"Before starting any marketing experts, define your ideal customer" with Maria Grace

Maria Grace LLC provides highly personalized, budget-accommodating digital marketing solutions for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses. Maria offers a range of online marketing services, including Search Engine Optimization, Google and Facebook advertising, Squarespace website design, and more. 

Can you tell our readers about your background?

When I graduated from college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, and as I explored my desires and passions, I launched a photography business that grew enough to support me full-time. As I continued to run the marketing for my own business, other business owners contacted me to advise their marketing efforts, and in 2019 I pivoted to full-time small business marketing.

What inspired you to start your business?

I always wanted to own my own business! My aunt is an entrepreneur and I have always admired her for that. In addition, I wanted to be able to work for myself and have the flexibility of working from home with the hope of a schedule that allowed me to spend as much time as I wanted with any children I may have in the future.

Where is your business based?

My business is based in Hampton Roads, Virginia. 

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The first steps to starting a business are not the most exciting if I’m being honest! I had to go through the necessary paperwork to get my business license, file with the SCC, and take care of all those mundane tasks. Beyond that, I began learning as much as possible about everything from accounting to marketing because when I first started out, I needed to do everything by myself. I made a daily, weekly, and monthly to-do list, and poured time into getting everything done in my free time. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Over the years I have grown exponentially in my confidence and business savvy, which has helped me to talk about my business in a better and clearer way. Having the courage to show up online in pictures, video, and live streams have been huge for business growth, as well as daily in-person interactions that have led to some unexpected opportunities.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest business challenge actually coincided, rather unsurprisingly, with my biggest personal challenge. Over 3 years ago, my husband and I received a phone call about a 5-day-old baby waiting for us in the hospital, and we had 24 hours to decide if we wanted to adopt her as our own.

That tiny baby arrived in our lives 5 days after that, and we spent the week of what was supposed to be a beach vacation in a tiny NICU hours away from our home. When we finally were cleared to bring her home, it was in the midst of one of the busiest seasons of my job, and I had to adapt to becoming a mother of an infant who we didn't even know was coming while working full-time with no opportunity for maternity leave. 

It was a difficult season of change and adaptation and while it was incredibly challenging to make so many adjustments at the same time, I am so thankful for the little girl who is now a part of our lives.

How do you stay focused?

I am by nature a disciplined person, so staying focused has not been a major roadblock for me. However, last year I became a member at Gather, a local coworking space. Having a real office, a place away from home, and ‘coworkers’ has increased my productivity and even my day-to-day enjoyment!

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

My focus is on a long-term strategy for small businesses rather than just feel-good marketing that gets a few more likes and follows on Facebook and Instagram. I work with clients to create sustainable marketing through Google Adwords, Facebook and Instagram ads, Search Engine Optimization, and Squarespace websites. 

Because I have experience in so many different areas that all surround small business growth, I am able to bring a variety of options to the table as I work with business owners to meet their specific, individual needs that may not look the same as any other business I help. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

The most effective strategy I have is, first and foremost, serving my customers well. This vastly expands and strengthens my word-of-mouth marketing and keeps current clients happy as they experience success. Beyond that, Search Engine Optimization has consistently been one of my top business referrers and online traffic generators.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Before starting any marketing experts, define your ideal customer – and don’t be afraid to get specific! If you hone your marketing message and future plans towards the people who love your product or service the most, you will have faster, more sustainable growth than if you are simply trying to attract anyone and everyone to your business.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is Asana, which I use to coordinate work tasks with my office manager and stay on track. My favorite blog is Moz, which gives excellent, up-to-date information about the latest SEO trends. My favorite business book is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, a classic read that incorporates timeless strategies with common sense to propel your abilities in every area of life.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Besides the resources I mentioned above, my favorite business tool is Social Curator, a service that provides image captions and templates to boost your social media presence as well as a community of fellow entrepreneurs, marketers, and business people to network and grow together.

Who is your business role model? Why?

One of my business role models is Jasmine Star, who has a similar story to mine. She also began as a photographer and moved into marketing. Her business has been wildly successful and is a constant inspiration to me and a reminder to chase my biggest dreams. 

How do you balance work and life?

The idea of ‘work-life balance’ looks very different depending on the season. Sometimes I have to give a little more attention to work, which means asking my husband for a bit more help at home. Other times, I have extra time to take care of the daily tasks that can pile up. In short, there is no single answer to this question – just the recognition that every season has a beginning and an end, and if I can adjust to the changes that come along the way I will weather the storms and challenges well. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Running is the ultimate de-stressor for me. I can distract myself with a podcast or clear my mind by ditching the headphones and just listening to nature.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

After 2020, who knows?! But in all seriousness, my plan is to double down on Squarespace website design as well as SEO, which are two of my strongest areas. By focusing on my strengths, I hope to see my business grow. After making my first hire in 2020, I would love to expand my office manager’s role and possibly make more additions to the team. 

How can our readers connect with you?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mariagracellc

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mariagracellc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-grace/