July 19, 2026
EP294 - The Real Reason your MSP Marketing Didn't Work with Ian Luckett
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">In</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> this episode of The IT Experts Podcast, I tackle one of the most common frustrations I hear from MSP owners every single week, the belief that MSP marketing simply does not work. I hear it constantly. Someone has tried an agency, a friend who knows social media, some pay per click, or a few Facebook ads, and each time the results fell flat. The real issue, as I explain, is not the tactic itself. It is the absence of a system that connects every activity back to booked calls and revenue.</span></span><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">I open by challenging you to interrogate your marketing agency with one question, how does what you are doing connect to more booked calls. I have found that many agencies do not understand the MSP model, focusing on surface level activity like website redesigns and vague positioning work rather than a measurable path to pipeline. Inside The MSP Growth Hub, this connection between activity and results sits at the heart of the New Client Runway framework I teach from day one.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">I also address the MSP habit of leaning heavily on referrals. While steady referrals feel comfortable, I point out that this approach leaves owners exposed. If your biggest client leaves or a referral source dries up, you can lose</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">a significant chunk</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> of monthly recurring revenue overnight, with no backup plan in place. This is where account management, paired with consistent MSP marketing, becomes essential for protecting and growing your income.</span></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">A central theme of the episode is what I call the stop start marketing cycle. I describe the familiar pattern, a quiet pipeline triggers a burst of marketing activity, a referral arrives, focus shifts back to delivery, and a few months later</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">,</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> the cycle repeats. I call this Groundhog Day </span><span class= "NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW124583862 BCX0">marketing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> and I link it directly to why so many MSPs remain stuck under a million pounds in turnover. Without consistent visibility, you never build the compounding authority needed to be recognised as the expert in your niche.</span></span><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">To fix this, I share five practical steps for building an effective MSP marketing system. The first is committing to a</span> <span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">twelve-month</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> runway rather than a </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">three-month</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> test, broken down into quarters and months so you know exactly what to focus on and when. The second is setting leading indicators, tracking visibility, conversations, and engagement rather than only watching for closed deals. I share a real example of a client who needed fresh leads, better numbers, and a profit first mindset, showing how leading indicators reveal what is really happening in your business.</span></span><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">The third step is building weekly consistency. I recommend posting on LinkedIn at least three times a week from your personal profile and a couple of times from your company page, alongside keeping your Google Business Profile updated. I remind you that people buy from people, and visibility builds the trust</span> <span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">required</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> before anyone books a call. I also stress that the money is in the follow up, encouraging you to stay professional, purposeful, and persistent with every new conversation rather than sending one message and giving up.</span></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">The fourth step is tracking pipeline momentum using our ONCAM framework, One New Client A Month, which helps you understand how many conversations and what conversion rate you need to hit your growth goals. The fifth step is treating MSP marketing as a genuine cost of growth, with a proper budget attached, reported on regularly alongside your other key performance indicators.</span><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">I close by reminding you that sustainable growth is built on visibility, not luck. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, commit to the process, and trust that consistent MSP marketing compounds over time into a stronger brand, a healthier pipeline, and a more confident position in your market</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">.</span></span><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">Make sure to check out our</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW124583862 BCX0" href= "https://themspgrowthhub.com/msp-growth-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">Ultimate MSP Growth Guide</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">,</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> a free guide that walks you through a proven process to take your MSP from stuck to scalable, without working even more hours. </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">It's</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> 44 pages rammed with advice, </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">insights</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> and inspiration to help you decide what support is available to you now if you want to grow and scale your business. Click </span></span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW124583862 BCX0" href= "https://themspgrowthhub.com/msp-growth-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">HERE</span></a><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">to get your copy.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">Connect on LinkedIn </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW124583862 BCX0" href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianluckett/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">HERE</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="none"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> with Ian </span><span class= "NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW124583862 BCX0">and also</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> with Stuart by clicking this </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW124583862 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartwarwick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">LINK</span></a><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="none"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">And when </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">you're</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> ready to take the next step in growing your MSP, </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">come and take</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> the </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW124583862 BCX0" href="https://scaleyourmspquiz.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang= "EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="none"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">. </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">In just three minutes, </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">you'll</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">get a 360-degree scan of your MSP and </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">identify</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> the one or two tactics that could help you find more time, engage & align your </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">people</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> and generate more leads.</span></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="none"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">If </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">you're</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> serious about growth and want to explore what this could look like for your MSP, you can book a Right Fit Clarity Call with us </span></span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW124583862 BCX0" href= "https://go.themspgrowthhub.com/are-we-the-right-fit/" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">HERE</span></a><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">.</span><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">OR </span><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 400 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW124583862 BCX0" href= "https://www.facebook.com/groups/738967166458742/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">HERE</span></a><span class= "EOP Selected SCXW124583862 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW124583862 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW124583862 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="none"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">Until next time, look after yourself and </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0">I'll</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> catch up with you soon!</span></span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124583862 BCX0"> </span></p> </div>