We were lucky to catch up with Donovan Thomson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Donovan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success takes consistency, vision, and the willingness to take risks before anyone else sees the opportunity. For me, it’s always been about trusting my instincts and outworking the doubt—both from others and myself.

When I started SATX Rated, it wasn’t some massive operation—it was me showing love for San Antonio, one post at a time. I believed this city deserved a spotlight, and I was willing to be the one to build that platform from the ground up. I wasn’t just posting for fun—I was creating a brand. And over time, that consistency turned into a community, and that community turned into opportunity.

Donovan, 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?

My name is Donovan Thomson, and I’m the founder of SATX Rated, a media and marketing brand focused on showcasing the best of San Antonio and beyond. What started as a passion project—sharing local food spots, events, and hidden gems—has grown into a full-fledged platform that highlights culture, community, and creativity across Texas. SATX Rated is built on authenticity and connection, and we pride ourselves on telling real stories that resonate with locals while making newcomers feel welcome.

I saw how much talent, flavor, and energy San Antonio had, and I realized that most of it wasn’t getting the spotlight it deserved. I knew the power of storytelling and visual content from my background in marketing and graphic design, so I started using my skills to create content that didn’t just inform—it inspired. From that, a brand was born.

Today, SATX Rated works with local businesses, festivals, and major brands to deliver high-impact digital campaigns, content creation, influencer collaborations, and event promotion. Whether we’re running giveaways, curating city guides, or capturing the vibe of a night out—our goal is the same: to amplify what makes San Antonio special. For clients, we solve the problem of visibility. For our audience, we deliver trust, relevance, and value.

What sets us apart is that SATX Rated isn’t just a content page—it’s a cultural connector. We’re deeply embedded in the community, and everything we do is rooted in real engagement. We don’t just promote—we participate. That’s why our voice carries weight, and why our audience shows up every time we drop something new.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Reaching over 40,000 followers on Instagram wasn’t just a milestone—it was proof that people believe in what we’re doing. We’ve helped put small businesses on the map, sold out events, and built a local movement that’s bigger than me.

Beyond SATX Rated, I’m also involved in other ventures—including co-founding Cyclone Golf, the world’s first automatic golf ball washer, and serving as a director in the insurance industry. But at the core, everything I do ties back to creative problem-solving and elevating people through smart, intentional branding.

For anyone just discovering us: SATX Rated is where culture meets community. Whether you’re a local business looking to grow, a follower searching for what’s next in the city, or a brand wanting to tap into the heart of San Antonio—we’ve got you.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency and community. From the beginning, I showed up—day in, day out—highlighting the people, places, and events that make San Antonio special. I didn’t wait for permission or a huge following; I just kept creating value through content that felt real, local, and relevant. Over time, that built trust.

I also made a point to engage with my audience, not just talk at them. I answered DMs, showed up to events, collaborated with small businesses, and stayed involved in the culture I was helping to promote. That authenticity created momentum. People could tell I wasn’t just trying to “grow a page”—I was building something bigger, and they wanted to be part of it.

In any market, reputation is earned through showing up consistently, delivering on your word, and genuinely caring about the people you serve. That’s how SATX Rated became more than just a social media brand—it became a trusted name in the community.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media was never about going viral—it was about showing up with purpose. When I started SATX Rated, I focused on telling the stories that weren’t being told. I highlighted local restaurants, events, and creatives with the energy and quality I felt they deserved. I wasn’t chasing trends—I was building trust.

I treated every post like it mattered, because it did. Whether 50 people saw it or 5,000, I made sure the content had value. That kind of consistency builds momentum over time. I also invested in high-quality visuals, clear branding, and community engagement. I ran giveaways, collaborated with local businesses, and stayed tapped into what was happening around the city. People followed because they saw themselves in the content—and they stuck around because it felt authentic.

For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is this: start where you are, use what you have, and stay consistent. Don’t wait for perfect lighting or the “right time”—just start creating and refining as you go. Focus on value, not just aesthetics. Build real relationships, not just followers. Social media is a tool, but your voice is the brand—use it with intention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.satxrated.com
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/satxrated
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/satxrated
• Other: Www.cyclonegolf.shop
  Www.instagram.com/Cyclone_golf

Image Credits

SATX Rated