The model
The agency packages access to software—often alongside setup, services or templates—and charges clients on a recurring basis.
What needs to be standardized
- Target client
- Core workflow
- Onboarding
- Permissions
- Support boundary
- Billing
- Cancellation and data handoff
Where margin comes from
Margin can come from software markup, services, onboarding or broader client retention. Do not assume recurring software revenue is automatically high-margin after support costs.
Operational risks
- Support burden
- Vendor dependency
- Billing failures
- Feature changes
- Poor client adoption
- Data portability concerns
Best fit
Agencies with a clear niche and repeatable process are better positioned than generalists trying to sell software to everyone.
Choose software
Compare software against this workflow rather than choosing from a feature list alone.