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

JD, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

When I started, the idea for my business was born from two passions: marketing and helping independent artists succeed. I had worked in the marketing space for years and noticed how difficult it was for talented individuals to gain exposure without big budgets or industry connections. That realization sparked the idea of creating a marketing agency tailored specifically to independent artists and social media personalities.

The first step was research. I spent countless hours understanding the struggles of upcoming artists—everything from their lack of time to market themselves to challenges navigating platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify. I also analyzed what successful artists and influencers were doing differently.

From there, I started brainstorming services. I knew I wanted to offer social media growth strategies, content creation, and platform optimization, but I had to figure out the best way to deliver these services effectively. I decided to start small and focus on Instagram and Spotify since these platforms were key for many artists at the time.

The next step was creating a brand. I chose the name “Zorax Marketing” to keep it simple and straightforward. Then came building my own online presence. I created a website, designed a logo, and set up Instagram and LinkedIn pages to showcase my expertise and attract clients.

To test the concept, I reached out to artists I already knew or admired on social media. I offered free consultations to understand their needs and challenges firsthand. This helped me refine my services and gave me a portfolio of success stories. I also used social proof—testimonials and case studies—to gain credibility.

Launching wasn’t easy. I had to balance learning, creating content, and setting up business systems like invoicing, client onboarding, and project management tools. I invested in tools like Canva for content design, Later for social media scheduling, and platforms like Shopify to support clients who wanted merchandise stores.

The first few months were intense. I worked long hours to secure clients and deliver high-quality services while also networking with industry professionals to learn and grow. I reinvested my initial earnings into better tools and advertising, which helped me scale over time.

Looking back, the process from idea to execution was all about staying adaptable, understanding my audience, and delivering value consistently. It’s been a journey of constant learning, but seeing artists grow their careers with my help has made it all worthwhile.

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

I’m JDtheexpert, a marketing expert, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for independent artists and creators. My journey into this industry was born from a deep love for music and creativity, combined with years of experience in marketing. Early on, I realized that many talented individuals were struggling to make their voices heard due to a lack of resources, connections, or understanding of how to market themselves effectively. That’s when I decided to create Zorax Marketing Agency, a company dedicated to empowering independent artists and social media personalities to build their audiences and achieve sustainable growth.

At my core, I help artists and creators bridge the gap between their talent and their audience. My agency provides a wide range of services tailored to their needs, including:

Social Media Growth: Developing Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube strategies that increase followers, engagement, and visibility.

Music Promotion: Helping artists optimize their presence on Spotify and SoundCloud, running targeted campaigns, and ensuring their music reaches the right listeners.

Content Creation: Designing compelling visuals, videos, and posts that reflect their unique brand and voice.

Merchandise Solutions: Assisting with custom-designed merch like hoodies and tracksuits, including free Shopify store setups to help artists monetize their brand.

Comprehensive Artist Development: Offering tools and guidance to build their careers from the ground up.
What sets my work apart is the personalized approach I take with every client. I understand that no two artists are the same, so I don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, I focus on understanding their unique story, vision, and goals, and then tailor strategies to help them connect with their audience authentically.

I’m most proud of the tangible results my clients achieve. Whether it’s an artist hitting their first 10,000 followers on Instagram, doubling their Spotify streams, or launching a successful merchandise line, these milestones are the ultimate reward for me. Beyond numbers, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see creators regain confidence in their work and feel empowered to chase their dreams.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my brand isn’t just about marketing—it’s about community and empowerment. I aim to be a partner who truly understands their struggles and celebrates their wins. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to level up, I’m here to provide guidance, resources, and actionable strategies to help them thrive.

At the end of the day, my mission is to turn passion into success stories. If you’re ready to grow, connect with your audience, and make an impact, I’d love to help you on your journey.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I started my business, I didn’t have a large pool of capital to draw from. Instead, I leaned on resourcefulness and careful planning to get things off the ground. The initial funding came entirely out of my own pocket, with savings I had set aside over time. This approach forced me to be extremely strategic with every dollar, ensuring that every expense directly contributed to the growth of the business.

The first investments I made were in tools and platforms essential to my services. I purchased design software like Canva, subscribed to social media scheduling tools like Later, and invested in a basic website to establish my online presence. I also put a portion of my budget into running small ad campaigns on Instagram and Spotify to test their effectiveness in attracting potential clients.

To keep costs low, I focused on offering services that didn’t require a large upfront investment, such as social media management and content creation. I also leveraged free or low-cost resources like social media for organic marketing, building my client base through networking, and engaging with independent artists online.

Additionally, I reinvested my first earnings directly back into the business. Instead of taking profits early on, I used them to upgrade tools, expand my offerings, and market to a wider audience. This gradual, step-by-step approach allowed me to scale sustainably without relying on loans or external funding.

Looking back, starting lean taught me valuable lessons about prioritization and adaptability. It also made the growth of my business feel incredibly rewarding because every milestone was a direct result of smart planning and hard work.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and social media presence. In the creative and music industries, trust and personal recommendations carry significant weight. When I deliver results for one client, they often share their success story with their network, which naturally leads to inquiries from other independent artists and creatives looking for similar support.

Social media, however, has been a game-changer for scalability. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn allow me to showcase the results I achieve for clients—whether it’s increased followers, successful merchandise launches, or growth in Spotify streams. Sharing behind-the-scenes stories, case studies, and tips positions me as an approachable expert, attracting both direct inquiries and collaborations.

I also actively engage with my target audience by commenting on posts, participating in conversations, and joining communities where independent artists and creatives gather. This consistent visibility helps establish credibility and keeps me top-of-mind for potential clients when they need help with marketing or growth.

Lastly, offering value upfront—like free consultations or educational content—has been another key driver of new clients. When people see that I genuinely want to help them succeed, they feel more confident investing in my services. This mix of organic growth and personal connections has been instrumental in building my client base.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jdtheexpert.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdtheexpert/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JDtheexpert
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdtheexpert