In the world of web design, scaling a business takes strategic moves, dedication, and the right tools. For Dante Montovano, founder of Seven Circle Media, his journey from starting a WordPress site to becoming a Wix Legend Partner has been a testament to these principles. In a recent interview with Brad Hussey, Dante shared how his agency has grown, the power of Wix Studio, and advice for fellow agency owners.
Starting Small and Growing Big
Dante started Seven Circle Media in 2016, working on small WordPress projects and eventually moving to Wix. The turning point? Discovering the Wix Partner Program in 2020, which provided a flood of opportunities and an infrastructure for scaling his business.
He fondly recalls his early days: “I didn’t have much experience, but I tried Wix out and found it really user-friendly. I started taking on small projects—initially for friends and family—but eventually, I got my first real client, and things took off from there.”
Since then, Dante’s team has grown to include eight developers and designers, allowing Seven Circle Media to handle a diverse portfolio of projects, including e-commerce, restaurants, and general informational sites.
Niching Down for Success
One of the keys to Dante’s success has been focusing on restaurant and e-commerce marketing. Initially, his agency took on any project that came their way, but over time, they discovered that niching down was essential to delivering high-quality work and maximizing profitability.
“We figured out that restaurants and e-commerce were where we saw the most success,” Dante shared. “It’s not just about getting clients—it’s about making sure they’re successful because that’s where we see our own success.”
The Power of Wix Studio
Wix Studio has been integral to Seven Circle Media’s growth. From restaurant marketing integrations with third-party ordering systems like DoorDash to creating stunning, responsive websites, Wix Studio offers powerful tools to streamline the process.
Dante explained how Wix’s built-in features help them deliver high-quality work efficiently: “The platform is so easy to use once we build out the site, and it allows our clients to manage minor changes on their own, which frees us up for more complex work.”
With his team now fully trained in Wix Studio, they’ve been able to push creative boundaries, ensuring that their clients’ websites not only look amazing but also function seamlessly across all devices.
Maintaining Profitability as You Scale
One challenge every growing agency faces is profitability. For Dante, the key has been setting a minimum pricing threshold and ensuring each project is profitable for both the client and the agency.
“It’s important to get an idea of what the client’s budget is, and then work around that while ensuring we’re still profitable,” Dante advised. “You have to figure out where your minimum is and make sure every project stays above that line.”
Weathering the Lows
Like every business owner, Dante has faced his fair share of challenges. But instead of getting discouraged, he’s learned to embrace the lows, viewing them as an opportunity for growth.
“Those low times are difficult, but they’re also an important part of the journey,” Dante shared. “It’s about staying positive and believing in your business. If you truly believe you’ll get through it, you will.”
What’s Next for Seven Circle Media?
As Seven Circle Media continues to grow, Dante’s focus is on scaling the business, bringing on new team members, and expanding their referral network. He’s also committed to sharing what he’s learned with other agency owners, encouraging collaboration and growth across the industry.
For those looking to connect with Dante, you can find him on Instagram at @7CircleMedia or reach out directly through his website. He’s eager to share tips and ideas with others on their own web design journeys.
Dante’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic growth. Whether you’re a freelancer just starting out or an established agency looking to scale, there’s something to learn from his approach—be patient, focus on delivering great work, and embrace the tools that make scaling possible.