We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jill Ross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jill below.

Hi Jill, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

At Makemake, we pride ourselves on standing apart from the typical approach in marketing services. Unlike many agencies that rely on generic strategies or cookie-cutter templates, we lean into a bespoke, hands-on process that centers around storytelling and community connection. Our belief is that every small business has a unique story, and our job is to help them tell it in a way that resonates deeply with their audience.

One way we differ from the industry standard is through our commitment to hyper-local collaborations. Instead of focusing solely on digital ad spend or broad campaigns, we partner with local artists, makers, and community organizations to create authentic, memorable experiences. This not only helps our clients grow but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride within the community.

For example, while working with a Cleveland-based business, we created curated gift boxes filled with locally sourced items to showcase the richness of the region. This approach not only amplified the client’s brand but also celebrated the community, leading to genuine customer engagement that exceeded expectations.

At Makemake, we understand that small businesses thrive when their values align with their audience. By diverging from a one-size-fits-all model, we help brands build lasting relationships, not just sales figures. That’s the heart of what makes us different – and why it matters.

Jill, 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?

Makemake is a creative marketing collective dedicated to helping small businesses grow authentically. We started with a simple mission: to bridge the gap between cookie-cutter marketing strategies and the personal touch small businesses deserve.

We specialize in:
– Brand Storytelling: Crafting narratives that connect with audiences.
– Custom Campaigns: Developing social media strategies, events, and more.
– Local Partnerships: Facilitating collaboration with makers and creators.
– Creative Gifting Solutions: Memorable, personalized gifts that leave an impact and helps our clients retain their customers.

We focus on quality over quantity, building genuine connections between our clients and their communities. From personalized strategies to curated collaborations, we create marketing solutions that reflect the unique heart of each business.

We’re proud to champion small businesses, amplify their stories, and foster real connections—whether through Cleveland-themed gift boxes or community-focused events.

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

At Makemake, the most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been building genuine relationships and focusing on word-of-mouth referrals. By delivering personalized, high-quality work that exceeds expectations, we’ve turned our happy clients into our biggest advocates.

Our commitment to community involvement has been key. Whether it’s collaborating with local makers, hosting events, or curating custom gifting experiences, we actively engage with the communities we serve. This approach not only showcases our expertise but also builds trust and connection with potential clients.

Sharing our work and story through authentic content on social media and our website (www.letsmakemake.com) has helped us reach new audiences and demonstrate the value we bring to small businesses. By staying true to who we are, we continue to attract like-minded clients who appreciate our unique, community-driven approach.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Kendall and I worked together at the same company for four years, and during that time, we built a strong professional and personal relationship. We quickly realized we shared a passion for helping small businesses grow and succeed.

Over countless conversations, we noticed a common frustration: many small businesses were partnering with agencies that provided broad services instead of providing solutions that truly made an impact on their bottom line. We knew there was a better way, and that’s how the idea for Makemake was born.

Our goal was simple: to create a marketing collective that prioritizes authenticity, creativity, and meaningful results. By combining our shared vision and strengths, we’ve built a business we’re incredibly proud of—one that cuts through the noise and helps small businesses shine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.letsmakemake.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsmakemake/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/makemake-collective/

Image Credits

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