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

Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission as a web designer and digital marketing consultant is to help as many people as I can by giving them the fundamentals to start building their corner of the online space. To create something that genuinely reflects them, and gives them actionable to-do’s to help further their dreams. I love helping others chase their dreams, and a lot of the time, they don’t know where to start. They’re lost and feel they need a million things, but in reality, they need an expert opinion that doesn’t cost an arm and leg, no bullshit answers, and help to get them started. I don’t believe marketing and web design should be out of reach for small to midsize businesses because that is the foundation of the online world even though, a lot of people would argue that social media is the better place to start your online presence – I disagree. Social media requires creating content regularly, posting almost daily and requires you to be the face of your business or learn a skill like Canva. For a small to mid-size business owner, that can be extremely overwhelming. Their website, however, can be their marketing store-front, showcase brand authority, and if done correctly, make a good first impression for people who are trying to find them.

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

I have been in digital marketing for over 11 years in B2B and B2C industries. I have had the pleasure of working in so many different channels, and my love of web design and SEO has brought me back to this being the first place businesses should go when they are finding a spot to put their marketing dollars. This thought was only solidified through the crazy onslaught the pandemic brought us. Businesses that never had a Yelp or Google listing, website, or any other online presence went out of business quickly because people didn’t know they existed. I saw so many restaurants, small businesses, and many solopreneurs fail because they weren’t able to pivot when things went digital.

I have always loved helping people, but felt like I missed the boat when I went into the workforce doing marketing. It wasn’t until I was in a toxic work environment, that I decided to pivot into my own business and help others create the foundation for their online presence. I married my love of design and analytical brain to offer a service I knew was needed without having others feel intimidated. I love giving away advice, leading with empathy, and becoming your biz bestie when things get scary. I love giving realistic expectations without feeling like they’re pressured or worried they’re going to get a sales pitch.

I pride myself and my business on helping others the same way I was helped when I initially started because being on this path, this journey, it is so mentally exhausting that sometimes people just need a helping hand. I want to be that safe space for someone who is looking for advice and be able to help them when they’re ready to take the leap and invest in a designer.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Networking in person! This has been the best ROI strategy because people get to talk to me face to face, ask me direct questions, don’t feel pressured into hopping on a consultation call, and get a chance to know me on a deeper level. When you’re in a room full of other entrepreneurs you’re networking vertically instead of horizontally, and some of the best relationships can be built when you’re in the mud together. You’re looking to each other for advice, wanting to foster a relationship that is beyond transactional, and you keep each other top of mind when you meet others looking for your services. It’s scary stepping into a room you have no idea who’s there, but if you put your best foot forward, it becomes easier and easier to network. My best relationships and contacts have been fostered because we were in the same room to learn, grow, and chase our dreams.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I feel that I have been a closet creative my whole life.. straddling the line between analytics and design. I wasn’t sure which road I should take because as a daughter of Asian immigrants, there is no success in anything “fun”. I wanted a corner office in a high-rise building that focused on numbers and analytics even though I felt compelled to do something that fed my soul. I always thought people wouldn’t see my value if I pivoted out of marketing metrics and into my own web design business.. I didn’t think they would see my worth. I kept thinking, “Who on earth would pay for a designer this day and age?” and then I had my first break. I worked with a close friend who saw my worth and wanted to move away from a boring WordPress template. She wanted something POC-friendly, actionable, and something easy to maintain, so she took a chance on me. For the first time, I received praise (and money!) that was creative. To this day, I still struggle with the idea that non-creative people will see my worth as a designer, but I am surprised every day that what I want to do is worth something.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marketedbysarah.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketedbysarah/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-touy-412966b5/

Image Credits

My photos were taken by @siennalopezphotography based in Sacramento, CA!