AI Lets Agencies Ditch Production for Strategy in 2026
Treat AI tools like trainable interns to handle low-value production, shifting focus to high-value client strategy where humans excel.
Offload Production by Training AI as Interns
René Spijker, with 30+ years navigating tech shifts from desktop publishing to AI, argues agencies thrive by treating AI like new interns: invest upfront time training them via detailed prompts for consistent, quality output on repetitive tasks. This frees owners from low-value production, letting AI act as scalable labor. Trade-off: initial training effort yields faster prototyping via 'vibe coding'—AI-assisted building that outpaces traditional methods, especially for WordPress futures.
Shift to High-Value Strategy and Paid Discovery
Core agency role stays constant: sit between clients and tech, delivering strategy amid changing tools. Stop selling fixed deliverables; instead, charge for upfront paid discovery and planning to attract mid-market clients who value outcomes. This secures better projects and positions agencies as indispensable advisors, not just builders.
Preserve Human Edge and Avoid Burnout
AI can't replace client relationships—humans win here through empathy and nuance. Combine with intentional downtime and non-digital hobbies to prevent burnout, ensuring long-term sustainability. Spijker's experience shows tech disruptions create agency opportunities when you adapt strategically.