Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Cohill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Megan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

As the CMO of Bluhouse Socials and a proud Florida grad with over a decade in the marketing trenches, I’ve seen the landscape evolve in ways both exhilarating and, frankly, exasperating. The path to profitability in our field is filled with more pitfalls than ever before, and I’m here to unpack some of the hard truths behind these challenges.

The Expertise Mirage

Let’s cut to the chase: The digital age has democratized marketing knowledge, which sounds fantastic on paper. However, this has led to a marketplace where nearly everyone fancies themselves a marketing expert after binge-watching a few online seminars. This trend dilutes the pool of genuine talent, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to discern true expertise. The reality? Real marketing knowledge is cultivated over years of hands-on experience and continuous learning, not just a crash course online. And I’ve been incredibly blessed to cross paths with some extraordinary mentors whose influence has profoundly shaped my professional journey. A heartfelt shout-out to Kelly Bosetti, whose wisdom has left an indelible mark on me, teaching me lessons beyond what she might ever realize. To Courtney Drake, who instilled in me the invaluable ethic of putting the client first always. And to Meg Merola, who opened the doors for me to not just work but to thrive and find a daily love and passion in what I do.

The Rise of the “Influencer”

Oh, the “I” word. Once a term reserved for individuals with significant reach and impact, “influencer” has now become a self-appointed title for anyone with an Instagram account and a filter. As a veteran in the field, I’ve witnessed the dilution of genuine influence, complicating the process for brands looking to invest in partnerships that yield actual returns. The truth is, not all followers are created equal, and the number of likes rarely correlates with real-world persuasion.

Pricing Pandemonium

In this oversaturated market, there’s a bewildering disparity in pricing for marketing services. Too often, those lacking formal education or substantial experience charge exorbitant rates, not reflective of the value they bring to the table. This not only misleads clients but also undermines the industry as a whole, where seasoned professionals strive to justify their worth and the results they can deliver.

The Likes vs. Loyalty Conundrum

In today’s digital arena, likes and shares have become the currency of success. Yet, there’s a glaring oversight in what truly matters: connecting with your audience on a meaningful level. The obsession with vanity metrics overshadows the fundamental goal of marketing—to build a loyal customer base that resonates with your brand’s core values and message. As seasoned marketers, we must navigate this shallow tide and steer our strategies back to genuine engagement and conversion.

The Work Ethic Woe

Lastly, the shift in work ethic among newer generations entering the field has become a point of contention. The expectation of immediate results with minimal effort is not just unrealistic; it’s unsustainable. Marketing is a grind—it’s about trial and error, perseverance, and relentless optimization. The sooner we embrace these truths, the better equipped we’ll be to mentor the next wave of marketers.

In conclusion, while the marketing industry faces its fair share of obstacles, it’s our responsibility as veterans to lead by example. We need to challenge the status quo, prioritize authentic connections over superficial metrics, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and ethical practice. Here’s to navigating these choppy waters together, with integrity and a genuine passion for what we do.

Megan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Megan Cohill, the CMO of Bluhouse Socials, where we’re pushing the boundaries of what a marketing agency can achieve. My journey into the world of marketing started at the University of Florida, where I fell in love with the art and science of marketing, earning my degree and setting the stage for a career that has been anything but linear.

After graduation, I ventured into the bustling city of Atlanta, where I spent time as the Marketing Director for an ENT practice. This role was more than a job; it was a masterclass in niche marketing, challenging me to craft strategies that were as effective as they were innovative. Atlanta wasn’t just a place of work for me; it became a second home, a crucible where my skills were tested and refined.

Then came the pandemic, an unforeseen catalyst that uprooted many but for me, it was a beacon calling me back to Florida, my home state. It was during this long period that I discovered a silver lining. It allowed me to learn, educate and prepare for my new career in the sunshine state.

Inspired by this period of intense growth and reflection, I took a leap of faith in February 2023 and launched my own agency. This venture started as a solo journey, a testament to my belief in the power of resilient, innovative marketing. However, it wasn’t long before I crossed paths with Meg Merola and her talented team. There was an instant recognition of aligned visions and complementary skills, a rare find in the fast-paced world of marketing.

Together, we decided to join forces, transforming my solo venture into Bluhouse Socials, a full-service agency that operates out of Tampa and NYC. This partnership isn’t just a merger of teams; it’s a fusion of passions, a collective commitment to redefining success for our clients in the digital age. At Bluhouse Socials, we’re not just building brands; we’re crafting legacies, guided by a shared vision and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

From my own perspective, the reason I’ve managed to build and maintain strong connections with clients—be they past, present, or new—stems from a commitment to genuinely go the extra mile. This isn’t just about delivering what’s expected; it’s about exceeding those expectations in ways that truly matter. I’ve always believed that the small details can make a huge difference. It’s about noticing the things that others might overlook, whether that’s recognizing a client’s unspoken needs, celebrating their milestones, or even just checking in with them on a personal level.

Incorporating touchpoints and thoughtful gifts has been part of my strategy, not as a transactional gesture, but as a sincere expression of appreciation and partnership. These gestures are a way to show clients that they are valued not just for their business, but for the unique role they play in our shared journey.

However, beyond these actions, I believe the foundation of my lasting relationships lies in honesty and transparency. Marketing, by its nature, is fraught with uncertainties and evolving challenges. By being as open and clear as possible about what can be achieved, the hurdles we might face, and how we plan to tackle them, I’ve built a trust that transcends the typical client-vendor dynamic. This trust is what turns first-time clients into long-term partners and keeps former clients within my professional orbit.

In essence, staying close with clients over the years has been a result of treating them with the same care, attention, and honesty I’d extend to my own team. It’s about creating a partnership that’s valued, respected, and nurtured, making every interaction meaningful and every achievement a shared success.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

In the fiercely competitive world we navigate, it’s inevitable to encounter individuals who seek to tear us down or snatch away our successes. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that dwelling on every slight or setback only serves to diminish our spirits and, inadvertently, impacts those around us, including our clients. Instead, the most valuable advice I can offer is to adopt a mindset that prioritizes resilience and forward momentum. I’ve personally witnessed how getting bogged down in the minutiae can chip away at our confidence and effectiveness. So, rather than allowing adversity to consume us, it’s essential to confront it with grace and determination.

In this cutthroat environment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing others as adversaries, but I’ve found greater strength in fostering a sense of community over competition. Learning from those who may not have our best interests at heart can be a powerful tool for growth. Rather than seeking revenge or dwelling on past grievances, I advocate for using these experiences as fuel to drive us forward. By focusing on our own advancement and excellence, we not only rise above the negativity but also inspire others to do the same. Ultimately, it’s about transforming challenges into opportunities and embracing every setback as a chance to emerge stronger and more resilient than before.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bluhousesocials.com/
• Instagram: @bluhousesocials
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megancohill/
• Twitter: @bluhousesocials