We recently connected with Laura Heckman and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Absolutely, I’m happier as a business owner. There’s a freedom that comes with running your own business that’s hard to put into words. The ability to create something from the ground up, to set your own goals, and to work in alignment with your passions is deeply fulfilling.

That being said, I’d be lying if I said the thought of a “regular” job hasn’t crossed my mind. The last time it did was during one of those weeks where everything seemed to go sideways. A client project was running behind, my inbox was overflowing, and I was juggling strategy calls back-to-back. I remember sitting at my desk, staring at my to-do list, and thinking, Wouldn’t it be easier to clock in, clock out, and not carry the weight of it all?

But then I stopped and thought about why I chose this path. I love the freedom to work with clients who light me up, to create strategies that help businesses thrive, and to have a hand in crafting something meaningful every single day. I realized that even on the hardest days, I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to build a business that feels like mine.

The insight I came to is this: freedom comes with responsibility, and that’s not a bad thing…it’s empowering. It reminds me that I’m in control of how I show up, who I work with, and what I create. I’ve learned to embrace those moments of doubt as a reminder of how far I’ve come and why I do what I do. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a social media strategist with over a decade of experience helping businesses and creators build meaningful, profitable online presences. My journey started at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where I earned a degree in Retail and Consumer Science. From there, I explored a few paths, including retail management and artist management in Los Angeles, before discovering my passion for social media and marketing. That passion eventually led me to create my own business.

I specialize in offering tailored strategies for clients across industries—whether they’re entrepreneurs, creators, or businesses looking to connect with their ideal audience. My work includes everything from one-on-one coaching to content planning, messaging audits, and full-service social media management. At the core of everything I do is a focus on clarity and connection—helping my clients refine their messaging so it resonates, inspires, and, most importantly, converts.

The problems I solve for my clients often revolve around overwhelm and misalignment. Many come to me feeling stuck—they’re unsure how to connect with their audience, or they’ve been spinning their wheels trying to grow without seeing the results they want. I step in to simplify their strategies, align their messaging with their goals, and create sustainable plans that drive growth while also preserving their peace of mind.

What sets me apart is my holistic, human-first approach. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter strategies or chasing trends for the sake of it. Instead, I work closely with my clients to ensure their social media presence reflects their authentic voice and values. I focus on building genuine, engaged communities that lead to long-term success—not just fleeting moments of virality.

I’m most proud of the transformations my clients experience. Whether it’s a business owner hitting their first six-figure launch, a creator growing an engaged following, or an entrepreneur finally feeling confident about their strategy, seeing their wins fuels everything I do.

For anyone reading this, what I want you to know is that social media doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or performative. With the right strategy, it can be an aligned, impactful part of your business—and I’m here to help make that happen.

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

When I started building my audience on social media, I didn’t have all the answers, but I did have a clear intention: I wanted to create content that connected with people and provided real value. I focused on showing up authentically, sharing what I’d learned from my own journey in social media strategy, and speaking directly to the people I knew I could help—small business owners, creators, and entrepreneurs who wanted to grow without burning out.

In the early days, I experimented a lot. I tested different types of content, from educational posts to storytelling captions, and closely watched my analytics to see what resonated with my audience. It wasn’t about going viral—it was about building a community. I leaned into the idea of quality over quantity, focusing on consistent messaging that reflected my expertise and aligned with the needs of my ideal clients.

Over time, I realized the key was not just showing up but showing up with intention. I wasn’t afraid to pivot when something didn’t work or to lean into what felt authentic, even if it wasn’t trendy. That authenticity became my biggest asset, and it’s what helped me grow a community that felt engaged and connected.

For anyone starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple but impactful:

1️⃣ Know your “why.” Before you create content, get clear on your goals and who you want to reach. Your audience needs to know why they’re following you and what value you provide.

2️⃣ Focus on connection, not perfection. Don’t worry about having the most polished posts or jumping on every trend. People connect with real, relatable content.

3️⃣ Be consistent. Consistency builds trust. Even if you’re only posting a few times a week, make sure you’re showing up regularly with content that aligns with your message.

4️⃣ Engage with your audience. Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, ask questions, and genuinely interact with your followers—it makes a world of difference.

5️⃣ Don’t be afraid to start small. Your audience doesn’t need to be huge to be impactful. Even a small, engaged community can drive incredible results when you nurture it.

Building your social media presence takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and error, but it’s so worth it when you start to see the connections and opportunities it creates. Stay true to yourself, lean into what makes you unique, and remember: growth is a marathon, not a sprint.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is a mix of authenticity, consistency, and results. From the very beginning, I focused on building trust by showing up as myself, sharing real insights and actionable strategies, and delivering on the promises I made to my clients.

A big part of this was leaning into what sets me apart: my ability to balance strategy and creativity while prioritizing sustainable growth. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches, and I think my audience and clients resonate with the fact that I take the time to understand their unique goals, strengths, and challenges. By focusing on clarity, alignment, and long-term success, I’ve been able to provide them with strategies that truly work.

Another key factor was consistency. I made it a priority to consistently provide value—whether it was through my content, my client work, or my conversations. I show up with intention, share what I know, and always aim to educate, inspire, or empower. I also leaned into storytelling because I think people connect with honesty, relatability, and vulnerability, especially in the social media space.

Lastly, word of mouth has been huge. My clients have been some of my biggest advocates, and the results we’ve achieved together have spoken volumes. From growing accounts to helping brands find their voice to guiding small business owners through successful launches, those wins have helped me establish credibility.

I think what it comes down to is trust. I’ve worked hard to build a reputation as someone who genuinely cares about my clients and their success. That’s what makes people feel confident not only working with me but also recommending me to others. It’s a ripple effect, and it’s been the foundation of everything I’ve built so far.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauramichelleheckman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraheckman/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramichelleheckman
• Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramichelleheckman?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app