How to Make the Inc 5000 (And Why It Matters)
Making the Inc. 5000 list is more than a badge of honor—it’s a tangible milestone for businesses striving to grow with purpose. Each year, Inc. Magazine recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in America, spotlighting brands that have pushed through challenges, exceeded benchmarks, and turned vision into reality.
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At X3 Marketing, we’re proud to be among them in 2025—ranked at #1847—but we didn’t get here by accident. We got here by focusing on what truly matters: our clients’ success.
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So, what does it actually take to make the Inc. 5000? And more importantly—what does it say about a business that does?
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Let’s break it down.
What It Takes to Make the Inc. 5000
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered, a business must:
- Be privately held, for-profit, and based in the U.S.
- Have generated revenue by March 31, 2021
- Reach at least $100,000 in revenue in 2021
- Hit a minimum of $2 million in revenue in 2024
- Show strong percentage-based growth over the three-year period
It’s not just about size. It’s about trajectory—the ability to scale quickly and sustainably, while remaining independent and consistent in purpose.
How We Did It at X3 Marketing
At X3, we don’t chase flashy growth—we engineer it. Our clients come to us to solve real problems, and we take that responsibility seriously. That’s why everything we do is rooted in strategy, accountability, and a deep understanding of what moves the needle.
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Here’s what helped us hit Inc. 5000-worthy growth:
1. Results First
We prioritize meaningful, measurable growth over vanity metrics. Whether it’s boosting a client’s ROI through strategic ad campaigns or increasing organic traffic through focused SEO, everything we build is designed to deliver long-term value. Our growth is directly tied to the success of our clients—and we never lose sight of that.
2. Clarity at Every Step
One of the most overlooked assets in growth is transparency. At X3, we don’t believe in smoke and mirrors. Our team communicates openly, shares performance data regularly, and offers clear roadmaps so our clients know what’s happening and why. That alignment fuels trust—and trust fuels progress.
3. Trust, Built Over Time
Every relationship we build is rooted in integrity. We don’t overpromise, and we don’t disappear when things get tough. Clients stick with us because we show up, keep our word, and do the work. That reliability is what keeps us growing—even through industry shifts and uncertain markets.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being named to the Inc. 5000 isn’t just about growth for growth’s sake. It means we’re doing something right—not just for ourselves, but for the businesses we serve.
Our inclusion on the list validates our approach:
- Tailored strategies over one-size-fits-all solutions
- A team that delivers real outcomes, not just flashy campaigns
- A company culture grounded in excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement
If you’re building a business and wondering what moves the needle, here’s the truth: it’s not just talent, timing, or even tools—it’s discipline, consistency, and partnership. Growth comes from doing the right things, the right way, for the right reasons—day in and day out.
The X3 Mindset
We didn’t make this list by being the loudest. We made it by being the most reliable, intentional, and driven to serve. And we’ll continue to operate that way.
Because at the end of the day, our greatest success isn’t making the Inc. 5000—it’s helping our clients make their own versions of it.
Ready to Grow with Purpose?
Whether you’re looking to scale your marketing, refine your messaging, or finally get real results from your digital strategy, X3 Marketing is here to help. Let’s talk about how we can get your business on a trajectory you’ll be proud of.
Contact us here to schedule a strategy session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Inc. 5000 list?
The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States, ranked by revenue growth over a three-year period. It’s a prestigious marker of business success and momentum.
How do companies qualify for the Inc. 5000?
To qualify, a company must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, independent, and meet specific revenue milestones: at least $100,000 in 2021 and $2 million in 2024.
Why is making the Inc. 5000 significant?
It validates a company’s ability to scale sustainably, deliver consistent value, and outperform competitors. It also reflects strong leadership, team collaboration, and smart business practices.
What core values helped X3 reach this milestone?
Our growth was fueled by our commitment to Results, Clarity, and Trust. These values shape every campaign, client interaction, and internal process at X3.
Can X3 help my business grow too?
Absolutely. We specialize in strategic marketing that drives real results—whether that means better branding, stronger lead generation, or more conversions. Every campaign is tailored to your goals and industry.
What’s the first step to working with X3?
Just reach out! We’re happy to chat about your goals and explore the best next steps together. Start the conversation here.