We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Knapik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Angela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Absolutely! What sets us apart is our focus on supporting therapists, especially since the pandemic hit. With mental health awareness on the rise—thanks largely to young people breaking down barriers around these discussions—we recognized a huge need to help therapists move into the digital space and embrace telehealth.

So, we’ve tailored our services to help therapists build and grow their online presence. Shifting from traditional marketing to digital solutions for mental health professionals really highlights our commitment to improving access and reducing the stigma around mental health.

Let me tell you about Joanna Filidor, a licensed family therapist in California. In 2020, she decided to take her practice fully online. Even though she’s incredibly experienced, the digital tools were a bit overwhelming at first. With our support, Joanna set up an effective online service and expanded her reach to clients who might not have sought therapy before the pandemic. She started an Instagram account to create a community for trauma survivors and offer pro bono support to those who couldn’t access therapy. This allowed her to maximize her impact without burning out.

On Instagram, Joanna shares insights about trauma and recovery, collaborating with experts, advocates, and survivors from around the world. Her goal is to clear up misconceptions and provide people with professional tools. The response has been phenomenal: “In four months, my Instagram has grown by 400%, and most importantly, I’ve been able to fill my practice through my social media followers. Having someone manage this part of my work gives me more time to do what I love. I can’t recommend Angela enough!”

That’s really what drives us—making a real difference and seeing the positive changes it brings. It’s incredibly rewarding.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure! I’m originally from Colombia and came to the United States to pursue my Bachelor’s in Marketing as a Division II student-athlete. During my last year of college, I started thinking about working for myself. With experience as an Assistant Buyer at a fashion boutique and some success with digital tools, I felt inspired to start my own business after earning my Master’s degree in Business Management. The pandemic highlighted the need for online services, and my business began to grow as more therapists moved to digital platforms and sought support.

What began as a solo venture has now become a thriving agency. We specialize in helping women therapists elevate their private practices through effective social media strategy and execution. Our most popular service is our done-for-you social media management. Our mission is to help clients show up authentically online and take recurring marketing tasks off their plate, so they can focus on what they love—helping people.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives and practices. Seeing therapists expand their reach and connect with more clients because of our work is immensely rewarding. The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that we’re passionate about mental health and dedicated to supporting therapists in making a difference. We’re here to help them shine online and grow their practices in a way that feels genuine and sustainable.

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

Word of mouth has always been my main source of clients. While I do market myself on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn for brand awareness, my main focus has always been on my clients’ accounts. We prioritize meaningful, organic growth, dedicating time and effort to carefully start, manage, and optimize client social accounts. Our focus on delivering high-quality services in a niche market has led to high levels of client satisfaction, which in turn builds brand loyalty and generates referrals.

Being from a diverse background and a trailblazer as a Latina entrepreneur also helps me connect with clients. Additionally, we consistently receive positive feedback about our streamlined onboarding process, ensuring clients have a pleasant experience and a clear overview of upcoming campaigns and social media posts. For example, Janet, a licensed clinical social worker in Florida, says, “I highly recommend the work of Angela! She has helped me grow my brand so much in the last few months. Her system is amazing because it keeps me organized, helps me with a plethora of platforms, and offers me tools on how to grow my online presence. I highly recommend Angela and her team!”

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Going back to my previous answer, my personal brand has been essential for growing my clientele, along with referrals from satisfied clients. Establishing a strong online presence is crucial for staying top-of-mind. That’s why I emphasize a holistic view of online presence and a strategic approach to digital growth. Initially, I relied heavily on referrals, but this has now evolved into digital word-of-mouth, significantly expanding our reach and influence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.akvirtualagency.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/akvirtualagency
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/angelaknapik

Image Credits

instagram.com/alejandrarojasphoto
instagram.com/118studio.co