We were lucky to catch up with Kalyn Bell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kalyn, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
I am happier as a business owner for sure. I love being able to connect with anyone, building my own schedule, and educating others on what I have been through. I also work a full-time job during the week, the typical 9 to 5. It is very difficult to balance it all. I am so lucky that my current clients understand my schedule and are willing to work with me outside of my full-time job. Since I work in a corporate setting and run my own business, I know that I want to stick with being my own boss. It will take hard work to make my business full-time.
Conclusions and insights I have come across while juggling my schedule would be that it seems impossible in the beginning, but you have to keep going even when you are tired. It is worth it.
Kalyn, 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?
I own a digital marketing agency. I started The Only Agency at the end of 2021. I have a degree in business from the University of Kansas. I also took several courses regarding social media management. One online with the owner of The Current Agency based in Chicago, IL. And an in-person conference in Miami, FL.
I really focus on social media, branding, and graphic design. This includes anything from advertisements, websites, logos, and branding. Any design work the business may need to operate. I also create social media strategies for their accounts. I build ways/plans for businesses that can increase engagement and stay consistent. Social media is key to building a business in this world.
I am most proud of what I have created for my clients in both social media and graphic design. The logos I have created have traveled all over the country. I feel that they really express who the business is and their vision. I try my best to be available for my clients one on one, that is something you would not get with a larger agency.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Networking!
My first client was someone I knew. She decided to open her own salon and needed marketing help. This was perfect timing because I had just started my marketing agency (that is why I believe the perfect time to start is NOW). I created her logo, advertisements, and website.
My advice for gaining new clients is to join as many groups online or in your area regarding new businesses. This is an amazing way to network yourself and meet new people. Always introduce yourself with confidence, and be ready to give them your contact information.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I created a separate account on each platform for the agency. I started with posting informative content that would gain readers’ attention. Interacting with similar pages, such as commenting or messaging them for advice. I also added recent graphic design work I had done. This brought me new clients as time went on.
Creating new accounts and building an audience can be a slow process. You have to stay consistent with your audience. My biggest advice for building a social media presence would be
1. Have a strategy
2. Show your face (it feels more personal)
3. Take advantage of Reels and TikTok videos. These are the biggest ways to reach new followers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onlyagencyllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlyagencyllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-only-agency/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kalyn_bell19/_created
Image Credits
Brooklyn Harmon Photography