We were lucky to catch up with Amy Lauria recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, appreciate you joining us today. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?

My business model changed a lot with COVID. I’ve always done a lot of networking with my business, and before 2020, I did a lot of in-person networking. I had tried for years to switch to more virtual meetings, but it had yet to become something people did regularly. With the pandemic, everyone had to meet virtually, so it changed how I did business, and for me, it was a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love meeting with people, especially in person, but when I take on a new project or client, it’s sometimes helpful to work while we meet, and meeting virtually checks both of those boxes. There’s definitely been a balance!

The pandemic also helped me focus on how to spend my workday so that I can get things done for my clients, AND it made me refocus on what is important to me as a business owner. Digital marketing changed significantly during the pandemic, including people taking a more holistic approach to digital marketing and online presence. I saw an influx of people wanting to engage in social media, email marketing, or even create a website for their business when they had yet to go down those paths.

Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I always knew I wanted to own my own business, but when I was in my early twenties, I didn’t know what that looked like. I started several small businesses, and I really enjoyed creating my own artwork and promoting the businesses. In 2005, I began helping friends set up LinkedIn profiles, Twitter accounts, and landing pages for several companies. I also started volunteering at a WWII airplane museum; they were looking for help promoting their events and getting more people in the door, so I volunteered to help. The more research I did and projects I took on, the more I liked the digital world and marketing businesses and non-profits. You could say that Digital Marketing found me. My business has grown over the years, but I help small to medium-sized businesses and non-profit groups with digital marketing, website design, and other types of marketing depending on what they need. I love creating social media content, especially videos, for my clients. It’s a fun way to showcase each brand identity and help them shine!

I’m most proud of the work I’ve been doing with several non-profit groups. There are so many things out there that they can do to promote themselves, but if they have an all-volunteer base or mostly volunteer base, it can be hard to get consistency online or even know where to begin. I love being a resource guide for them (as well as all of my clients) to help them problem-solve and find digital marketing solutions that are fun and engaging.

The other part of my business that I love is taking something that seems like a burden (like social media) off my clients’ plates and helping them make it fun and enjoyable! When we get to be creative together, great things happen.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

That’s a great question. I connect with my clients as much as possible, but it’s really different for every one of them. Social media changes rapidly, so keeping in touch with them is critical. It also helps them to know that I am not just doing work for them but also a partner to help get their digital marketing done. Just being there to answer their questions goes a long way. I also have compassion for clients and know they are running a business just like me. If there’s something I can help them with or point them in a different direction, I’m happy to be a resource.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I always try to communicate and be open with my clients, creating a space where they feel they have someone they can count on. Being a resource for my clients while being open with them, I may not always have the answer, but I will help you find it, which is also a component.

A couple of weeks ago, a client texted me with some information we thought might be fraudulent, but it turned out to be a change in service. I was open with them, saying that I had never dealt with something like that before, but I was happy to help troubleshoot it and find some solutions, even if that meant calling the vendor to find out more. Creating a space where my clients feel like they have someone they can count on who is more than just a contractor taking care of their social media or website updates has been the key for me. I want to be a resource and a partner for them to count on, which has earned me a reputation as someone people can go to for help!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.spotlightbizsolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spotlightbiz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spotlightbiz/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotlight-business-solutions-mn/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits

Angela Divine from The Divine Group