Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Legaspi.
Hi Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started ImageUp Innovations when I realized a lot of small businesses need help with their marketing. In researching and chatting with friends, I learned entrepreneurs often feel overwhelmed with consistently creating and posting content online. Maybe it’s not in their wheelhouse, or they don’t have the time. I combined my experience and passions to help businesses build a strong, authentic online presence.
I come from a storytelling background; I began my career as a local TV news reporter in Columbia and made my way to Greenville, SC. After some years in the industry, I switched to marketing for a local real estate business. These experiences taught me two things: my love of storytelling remains, and quality marketing is vital to business growth. As a former journalist, I still love telling peoples’ stories and seeing them light up about their passions. And as a fellow entrepreneur, I know what it’s like to dream big and be ready to execute your vision yesterday.
I aim to have the latest tools ready to compellingly tell my clients’ stories. When people search for their industry, they should see signs of life and recent content. One of my favorite parts of owning a social media management business is blowing my clients’ minds by developing weeks’ worth of compelling content, making them look good! There is always a story to tell with creative new angles. It’s the old TV journalist in me.
My clients should know they have a cheerleader in their corner championing their growth. They should get excited about becoming top-of-mind through a strong social media presence, which leads to more business and time to focus on doing what they’re good at. When my client wins, I win.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a social media management business has been challenging in the best way! Anything worth having takes work. From the day I decided to start this business, I knew what I was getting myself into: research, preparation, discipline, and self accountability! I’m a huge proponent of finishing what you start. One of my favorite quotes is “Begin with the end in mind” by Stephen Covey. In other words, start any endeavor by keeping a clear vision of where you want to end up. In launching ImageUp Innovations, late nights and early mornings were spent researching, building my website, developing my packages, etc. But what keeps me going is all the intangible benefits of business ownership. One thing I appreciate about this industry is that there is always more to learn and people to talk to. I love staying challenged, forming new connections, and seeing entrepreneurs reap the rewards of their efforts/investments!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
To the small businesses and entrepreneurs: picture having a streamlined content approval process with someone who is marketing savvy & understands your business, from the overall brand aesthetic to your deeply-rooted mission. When people search for your industry, they see signs of life and are drawn in by recent content that shows personality and authenticity.
Whether you’re a brand new or well-established business, there are ways to customize my services into a bundle crafted for your unique needs. ImageUp Innovations offers packages surrounding content creation, copywriting, and scheduling posts at optimal engagement times. I also provide several marketing add-ons, including website design!
With every piece of content, I constantly ask myself, “What is my intention with this post?” “Who do I intend on reaching?” And “How do I intend to serve them with this content?” Professional, engaging content should establish brand recognition and create leads, who eventually become paying customers. Copywriting includes anything written that needs to be presented professionally and engage followers. Good copy should resonate with the audience, showcase the brand’s personality and inspire action. I also monitor social media accounts, respond to customer inquiries, and engage with followers to build relationships and boost engagement.
Coming from a TV journalist background, I always look for ways to tell a story with creative new angles. I find satisfaction in helping my clients’ businesses stand out and thrive. My goal is to help you build a following, earn new business, and have time to focus on doing what you love without feeling left behind. I’m excited to share my clients’ stories in a way that connects with their audiences, in the same way I sought to connect with my viewers in my TV days!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve had countless conversations with people who have either been in my shoes starting a new marketing business or entrepreneurs who have considered hiring a creative freelancer. I’ve learned that we all have more in common than we may realize! We want to feel valued and know we’re making a difference with our chosen paths. I’ve always kept a success principle from Zig Ziglar at the forefront of my endeavors: “When you help enough people get what they want, you will have everything you want.” Yes, I run a social media management business, but I see my skills as a vehicle for helping others reach their dreams and goals. Seeing others flourish is contagious and empowering. By helping other entrepreneurs, they shine in their strengths, thus impacting people in their networks. It’s a chain reaction that comes back full circle!
Pricing:
- Packages range from $321 to $950 per month.
- Marketing add-ons range from $50 (social media platform setup) to $1,000 (new website design).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imageupinnovations.com
- Instagram: @imageupinnovations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imageupinnovations
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imageup-innovations-llc/
Image Credits
Daniel Kenya, Katie Ellis, Bethany Ford, Regina Michelle
