Elyse Ward Creative Marketing

07/11/2024

Thrilled to share that and I recently wrapped up a big website design and launch! As many small business owners know, nailing down the perfect website can take time. I was beyond excited to help JRN find exactly what they needed to make their online presence shine. ✨

The portfolio page was a labor of love. Once we nailed their vision, I crafted a bespoke page with all the functionality and style they dreamed of. 🌿💻 But it doesn’t stop there! We’ve got a monthly contract for social media, blog writing, and recently introduced an email newsletter to keep their customers in the loop. 📬

Working with the JRN team is a highlight of my month! There’s nothing like visiting the nursery and seeing it buzzing with activity and vibrant plant life. 🌱💚

Interested in leveling up your small business marketing? Let’s chat! Email me today! 📧

05/15/2024

What a fun project to work on! In 2023 I worked on a full Branding Kit, website launch and so much more for . My favorite part of doing what I do is that I can be a chameleon in a lot of ways. Trying on styles and different vibes, eras, colors, and patterns that match the CLIENT, not the other way around. It helps me grow as a business owner and really scratches a creative itch for me. I am incredibly grateful to have worked with the B&D team and get them set up, and then, with a kiss on the forehead, sent them off to forge the world on their own!

Project Scope:
Full Branding Kit
Website Design
Social Media Setup, Launch, and 3 months management
Merch Design
PR, Newsletter, and Email Writing + Management
Interior Signage Design

06/08/2022

In a strange turn of events I return to Instagram in what can only be called a bit of a mania. Will I be blaming it on the prednisone I was diagnosed for a gnarly sinus infection? Sure. Either way I went ham in stories today about how to find templates with trending songs to make Reels. I then took it a step further and proceeded to show you exactly how to do it in Canva. So check out my stories if you’re interested and I will obviously save them to a Instagram highlight so you can refer back to them at any point. In my mania I know I have left out a lot of information so leave any questions in the comments.

           

11/05/2021

One Year!
I truly can’t believe it’s here. EWCM, LLC. has made it to our first anniversary. Did I not realize until about a week ago that it was the same as my due date? Guilty. But that almost makes it sweeter. It symbolizes a lot, in fact. Starting a business is a lot like having a baby. Ok, I’ll be honest here, in my experience it’s no where near as hard as pregnancy and a newborn. BUT it’s still extremely taxing with long nights, anxiety, difficult decisions, tears, and fears, but ALSO wonderful moments of breakthrough, excitement, freedom, happiness, and fulfillment.

Thank you, my loves, for believing in me, for giving me advice, for participating, for caring!!! I truly could not have done it without all of you. Thank you, all.

I’ll be back soon to annoy you all.

09/03/2021

Cheers to the long weekend!

Before we celebrate, be sure to check out my Instagram stories today talking allll about LinkedIn and why it’s crucial for your SMB. (I also saved them to my social media highlight!)

The 3 big things we go over:
1. Why LinkedIn?
2. Why NOW?
3. What to post?

Be sure to save this post if you’re already off celebrating so you can remember to get started once you’re refreshed from the weekend!

Have fun, be safe! Xx

08/26/2021

There is something to remember with this : CONTENT IS KING! I'm not telling you to just get on social and start chatting. I mean, you can absolutely do that, but to actually create ENGAGEMENT, you need to tap into what makes you passionate about your business and use that to communicate your skills to your audience.

I am the daughter of a teacher, who is a daughter of a teacher, who's entire family is pretty much teachers in some some way, shape, or form. It comes naturally to me and I ENJOY teaching others about marketing and why it's important. Let's be honest, education about elements of marketing is a miniscule aspect of what I do day-to-day, if at all, so I have harnessed this enjoyment into my social media. I passionately believe that the understanding of digital marketing converts into educated clients who are positioned well for the future. So that's where I positioned my social media strategy.

Here's the thing! You may not be a teacher! That's ok! That's GOOD! The internet is wide open to all types of personalities, but you have to be able to harness what is intrinsically you, what makes you passionate about what you are selling and translate that into your social media.

So go on, do some soul searching, and stay true to you. Remember, we're BOMBARDED all day every day with influencers and online sales pitches. Your customers see inauthenticity from a mile away.

