In the early 2000s, while many were still grappling with the basics of the internet, Bryan Phelps was already unlocking the secrets of digital marketing. What started as a college student’s exploration into website building and SEO would eventually transform into Big Leap, a digital marketing agency that has helped over 600 businesses generate hundreds of millions in revenue.
The Birth of an Entrepreneur
For Phelps, the path to digital marketing success began during his college years in Pleasant Grove, Utah. While building websites and experimenting with SEO techniques, he discovered something remarkable: his side projects were generating more income through advertising and affiliate marketing than his day job. This realization set him on a path that would define his career.
Phelps knew from the start that digital marketing was his true passion. His early success wasn’t just a matter of chance; it was the result of a deep understanding of how to generate massive traffic through content and organic search, and then effectively convert that traffic into real, tangible revenue.
Building Big Leap
In 2008, as SEO was gaining mainstream attention, Phelps founded Big Leap with a clear vision: helping business owners capitalize on the growing number of people searching for their products and services online. The company’s commitment to doing things “the right way” without cutting corners has established it as a trustworthy leader in the digital marketing space.
This approach has led to some remarkable success stories. In one instance, Big Leap took on a major project management software company that had lost 80% of its traffic due to a poorly managed rebrand by another agency. The stakes were high—millions of dollars in leads and revenue had vanished. Under Big Leap’s guidance, the company not only recovered its lost search traffic but returned to a growth trajectory.
Learning Through Growth
Success didn’t come without its lessons. Phelps shares one of his most ironic early mistakes: “As a digital marketing agency, we didn’t invest in digital marketing soon enough! We were so busy with referrals that we ignored our own marketing efforts.” This realization led to a renewed focus on their own digital presence, resulting in impressive growth alongside their existing referral business.
A defining moment came in 2015 when Big Leap, then a relatively small agency, successfully acquired another agency, growing its business by 50% overnight. This bold move, executed without prior acquisition experience, proved to be a turning point, bringing in valuable team members who have helped drive the company’s continued success.
Leadership Philosophy
Phelps’s approach to business is refreshingly holistic. He emphasizes five key lessons he’s learned along the way:
- Timing is everything” in riding the wave of a rising industry
- Building a strong network without expecting immediate returns
- Balancing data-driven decisions with gut instinct
- Maintaining identity beyond business
- Prioritizing physical and mental health for overall effectiveness
Under his leadership, Big Leap has developed a unique company culture focused on creating opportunities for team members and maintaining high standards of client service. “Our biggest emphasis has been on creating opportunities first for our team members before looking externally,” Phelps explains.
Looking Forward
As artificial intelligence and digital marketing continue to evolve rapidly, Phelps remains focused on adapting Big Leap to meet these changes head-on. His ultimate goal isn’t tied to specific revenue targets but rather to “build an agency that companies love working with and our team members love being a part of.”
In an industry often criticized for its short-term thinking, Phelps and Big Leap stand out for their long-term perspective and commitment to sustainable growth. As they continue to evolve with the changing marketing landscape, one thing remains constant: their dedication to preparing companies for long-term digital marketing success.
If you’d like to follow Bryan Phelps’s journey and learn more about digital marketing leadership, you can connect with him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/bryanphelps/.
Published by: Holy Minoza
