Bop Design
About the Company
Bop Design is a San Diego-based B2B digital marketing agency specializing in website development, branding, and content marketing for clients in high-tech, software, industrial, and life sciences industries. The agency was established in November 2009 by Kara Jensen and Jeremy Durant. Initially a part-time endeavor, the agency now operates globally with a team of 13 full-time employees and several contractors.
The company's primary services include creating lead-generating websites, enhancing brand platforms, and implementing effective content marketing programs. By narrowing its focus to these key areas, Bop Design has built a reputation for delivering strategic marketing solutions. Its achievements include being listed on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S. for two consecutive years.
The firm generates 100% of its new business through inbound marketing, leveraging SEO, thought leadership, and digital advertising to attract and nurture leads. This strategy has helped the company compete with much larger agencies while maintaining a stellar online reputation.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Bop Design originated from Kara’s passion for design and marketing. Kara initially pursued a business degree before switching to graphic design, combining her artistic skills with marketing knowledge. After gaining experience in freelance design and corporate roles, she developed an understanding of how design and marketing align to drive sales.
In the wake of the 2007 subprime mortgage crisis, Kara and her husband, Jeremy, faced professional instability. Recognizing an opportunity, they decided to combine their complementary skills—Kara's expertise in design and Jeremy's sales acumen—to create a business. Jeremy handled business development while Kara continued working full-time and completing projects on evenings and weekends.
Kara and Jeremy's collaboration, along with their shared determination to bootstrap the venture, set the foundation for Bop Design. They used their combined skills to establish the company as a reliable partner for small businesses needing graphic design and branding services.
Creating the Company
Launching Bop Design began with modest resources and a clear strategy. Initially, Kara and Jeremy worked out of their apartment, managing operations alongside their existing jobs. They invested their earnings back into the business for marketing, networking events, and operational costs while living off their salaries.
The company started by offering basic services like logo design, branding, and small websites. Over time, they expanded into complex web design and added professional copywriting, SEO, and digital marketing to their offerings. They also transitioned from charging for individual services to bundling them, creating more value for clients.
By focusing on their strengths and refining their service offerings, they managed to streamline operations and enhance profitability. The duo built a team, including a developer and skilled contractors, enabling the company to take on larger, more complex projects.
Launching the Business
Bop Design launched with a simple website, logo, and marketing materials created by Kara. To attract clients, Jeremy conducted targeted research, cold-called potential leads, and followed up with direct mail campaigns. This hands-on approach helped them build their initial client base.
The company was entirely bootstrapped, reinvesting all its revenue into growth initiatives such as networking events and employee development. They emphasized financial discipline, avoiding unnecessary risks, and focusing on organic growth.
Networking and referrals were their primary client acquisition methods during the early stages. This low-cost strategy allowed them to establish a presence in the market and develop valuable connections with other entrepreneurs, many of whom became clients.
Earnings
Bop Design now generates $200,000 in monthly revenue, with annual earnings of $2.8 million. Over the years, the company has grown steadily, expanding its service offerings and client base. The decision to focus on high-value clients and bundled services significantly increased project profitability, with website projects now starting at $30,000.
Their inbound marketing strategy drives all new business, with SEO-optimized content, digital advertising, and educational resources like guides and whitepapers attracting leads. Despite challenges like COVID-19 and Kara’s medical leave, the company has maintained profitability without layoffs or furloughs.
Future plans include optimizing their cost of goods sold (COGs), streamlining service delivery, and upselling existing clients into long-term content marketing programs. By continuing to adapt and innovate, Bop Design aims to sustain its growth trajectory while enhancing profitability.
