One of the things I’ve learned after more than 40 years in marketing is this: Not every business needs, or wants a marketing agency. That may sound like an odd thing for someone in marketing to say, but it’s true. Marketing agencies do incredible work. They’re staffed by talented people with specialized expertise, sophisticated tools, and the ability to execute large, complex campaigns. For many companies, they’re exactly the right solution.
But what about the local garage door company that just needs someone to manage Facebook? Or the nonprofit that wants to send a monthly email newsletter? Or the family-owned business whose website hasn’t been updated in five years? Or the owner who simply wants someone to bounce ideas off of over a cup of coffee? They don’t necessarily need an agency. They need help.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that marketing challenges are often much smaller than people think. Sometimes it’s cleaning up a website that’s become cluttered over time. Sometimes it’s writing a press release that catches a local newspaper’s attention. Sometimes it’s creating a social media strategy that doesn’t feel forced or overwhelming.
Often, it’s simply helping a business tell its story. That’s the part I’ve always loved. I’ve spent more than four decades in marketing, communications, and public relations. During that time, the tools have changed dramatically. We’ve gone from newspaper advertising and printed newsletters to websites, Google Business Profiles, social media, AI, and digital advertising.
Through it all, one thing hasn’t changed. People still want to do business with people they trust. I’ve also made my share of mistakes.
Actually, more than my share. And I’m thankful for every one of them because there’s no substitute for experience. Every campaign that didn’t perform as expected, every website redesign that taught a lesson, every communication challenge that needed a creative solution helped shape the marketer I am today.
Experience isn’t just about how long you’ve been doing something. It’s about what you’ve learned along the way. That’s why I started Write Brain Solutions. Not to become the biggest marketing company or sell expensive monthly packages. But to become a resource for businesses that need practical marketing help from someone who genuinely enjoys solving problems.
I like conversations more than sales pitches. I like partnerships more than contracts. And I like finding solutions that fit the business instead of forcing the business to fit the solution. Sometimes that means helping for a single project. Sometimes it grows into something more.
Either way, it starts the same way, with a conversation. If you’re trying to figure out your marketing, I’d love to talk to you. Give me a call – 828-508-3295.