08/10/2021

I am in absolute shock and am beyond surprised to announce I won't be accepting any new clients until New Year 2022. Between my current project backlog, and taking a (sort of) maternity leave in November and December, my calendar is full up! You know me, though, I am already looking forward, well into 2022 and making space and plans for new clients so that we can work together soon! And don't worry! I will still be active on Social Media (especially Instagram stories) to keep you up to date and give you unique perspectives on all things digital marketing. Huge shout out to all the friends, family, and lovely internet strangers who have helped me surpass my expectations for a business that is less than a year old. Here's to you!

08/06/2021

BRILLIANT article by Richmond's own Kelly O'Keefe for Forbes.

Two excerpts that have me applauding as I try to rally small businesses into cohesive digital marketing:

"Winning brands deliver a compelling promise to consumers that meets wants or needs. And they deliver on it with a customer experience through multiple channels: visual identity, messaging, design, in-person and digital interactions and more, all of which shape marketplace reputation and perception."

"Brands that fail to look inward and address DE&I issues, real or perceived, may find the market pivots without them, leaving them behind for competitors that better represent these values."

Businesses backed by carefully considered, research-based, strategic branding have a much better chance of making these crucial turns efficiently and profitably.

08/04/2021

This study was conducted in 2019! Positively ANCIENT information, am I right?

Earlier this week I gave you some homework to think about ways in which you can engage your customer better. I also mentioned understanding the value of time versus money and where to invest. For those of you with some time on your hands, but not a lot of cash, Social Media Marketing, and Advertising is such a smart move.

Earlier this week I gave you some homework to think about ways in which you can engage your customer better. I also mentioned understanding the value of time versus money and where to invest. For those of you with some time on your hands, but not a lot of cash, Social Media Marketing and Advertising is such a smart move.

I know, everyone will be in absolute shock to hear this from me. There is a reason I push social media for small businesses, though... IT WORKS! When consistency is paired with content your customer cares about, add in a little education, the right hashtag strategy, and engaging with your clients, it can often be far more successful and far less expensive than traditional marketing.

Looking for more information on social media (and more types of marketing)? Check out my highlights on Instagram!

08/02/2021

Proof of life: Forever channeling Chessy from The Parent Trap (I will be wearing chambray shirts for life). Also, a rare moment of straight hair deserves yet another shout-out to my girl . ⁠
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Ok, let's get down to business. Today we're talking about something I've had a lot of questions about from clients and potential clients: Staying ahead of the competition.⁠
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Now, let's be honest. This advice is general. When I work with a client I do a ton of research on them and their competitors to give them a personalized plan tailored to work with their needs and goals are. I will shout from the rooftops, one size does not fit all in ANY aspect of life or business. That being said, I have seen a common thread pull through to many of the businesses I work with, especially if they are in a highly saturated market. ⁠
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"There are so many other photographers/roofers/nail techs/realtors - I feel like I get lost in the sea of choices." ⁠
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In my opinion, the smartest way to stay ahead of your competition is by continuously engaging with your customers. Sometimes that means LinkedIn, sometimes that means a postcard (audible gasp from the millennial marketing community), sometimes that means showing your face in stories on Instagram, or a simple soft-touch in a monthly email. The key is to stay relevant and engaged. Your customer will forget you if you don't remind them you are there!⁠
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Homework: Take 10 minutes today and write out some ways you can become and stay relevant to your customer. Try to think outside the box, and what will give you the best return on investment. Remember, time is just as an expensive investment as money, so if you have time on your hands, double down on the low monetary options. If you have a little money, but no time, see what systems or teams can help you achieve what you need!

06/24/2021

This week in Instagram stories I went over blogging. While blogging can be an outlet for creative expression for individuals, for businesses it’s also an amazing way to optimize SEO and educate their clients on particular facets of their industry. A couple of thoughts to take away:
- Building blog posts around ‘lacking keywords’ in SEO research is a great way to fill holes to encourage and refresh website content for Google spiders.
- Taking the time to educate your customer on aspects of your business or product, teaching them how to use, how to get a great deal on, or answering frequently asked questions is a great way to build trust and a strong relationship with them. This, in turn, leads to a potential sale.
- An often better way to spend marketing dollars than on Google Ads, which only work for a set amount of time. Blog writing is an investment in your website’s core content. This keeps the Google spiders happier, longer.

It can sound daunting to start a blog for your business, but remember, you can set the precedent for frequency, kind, and length of posts. Most small businesses, even those with marketing departments, hire practiced ghostwriters who can churn them out quickly and easily... keeping costs low, and return on investment high.

Interested in learning more? Reach out and let’s discuss!