We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marek Cornett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marek below.

Alright, Marek thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

At the end of 2019, as I was in my third month of working for a new agency, I found out I was pregnant with triplets. With a 1 1/2-year-old son already, going from a family of three to a family of six changed my view on what was important for us. Rather than working for an agency where my salary was capped and I was dedicated to a desk, 8-5, I valued flexibility and limitless growth. Only after securing my first clients and earning more than I did at my full-time job did I start thinking it was worth the challenges. Looking back, I think I started at the exact right time. Earlier, and I wouldn’t have the experience that’s been necessary to run a successful business. Later, and I don’t know that I would have ever made the leap!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

With more than a decade of experience in digital media strategy, execution, and education, my journey in the industry has been a fascinating evolution. Over seven years with a local marketing agency, I discovered my passion for paid media, where my data-driven mindset and love for testing and optimization thrived. The challenge of maximizing client budgets and goals became a puzzle I eagerly solved each month, constantly staying ahead of industry trends.

My competitive nature and commitment to excellence led me to lead the paid media efforts at the ad agency. In this role, I not only managed a team of social media managers but also shared my knowledge through training sessions for clients and new hires. As an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma, I brought my real-world experience into the classroom, educating digital marketing students on effective social media strategies.

Today, at Alaine Digital, I work with clients across diverse industries, having served over 100 clients in the past four years. My approach involves immersing myself in each client’s field to deliver the most effective paid media strategy. I founded Alaine Digital out of love for what I do, driven by a genuine investment in my clients’ success. If you’re seeking someone dedicated to ensuring your advertising dollars are put to optimal use, I’m here to help.

What sets me apart is not just my expertise but also my commitment to continuous learning. Staying updated on the latest trends and strategies is ingrained in my approach, ensuring that my clients benefit from cutting-edge solutions. I take pride in the success stories of the businesses I’ve worked with, and I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact on their growth.

In summary, I’m not just a digital advertising strategist – I’m a partner invested in your success. Whether you’re a business seeking a results-driven approach or a student eager to learn the ropes of digital marketing, I bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to the table. If you want your advertising efforts to be in capable hands, Alaine Digital is the answer.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As I was starting my business, I listed quite literally every skill I had on my website so people could hire me for it. I quickly realized that there were a few services I was offering that were either priced too low or things I didn’t enjoy doing at all. As I began getting retainer clients that could sustain the income needed to support my family, I started culling the services I offered and narrowed it down to three buckets: advertising implementation, audits/strategies, and training. These three service lines are all things I feel confident in, can charge a good rate for, and enjoy!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word-of-mouth and agency whitelabeling. “So-and-so sent me your way because I need ______,” is something I hear often. I have a good reputation of working well with people and providing them with top-notch agency service but without the high cost often associated with agencies. I also started my company by reaching out to PR and marketing agencies that didn’t have a paid media specialist on staff. They’re able to add me/my services to their proposals where it makes sense, and I’ve gotten several great clients that way!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alainedigital.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/alainedigital
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alainedigital
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekcornett/
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@marekcornett

Image Credits
@elyfairphotos @jodyaphotography