Create Circus
About the Company
Create Circus is a London-based Shopify development agency founded by Oliver Green. The company was launched during the pandemic as a response to the growing demand for e-commerce solutions. Initially, the agency focused on building Shopify stores with unique branding and design, which quickly became its signature offering.
Over time, Create Circus expanded its services beyond just store creation. The agency now offers SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), and is exploring new avenues like TikTok marketing. The company employs two full-time project managers, three full-time developers, and two freelance designers and copywriters, making it a well-rounded team capable of handling various client needs.
The company’s growth has been steady, with a focus on building a strong digital presence and maintaining high-quality customer service. The team’s efforts have paid off, as Create Circus now turns over $24,000 a month. The company is also preparing to launch a redesigned website to better convert new traffic and enhance its online footprint.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Create Circus was born out of necessity when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Oliver Green, who was working in the tourism industry, found himself without work as global lockdowns halted travel. This unexpected turn of events pushed him to explore other opportunities, leading him to build his own Shopify brand. Through this experience, Oliver gained valuable insights into e-commerce, marketing, and business.
Realizing the potential in e-commerce, Oliver decided to help others create successful Shopify stores. His prior experience and investments provided a financial cushion, allowing him to invest around $2,500 to officially launch Create Circus. The aim was to offer high-quality, branded e-commerce stores that could stand out in a competitive market.
Oliver's motivation was driven by the desire for freedom and the need to adapt to the new normal. The success of Create Circus has not only provided financial stability but also allowed Oliver to work from anywhere, a significant shift from his previous career in tourism. The agency has since become a vital part of his professional life, supporting both his financial goals and lifestyle choices.
Creating the Company
Building Create Circus from the ground up taught Oliver important lessons about investing in the right areas. He quickly learned that spending money wisely on branding, customer service, and a strong team was essential for success. To finance the business, Oliver used a combination of personal savings and a credit card, all while juggling two part-time jobs due to the tourism industry's downturn.
Initially, Oliver was the sole operator of Create Circus, handling basic store edits and changes for small fees. His primary focus was on building social proof and maintaining excellent customer reviews, which would later become the foundation for the agency's growth. By delivering high-quality work and maintaining strong client relationships, Oliver was able to establish a solid reputation in the e-commerce community.
Oliver also explored ways to maximize income by offering affiliate schemes for hosting, domain names, and software/apps. Managing cash flow was challenging, but he understood the importance of reinvesting in the business, particularly in branding and development. This strategic approach allowed Create Circus to grow steadily, positioning it as a trusted Shopify development agency.
Launching the Business
Attracting clients was one of the biggest challenges Oliver faced when launching Create Circus. To overcome this, he registered the agency on various freelancing platforms like Fiverr, People per Hour, and Upwork. These platforms played a crucial role in building a loyal customer base, as they provided exposure to a wide range of potential clients.
With the income generated from these platforms, Create Circus began investing heavily in its digital presence. The agency launched a blog that now attracts over 2,000 monthly readers and ranks well for several search terms. The blog serves as both a marketing tool and a resource for clients, offering bite-sized guides and tips on managing Shopify stores. This content-driven approach has helped Create Circus build a community and establish itself as an authority in the Shopify ecosystem.
Networking has also been a key strategy for the agency’s growth. By attending events and introducing themselves to potential clients, the Create Circus team has successfully converted local businesses into long-term customers. As the agency continues to grow, it is preparing to launch a redesigned website and implement targeted Google advertising campaigns to further expand its client base.
Earnings
Create Circus has seen steady growth since its inception, with a current monthly revenue of $24,000. The agency has been focused on reviewing its pricing structure to better reflect the quality of work delivered. As a result, they are planning to increase the average value of their orders while also enhancing the overall value of their services.
Looking ahead, Create Circus aims to balance its revenue streams between new store builds and ongoing retainer services. The goal is to have 50% of the agency's income come from retainers, which will provide a stable foundation for the business. This shift will also allow the team more time to innovate and focus on long-term growth, including the development of a SaaS product within the e-commerce industry.
To support its growth plans, Create Circus has set aside $10,000 for marketing and is saving an additional $2,000 to $3,000 monthly. The agency is also exploring new marketing channels, such as TikTok, to reach a younger audience. With a strong focus on content and community-building, Create Circus is positioning itself for continued success in the competitive world of e-commerce.
