We were lucky to catch up with Nichole Meyer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nichole, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Many people assume that being a Freelance Social Media Specialist is straightforward, but it’s far from simple. Social media involves so much more than just posting regularly. It’s about developing an efficient workflow, crafting unique campaigns, adapting your communication style for different audiences, and constantly thinking outside the box.

To fast-track my learning, I immersed myself in online courses on social media marketing and sought inspiration from other entrepreneurs. Early on, I was fortunate to work with some incredible female entrepreneurs who helped shape my skills and approach.

The essential skills for social media marketing include graphic design, copywriting, video editing, strategic thinking, community management, and strong communication. One major challenge for social media marketers is navigating the constantly evolving trends and platform updates. Staying current is crucial, and it can be a real hurdle, especially for those just starting out.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello everyone! My name is Nichole Meyer, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and my business, Clever Social, a social media agency I started to help small businesses thrive online. My path began with a big move from West Palm Beach, FL to the buzzing city of Chicago, IL. I craved a career in media, and it wasn’t long before I landed my first role as a Freelance Social Media Coordinator for a political campaign here in Chicago. This experience sparked my passion for social media, and I quickly realized that I wanted to create something of my own—a business that would empower other small businesses to achieve their goals.

At Clever Social, I pour my heart into crafting custom social media strategies that not only increase reach and engagement but also foster real community for my clients. I’m deeply committed to making social media feel accessible and understandable for the small business owners I work with. I believe that when clients understand the ‘why’ behind our strategies, they feel more connected to their own brand’s online presence.

My journey hasn’t always been easy. I lost both of my parents before I turned 22, and I was determined not to let my circumstances define me. I didn’t want to be another statistic; I wanted to build a life and career I could be proud of. That determination fuels my passion for helping other small businesses grow and succeed, knowing firsthand the impact that resilience and hard work can have.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The mission driving my creative journey is to show others that no goal is out of reach if you’re willing to put in the work and persevere. My path hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that resilience and determination can turn any dream into a reality. Moving to Chicago and diving into social media work taught me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

Through Clever Social, I get to support small businesses in achieving their goals with tailored social media strategies. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients thrive and to know that our work together has helped them reach new heights. My hope is that my journey, and the success of those I work with, can inspire others to pursue their dreams with confidence and commitment.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn as a social media manager is that just because I think something is clever, funny, or sure to succeed doesn’t mean it will resonate with the audience. In the beginning, I often leaned on my own instincts, only to find that social media requires a more data-driven approach. Metrics and analytics became essential tools to understand what actually works, rather than just what I thought would.

This realization was a bit discouraging at first—it’s humbling to realize that creativity alone isn’t always the answer. But learning to let go of personal preferences and instead focus on what the data shows is best for the client has been invaluable. It’s a constant reminder that my role is to serve the audience’s needs, not just my own ideas and that insight has been key to building successful strategies for my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nmeyermedia.my.canva.site/clever-social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clever.social/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-meyer-b71725166/