From Marketing Agency to Software Builder: Our Journey

The Turning Point

Three years ago, we were a typical marketing agency. We ran campaigns, optimized funnels, and recommended tools to clients. We were good at it. But something was missing.

The Problem with "Recommendations"

Every agency recommends tools:

"Use this CRM"

"Try this marketing automation platform"

"Here's an email marketing tool"

But here's what we realized: none of these tools did exactly what clients needed. They were close, but always required workarounds, integrations, or compromises.

The Bratty Decision

So we made a bratty decision: stop recommending tools and start building them.

People thought we were crazy:

"You're a marketing agency, not a software company"

"That's too expensive and risky"

"Stick to what you know"

We ignored them.

App #1: MailCopilot

Our first client had 200+ emails daily. Existing AI tools gave generic responses. We built MailCopilot:

Multi-LLM architecture

Context-aware responses

Multi-tenant SaaS

99.9% uptime

Result: Now serving 1000+ users. Paying customers. Real revenue.

App #2: Golf Stats Platform

A golf instructor wanted to track student progress. Existing apps were clunky and didn't use AI for coaching insights.

We built:

Cross-platform React Native app

Offline-first architecture

AI-powered coaching suggestions

Visual progress tracking

Result: 500+ active golfers using it daily.

App #3: Esteb & Co Lending Portal

A mortgage broker needed a custom lending platform with 20+ lender integrations.

We built:

2-minute pre-qualification

Real-time rate comparison

AI document processing

Automated compliance checks

Result: Processing millions in loan applications monthly.

What We Learned

1. Shipping Beats Planning

We could have spent 2 years planning. Instead, we shipped MailCopilot in 4 months. It wasn't perfect, but it was real.

2. Solve Your Own Problems First

All three apps started as solutions to our own pain points or close clients. That's why they work.

3. Marketing + Development = Unfair Advantage

We understand both sides:

How to market software (that's our roots)

How to build it (that's our evolution)

Most agencies can't build. Most dev shops can't market. We do both.

The New Clickbrat

We're not a traditional marketing agency anymore. We're:

**Builders first**: We create solutions

**Marketers second**: We know how to sell them

**Unapologetically bratty**: We challenge the status quo

What's Next

We're doubling down on building:

More AI-powered applications

Open-source tools for the community

Educational content for other agencies wanting to build

Want to Build With Us?

If you're tired of recommending tools that don't quite work, [let's talk](/contact). We'll show you how to build your own.

*Follow our journey on [LinkedIn](#) or [Twitter](#).*