Media release: November 15, 2024

Helping businesses and organisations grow since 1999

November marks 25 years of innovation for Newcastle agency, Redback Solutions. Founded back in 1999, what began as a local software development firm has since evolved into one of Australia’s largest regionally-owned digital agencies.

Today, the 30-strong team equips businesses across the country and overseas with a full range of digital services, from web design, development and hosting to search engine optimisation (SEO), Google Ads and social media advertising.

And they take a client-focused, outcome-driven approach to every project. This anniversary reflects Redback’s track record in driving reliable and effective results across diverse industries – with over 2,300 digital projects delivered and counting.

Starting life with a focus on software, Redback originally provided custom programming and application solutions. At the turn of the century, it shifted to web design, development and hosting, before acquiring an SEO and digital marketing agency in 2018.

This expansion led to the well-rounded digital team that supports their clients today, with specialists in Newcastle (HQ), Sydney, the Central Coast, Noosa, Byron Bay, and even a few international team members in cities like London.

Decades of digital wins

Over the past 25 years, Redback has been busy putting Newcastle on the map.

Their work for The Clooney Foundation for Justice earned a nomination for ‘Best Visual Design – Function,’ at the 28th Annual Webby Awards, hailed by The New York Times as the “Internet’s highest honour.”

This follows the 2023 Australian Web Awards, where Redback claimed the “Innovation” category for its Justice Beyond Borders mapping tool, and finalist spots across six categories (Non-Profit, Enterprise Business, Community & Culture, Education and Construction & Manufacturing).

All of that, in addition to taking home “Best Medium Business Website” for Elecbrakes in 2022 and Bounce LED in 2024 at the Australian Web Awards.

On the marketing side, Redback has secured Google Premier Partner status since 2016. This makes it the longest-standing digital agency to hold a Google Premier Partner badge in Newcastle.

These accomplishments are rooted in years of hands-on digital experience, backed by the sheer volume of work Redback has delivered so far:

• 1200+ clients serviced
• 1100+ new websites launched
• 1400+ digital marketing campaigns & creative projects produced

The key to thriving for two and a half decades? Embracing change.

Redback is constantly evolving and updating its processes to support team members and improve collaboration as they grow. For example, each quarter, the agency meets to review its previous quarter and implement new and improved approaches based on learnings from past projects.

When faced with inevitable issues – like a global pandemic – this agile team works together to turn lemons into lemonade.

The brains behind it all

Redback’s 25-year journey is built on the skill and dedication of its team. By investing in passionate professionals who take pride in their work, the agency combines creativity, technical expertise, and strategic insight to meet the unique goals of each client.

In this office, it’s all about working smarter and having fun while they’re at it.

To boost productivity, creating efficiencies is a full-team focus. Rather than being stuck in tedium, each team member is encouraged to develop their skills, voice interest in other areas of the agency and create new internal processes, from project workflows to document templates.

Employees also adopt the “be excellent to each other” ethos, with people genuinely enjoying what they do, where they do it and who they do it with.

From annual retreats to weekly UberEATS lunches, there’s a strong emphasis on spending quality time together away from the desk. You can even join a daily group gym workout to blow off steam and bond with coworkers.

Meanwhile, remote team members were flown in from as far as the UK for their 25th celebrations – a 90s-themed birthday bash!

Formal recognition and rewards are routine at Redback, too. With quarterly OKR reviews, employee surveys and heavy use of the MatterApp in their Slack workspace, there are ample opportunities to cheer each other on and share constructive feedback.

This supportive company culture has been central to the agency’s high staff retention rates, with the majority of full-timers being part of their team for over five years. That includes five people in the 10-year club and three who have been proud Redbackers for more than 15 years.

Another key contributor is their coveted four-day work week, which maintains a careful balance that keeps burnout at bay.

Four years of the four-day work week

Redback made headlines in 2020 when it braved the four-day work week with a “No Work Wednesdays” policy.

Four years on, this bold move continues to reap game-changing results, being a significant contributing factor to an 81% increase in revenue since 2020.

By rethinking the traditional work model, Redback has also set a new standard for work-life balance. And its impressive employee satisfaction score of 9.2/10 shows it.

The extra day off not only fuels significant business growth but also cements Redback’s reputation as a modern, forward-thinking employer – making it a magnet for top talent.

What’s next for Redback?

Looking ahead, Redback still revolves around achieving tangible results for its clients, continually adapting and innovating to stay ahead in changing markets.

Here’s what’s on the horizon:

Larger, world-class projects

While the 2024 Webby nomination marked a major milestone, Redback’s Managing Director, Dave, says it won’t be the last: “It’s always nice for our work to be recognised. I’m sure there will be plenty of awards coming our way as we deliver more and more high-end websites and complex marketing strategies across multiple countries. However, awards are really just a by-product of our primary focus – doing work that produces exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

Although Redback’s roots are in Newcastle, 75% of new clients now come from outside the Hunter region, thanks to strategic marketing and strong referrals across Australia and beyond.

A growing team

To take on bigger and better projects, Redback aims to foster a more supportive, structured, and skilled work environment. That means growing their team, not just in numbers but in capabilities.

In line with this goal, the agency boosted year-on-year investment in its people by 23% in FY24, outpacing revenue that grew by 10%. By attracting and assisting top talent to thrive, the agency can keep up its commitment to exceptional service.

Even stronger client outcomes

Because, ultimately, Redback is on a mission to provide the best possible client experience. That’s why they’re highly selective, partnering with only 16% of businesses who enquire to ensure their efforts will make a meaningful impact.

For Redback clients, value is a given. The team takes a collaborative approach at every turn, so clients often benefit from the expertise of up to 15 digital specialists contributing to any given project.

Moving forward, the focus continues to be clear deliverables, accurate data and actionable results – all supported by constantly improving project management, transparent reporting insights, and simple feedback mechanisms.

Stay tuned

With so many plans in the pipeline, and an ever-evolving digital space, there’s plenty more to come from this agency as it grows.

Having just celebrated 25 years of client, team and company wins, Redback is ready to take on the exciting opportunities ahead!

Follow their journey here:

Website: rb.com.au
Instagram: instagram.com/redbackers/
Facebook: facebook.com/Redback.Solutions/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/524227/

Media contact

David Eddy
Director, Redback Solutions
Phone: (02) 4962 2236
Email: [email protected]

Business profile

Redback Solutions is a digital agency based in Newcastle, NSW. So far, it has delivered over 2,300 websites, marketing and creative projects for a range of clients – from small and medium businesses to large institutions, global brands and government organisations.

But it’s not the numbers that make Redback stand out. You’ll be partnering with a well-rounded, energetic and experienced team of specialists.

Proud to be a NSW Government registered supplier, its team of serial award-winners have the skills and resources to produce results on a local, national or international scale – all while staying true to their Newcastle roots.