I Accidentally Started an Online Small Business as a Distraction…And I Love It!

Hey, Fellow Entrepreneur! 

You’ve found your way into my little corner of the interweb, and I’m so happy to have you here! You’re probably here to learn more about whether I’m your person for social media strategy and copywriting or content writing support for your small business. Have a read through the humble beginnings of Creatively Social Co. and then decide if you want to book a free call or just hang out on social:)

I’m Erika Christensen…no, not that Erika Christensen. However, we have a few things in common: we were both born in the 80s, we have blonde hair, and we spell our names the same way. I’ll try to keep that as the only tangent in this blog, so let’s get into why you’re really here!

Picture this…

it’s March 2020…ok, so I won’t send you into lockdown PTSD right now, but that time was a catalyst for change in a lot of people’s lives, including mine. Suddenly, my husband (who, I might add, had never worked from home EVER!) was working full-time from our third bedroom/office space, and the kids were figuring out how to manage virtual school or canceled school.

I was exhausted and overwhelmed with all the never-ending mundane life tasks, including keeping two energetic young boys quiet all day because the hubby was in meetings and the playgrounds were closed. Slowly, I felt myself starting to fall apart. Seeing as how a complete breakdown and burnout were NOT an option, I needed to do something solely for myself. And no, bubble baths didn’t count!

Instead, I decided to start taking some courses online about social media marketing and basic SEO after being inspired by a friend and a mom already working from home, providing social media management. It turns out that digital marketing, with its ever-shifting and changing landscape, provides an ideal industry to work in for someone with a busy brain like mine. 

I’d never run a proper business before, other than a few side-hustles in the past, but nothing like online business ownership, and I was nervous, to say the least. I decided to do it scared anyway! Isn’t that the definition of courage?!

After testing out social media marketing on Instagram and joining Facebook groups to learn what other small business owners needed help with for about three months, I landed a client. 

“Stay afraid, but do it anyway.” – Carrie Fisher

Ecstatic is probably an understatement to describe how I felt when I sent off that first invoice with my business logo in the header! It wasn’t a large project and not even for the services I offer today, but it was a beginning and nothing to sniff at. It was a start!

Once I had secured my first client, the next few rapidly followed, and I found myself busier than I ever expected. It was a tad overwhelming at the beginning, trying to learn new skills all the time, so I have learned over the past almost 5 years what I genuinely love doing and shifted focus to those things. 

Social Media Marketing Enters the Picture

I’m a planner at heart, and crafting custom social media strategies for business owners who are struggling with consistency is incredibly rewarding. Seeing the value and impact that regular content on social media has for a small business owner (when backed by a plan and well-designed visuals and copy) makes me do a happy dance! Social media marketing is essential to a small business owner’s overall marketing plan. Having someone (like me!) to support and guide you through the tricky landscape of social media can help you avoid frustration and overwhelm.

Copywriting and Content Writing Quickly Follow

English was always my favourite subject in school, and I never go anywhere without something to read. That probably explains why copywriting and content writing have so naturally entered my service offerings. 

Words are my friends. I love using them to help small business owners lean into who they are, elevate their brand, and capture their voice. Never underestimate the power of copywriting and content writing services for your business. Click here to check out my writing portfolio. If you like my vibe and think I might be a good fit for your small business writing needs, drop me an email at hello@creativelysocialco.com. 

Now, if you’re thinking, “Erika, I don’t know if I’m ready to hand off anything to someone else yet…” don’t worry! I’m still happy you’re here:) We can hang out on social, or I can pop into your inbox every once in a while with some social media and writing insights or struggles about being a WFH parent. Seriously, the struggle is real.

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

xo Erika 💕