We recently connected with Faith Anderson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Faith thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry
One of the most transformative trends in digital marketing today is the integration of AI and machine learning tools into the fabric of our work. These technologies are redefining how campaigns are planned, executed, and optimized. While they bring incredible productivity and efficiency, they also introduce a critical challenge: ensuring authenticity in storytelling while meeting performance-driven goals.
At Digital By Creatives, we’ve seen this play out firsthand. This year, a client in the mobile space approached us with a unique problem—they wanted to humanize their brand but felt stuck in a cycle of clickbait content that was underwhelming in engagement and diluting their voice. The rise of AI tools made it tempting for them to automate everything, from social media posts to ad copy. Instead, we proposed a hybrid approach: leveraging AI for insights and rapid testing, but anchoring the campaign in authentic storytelling.
We started by using AI to analyze their audience data, identifying not just surface-level metrics but deeper emotional triggers that resonated with their community. From there, we crafted a campaign rooted in personal stories from their employees and customers. Each piece of content was then tested and refined using AI tools, ensuring it performed without compromising the human touch. The result? A 30% increase in engagement and a shift in perception that positioned them as a relatable and trustworthy brand.
This story highlights the larger tension in our industry. On one hand, AI is pushing agencies to be faster, more efficient, and incredibly data-driven. On the other, it’s demanding that we step up as strategists and creatives, crafting narratives that machines can’t replicate. The agencies thriving today are those that can navigate this balance—leveraging technology to optimize execution while remaining fiercely committed to human-centric strategy.
Opportunities abound for those willing to adapt. AI allows us to test ideas faster, personalize at scale, and focus more of our energy on big-picture thinking. Yet, the risks are real. Over-reliance on AI can lead to homogenized content, loss of brand voice, and ethical concerns around data usage.
Interestingly, this shift is also leveling the playing field. More and more, large companies are bypassing massive agencies of record to work with smaller, specialized agencies like ours—those that combine expertise, agility, and a human touch. It’s a “wild west” moment in digital marketing, but one that’s ultimately driving the industry toward innovation and deeper connections.
At Digital By Creatives, we believe in leading with strategy, authenticity, and the willingness to evolve. The tools may change, but the core of what we do—connecting brands with people in meaningful ways—remains the same.
Faith, 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?
My name is Faith Anderson and I am a Chicago-based digital marketing specialist, entrepreneur, and fractional CMO. Having begun my career managing the social media presence of emerging performers, I transitioned to full-time digital marketing work for major businesses including First Women’s Bank, Greenwood, Fruit Growers (Sunkist), and more. This transition led to me to found Digital By Creatives, an agency dedicated to connecting creatives to employment opportunities in the business and technology industries. A harmonious marriage of innovation and marketing prowess, I hoped other artists will resonate with the company’s message of creative connection and community building. Since its inception, my team of creatives have successfully launched over 200 campaigns, assisted with raising over $200M in seed funding, and helped our clients gain over 40M followers across their social media platforms. I am also a passionate educator, having taught in the Entertainment Business program at SAE Institute Chicago and developed digital marketing curricula for graduate extension programs at the University of Pennsylvania and UC Berkeley.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has always been relationship building. In an industry as fast-paced and ever-evolving as digital marketing, what truly sets an agency apart isn’t just expertise or results—it’s trust, reliability, and partnership.
At Digital By Creatives, we see our clients as more than just accounts; they’re partners in achieving shared goals. This mindset has shaped every aspect of how we work. It starts with truly listening—understanding their pain points, aspirations, and challenges—and crafting strategies that not only meet their immediate needs but also align with their long-term vision. It’s about being proactive, ensuring they can count on us not just as executors, but as thought partners.
One story that exemplifies this is a long-time client who came to us during a pivotal moment in their business. They were launching a new product line and felt overwhelmed by the complexity of managing their digital presence while staying focused on operations. We stepped in, not only providing strategic and creative support but also acting as an extension of their team. From consistent check-ins to handling last-minute pivots, we ensured that they always felt supported and informed. The launch was a success, but more importantly, it solidified our role as a trusted partner.
We’ve found that consistently taking care of our clients—meeting deadlines, being transparent about challenges, and celebrating their wins—naturally leads to growth. Happy clients become loyal clients, and loyal clients are the best advocates. Most of our new business comes from referrals, which we believe is a direct result of prioritizing relationships over transactions.
Ultimately, it comes down to one simple principle: when your clients know they can count on you, they don’t just stick around—they recommend you to others. It’s about building trust, delivering consistently, and showing up for them in the ways that matter most.
At Digital By Creatives, we don’t just aim to be an agency for our clients; we strive to be the partner they can always rely on. That’s been the foundation of our growth and will continue to drive us forward.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn as a business owner is that hope is not a strategy. Early on, I believed that if I worked hard, trusted people, and stayed the course, everything would fall into place. But running a business taught me that hope alone can’t fix broken systems, late payments, or unproductive relationships. To grow a company, you need to have realistic plans, clear processes, and the agility to adapt when things don’t go as expected.
Years ago, we partnered with a white-label agency on a large-scale project. On paper, it was a great opportunity, but when they stopped receiving payments from their client, that financial burden was passed down to us. By the end of it, they owed us over $20,000, but I had already paid my contractors for their work. I was carrying the weight of the project alone, trying to fight through the situation while still keeping my business afloat. I quickly realized that pursuing the money owed would cost more in time, resources, and energy than I could afford.
That experience forced me to reevaluate everything. It was painful but ultimately transformative. I reworked every aspect of my agency—from how we structure contracts with clients and partners to how we manage cash flow internally. I implemented stricter payment terms and better safeguards to ensure we’re protected. I also established clear SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to maintain quality and productivity within my team. These changes have made us more resilient and positioned us for sustainable growth.
The other tough lesson? No one will work harder on your business than you. As a leader, you have to ensure your team has the right tools, processes, and expectations in place to thrive. And sometimes, that means making hard decisions, like letting go of partnerships or team members who aren’t aligned with your vision. It’s never easy, but it’s necessary. Growth often requires breaking down what isn’t working and building something stronger in its place.
These lessons weren’t easy to learn, but they’ve made my agency—and me—a lot stronger. It’s taught me that success doesn’t just come from hard work; it comes from having the courage to face challenges, adapt, and rebuild when needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dbcbrand.com
- Instagram: @bootstrappedmama
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-anderson-6064b9a8/
Image Credits
Photos by Erin Stefanik Photography