We recently connected with Kelsey Willaby and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kelsey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

Social Media is a powerful tool to utilize in any business. I manage and run my own, as well as many other businesses. I believe it is up to each business owner to make this decision. Do you have the time? Are you excited about it? Do you know where to start? These are all questions I would think about when determining your presence on social media.

As social media becomes a more prominent tool, it’s important for every business to think about their approach. Consumers use it as a form of word of mouth, as a search engine tool or to simply connect with the personality / values of a business. Brand recognization is a key development from a social presence. I love helping businesses develop their positioning on social media, track their impact & progress, and carry a cohesive voice & presence from their brand foundation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I have a passion in assisting brands develop a strong foundation that plays across their strategy and creative presence. My start began by attending the University of Wisconsin – Stout for their BFA in Graphic Design program. This opened the door for me to intern at a variety of in-house design teams and in an agency setting I went on to a full time position at a creative studio, while I was there I began posting my personal work on social media as a daily design exercise. I fell into a freelance career and developing my own business from there!

My focus includes brand strategy & design, website design & formatting, graphic design assistance, and social media management! Each client comes with a custom need and I do my best to assist them in developing a creative solution. From running Willaby Designs, I have also had the opportunity for contract positions. This allows me to continue to expand my skillset and connect with other creative individuals!

I am most proud of working with small businesses who are passionate about their product or service. It’s reassuring to collaborate with individuals who have a dream and are working to make it a success! I find that so relatable as my job blends into my passion and hobby. I feel lucky to love what I do. I love connecting with other entrepreneurs and sharing what I have learned throughout my journey. I am an open book and willing to help.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Consistency is key! Social media is about exploration. I am constantly trying out new ideas and reflecting on what is working / not working for my audience. I plan out my posts each month, but I also allow flexibility. You have to develop trust with your audience, which is done by showing up. The biggest growth i’ve experienced was from sharing content through instagram reels. Now, instagram is always changing – which is okay! As social media changes, you have to learn to develop and change with it. Create content you are excited about and don’t look back!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Connecting with other individuals! It could be an aspiring designer, another creative, or someone who resonates with your work. I love when something I create makes an impact and is able to spark a conversation. The creative community is so vast and welcoming.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://willabydesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willabydesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseywillaby/

Image Credits
Photos by Ava Faye Photography (https://www.instagram.com/avafayephotos/)