Today we’d like to introduce you to Katey Hicks.

Hi Katey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My name is Katey Hicks and I am the owner of a one-woman company called KT Social Media + Marketing. I officially started my business in March of 2024 and am just about to hit my one year mark – though I have been doing this for over three years now. KT Social Media + Marketing houses both social media and marketing practices including social media management, social media strategy, basic marketing like digital marketing, website creation and design on a small scale, and content creation both for brands and for myself. It’s definitely a blanket agency that aims to help small businesses have an online presence.

I joined the Social Media world in 2022 working with a hair salon. From there, I discovered how much I love working in the field. After gaining enough clients and working as a 1099 and freelance style, I realized it was time to turn this into an official business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

it has absolutely not been a smooth road – though I will say its been a rewarding one. Starting this company has been one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. One thing people don’t warn you about is the turnover within the industry. Since I prefer to work with small companies, budget is a huge factor in a company’s ability to keep me. For most small companies, they want to see immediate results and anyone who works in the industry knows how hard that is to produce. I have been blessed with longterm clients that help ensure a paycheck, but I’ve also worked with clients on a short term basis where we parted ways due to budget and high expectations.

You know the saying, “it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks”, well working in the industry is like that. As much as I wish I was a miracle worker, social media takes time to develop and results are anything but immediate. This is hard to justify especially with small companies whose budgets can’t always afford possible going viral, etc.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

My work varies based on the client’s needs. I’ve worked with wineries, event venues, industrial clients, food industry, hair salons, etc. and while all of their needs differ, they all want to create an online presence. KT Social Media + Marketing does just that.

I’m not a traditional marketing agency where you have a designed person at each role. Instead, I do my best to have a general knowledge of the basic principles for both Marketing and Social Media. Since I can encompass so many hats to say, I don’t consider myself an expert in any one field – instead think of me as a guide manual who can help you learn and understand at a general level.

I excel the most in Social Media Management and Strategy, Content Creation, Graphic Design, and Website Management. I also create websites, but I have a partner who can give you an upgraded website experience where I prefer to do the basics.

The fact that I dabble in everything makes me unique and does set me apart from a traditional agency. Since I am a one woman show, I am able to have quicker turn times, communication is easier, and the work is more cohesive since the same person is doing everything!

If you would have asked me 10 years ago where I would be today, I never could have guessed that I would be a business owner. I have learned so much over this past year in business that has helped me grow into a person I always wanted to be. To have the ability to say “that’s mine” or “I made that” is a feeling i’ve never take for granted.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?

I like to think I worked incredibly hard to get to where I am today, and this is absolutely true, but I can’t discount the idea that I lucked into a few things. Honestly, when I first applied for a role within the Social Media industry, it was luck (and fantastic interview skills) that landed me the role and paved the way for where I am now.

Don’t think that I haven’t worked myself to the bone every single day since though. Luck may open doors, but its perseverance that keeps them open.

Pricing:

• Retainer Pricing on a tiered level
• Consulting and Project Basis
• Social Media Management and Strategy Only
• Social Media and Digital Marketing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ktcreations.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateymhicks/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateyhicks/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kateymhicks