's actively positioning for long-term success amidst a rapidly changing world.

From economic pressures like tariffs to the accelerating rise of AI, Matt breaks down how these forces are impacting service businesses—and how he’s turning disruption into opportunity. Instead of reacting with fear, he shares a grounded, strategic framework for expanding offerings, introducing AI and automation, and deepening consulting capabilities—all while staying rooted in his core strengths.

You’ll hear the nuts and bolts of how Matt built and launched new landing pages, repositioned service offerings, and even created a lead-gen funnel using tools like Canva, ChatGPT, Mailchimp, and WordPress—in a matter of hours. But more importantly, he reflects on the first principles behind why he’s doing it all.

If you’re a founder, service provider, or agency owner navigating the same turbulent waters, this is your behind-the-scenes guide to building with intention.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• AI is here—and it’s not just a threat: It’s a powerful tool that agencies can embrace to add value, not replace it.
• Speed matters: When the ground shifts, the builders who move fast are the ones who stay standing.
• Your clients still need you: Business owners want human guidance. Many don’t have the time or skill to implement AI on their own.
• Don't burn it down—build on what works: Unified Web Design isn’t being replaced, it’s expanding with AI-led services and consulting.
• Marketing infrastructure is critical: Even a quick-and-dirty funnel (like the “Three Smart Moves” guide) can plant seeds for future opportunities.
• Community and outreach still win: Reconnecting with your network and engaging in communities is as essential as ever.

THE MEAT OF IT!

1. The State of the World: Economic Shifts & AI Disruption

• How tariffs and global uncertainty are pausing projects
• The real impact of AI on web agencies and client businesses
• Losing contracts due to AI—but choosing to pivot, not panic

2. Embracing Change: Why Speed and Strategy Matter

• Seeing cracks in the status quo
• The mindset shift: focus on what you can control
• “Money loves speed”—why quick action matters more than perfection

3. Unified Labs AI: Creating a Purpose-Built Extension

• Naming, domain selection, and fast development with AI tools
• The three-card structure: Services, Consulting, and Solutions
• Launching a Substack and building an educational content base

4. Integrating AI into Unified Web Design & Consulting

• Launching the “AI & Experience Design” landing page
• Evolving service offerings without abandoning the core
• How consulting became a more visible and standalone offer

5. Strategic Marketing Infrastructure: CTAs, Guides, and Funnels

• Building the “Three Smart Moves” guide in hours
• Using Canva, Mailchimp, and WordPress to deploy fast
• Connecting opt-ins with future email automation and content strategy

6. Community and Relationships: Personal Outreach & New Networks

• Reconnecting with podcast guests, partners, and agency peers
• Joining new communities to stay plugged in
• Keeping all messaging aligned—internally and externally

7. Looking Ahead: Confidence Through Action

• Expanding knowledge in automation tools (Zapier, n8n, Replit)
• Plans for an internal chatbot and future client solutions
• Staying aligned as a team and building toward long-term resilience

Check out these related Episodes:

• Episode 228: Eli Tanzman- Cutting Edge Security: Catch AI, Cloud & App Risks Before They Go Live
• Episode 224 – Building a Business: Progress Through Experimentation and Action – My Story
• Episode 223 – I Considered Quitting… Enter Claude AI: Reigniting the Fire to BUILD and Rediscovering My Passion