We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa Franco recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alyssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

One of the biggest things my parents did right was teaching me the value of hard work and showing up, even when it’s not easy. Growing up, I watched them stay consistent, committed, and resilient no matter what was going on. There wasn’t this idea of “waiting until things are perfect”—it was always about figuring it out and moving forward anyway. That mindset has shaped everything for me as a business owner. Running The Digital Touch requires that same consistency, especially on the days where motivation isn’t high—but discipline carries you through.

They also really instilled a sense of independence and self-trust in me. I wasn’t raised to rely on someone else to build my life—I was encouraged to go after what I wanted and believe I could create it. That’s had a direct impact on my decision to step out on my own, leave a more traditional path, and build my business from the ground up. There was definitely risk in that, but I’ve always had this underlying confidence of “I’ll figure it out,” and that came from them.

Another thing they did right was emphasizing relationships and how you treat people. Whether it was family, friends, or even everyday interactions, there was always an importance placed on being kind, genuine, and showing up for others. That has played such a big role in how I run my business—I truly see my clients as relationships, not transactions. A lot of my growth has come from referrals and word-of-mouth, and I know that’s rooted in the way I connect with people.

A small but impactful example I always think about is how they approached commitments. If they said they were going to do something, they did it—no excuses. That really stuck with me. Now, in my business, I take that same approach with my clients. If I commit to a launch, a deadline, or a deliverable, I follow through. That reliability has become a big part of my brand.

Overall, they gave me a foundation of work ethic, independence, and integrity, and those three things have truly shaped not only who I am personally, but how I’ve built my career.

Alyssa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Alyssa Franco, founder and creative behind The Digital Touch, a Charleston-based digital marketing and design studio. I work with entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, and local businesses to help them build a strong, cohesive online presence that not only looks beautiful—but actually converts.

My journey into this industry wasn’t something I always had mapped out. I started my career in real estate administration, where I quickly became immersed in the behind-the-scenes of marketing—everything from listing promotions to client communications and branding. I found myself naturally drawn to the creative and strategic side of the business, and over time, I began helping agents and small businesses elevate their marketing. What started as “helping out” quickly turned into something much bigger, and eventually, I took the leap and built The Digital Touch into a full-service business.

Today, The Digital Touch offers a range of services including website design (with a specialty in “Website in a Week” projects), social media management, branding, email marketing, and custom marketing materials. I also offer more accessible options like custom branded social media template packages for businesses that may not be ready for full management but still want to show up consistently and professionally online.

At the core of what I do is helping businesses bridge the gap between having a vision and actually bringing it to life online. A lot of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, inconsistent, or unsure of how to present themselves digitally. I step in to create clarity, strategy, and a brand presence that feels aligned, elevated, and intentional. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about creating a system that supports growth.

What really sets me apart is the level of personalization and partnership I bring to each client. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all marketing. Every brand I work with has its own identity, voice, and audience, and I take the time to understand that deeply. I often say my clients are my “business besties” because I truly become an extension of their team. Their wins feel like my wins, and I’m fully invested in their growth.

I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built and the way my business has grown organically through referrals and word of mouth. That tells me I’m doing something right—not just in the work I deliver, but in how I show up for people. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with some incredible local brands, magazines, and real estate professionals throughout Charleston and beyond, which has been such a rewarding part of this journey.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that I genuinely care. I care about the details, the design, the strategy—but most importantly, I care about the people behind the businesses. My goal is always to create something that not only elevates your brand, but gives you confidence in how you’re showing up in your business every single day.

At the end of the day, The Digital Touch is about helping businesses stand out, feel proud of their brand, and grow with intention—and I feel incredibly grateful to do that work.

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

I’d say my reputation has been built on consistency, relationships, and trust.

From the start, I focused on doing what I say I’m going to do—meeting deadlines, communicating clearly, and delivering high-quality work. That reliability goes a long way, especially for busy business owners.

I also prioritize real relationships over transactions. I take the time to truly understand my clients and their brands, which has led to a lot of organic growth through referrals and word of mouth.

At the end of the day, I genuinely care about my clients’ success—and I think that shows in both the work and the experience I provide.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building strong relationships and delivering results that speak for themselves.

A majority of my growth has come from referrals and word of mouth, which I think is a direct reflection of the experience I create for my clients. When people feel supported, see results, and enjoy working with you, they naturally share your name.

I’ve also been really intentional about showing up consistently online—not just posting, but showcasing my work, sharing client wins, and giving value. That visibility builds trust before someone even inquires.

At the end of the day, it’s been a combination of great client experience + consistent brand presence that’s driven the most growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedigitaltouchchs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedigitaltouchchs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090977167785
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-franco-854780272/

Image Credits

Nicole Fehr Photography