Frequently Asked Questions
Working With Me
What makes you different from a marketing agency?
A few things. I'm not going to lock you into a retainer, manage your accounts for you, or hand you a strategy deck you'll never look at again. I teach you how to do this yourself so you're never dependent on someone else to keep your business visible. My background is broadcasting, not advertising, which means I think like a storyteller first and a marketer second. That's a different approach, and for most small businesses it's a more useful one.
Do you work with community organizations, festivals, and theatre groups?
Yes. A lot of my work is with BIAs, community festivals, local theatre groups, and small charities. The promotion problems are the same as a small business's, usually with a smaller budget and a committee of volunteers sharing the work. I'll help you build a plan your team can actually keep up with.
Which strategy session should I choose?
Have one clear issue? Book the 90-minute session. Do things feel scattered? Book the 2-hour session. Want a full outside review before we meet? Book the 2-hour PLUS. You can compare them on the Work With Me page.
What happens after I book?
Right after you purchase, you'll get an email with everything you need for the next steps. Before your session, you'll fill out a short intake form so we can get right to work.
Can I reschedule or get a refund?
All purchases are final and non-refundable. If something comes up before your session, send me a message and we'll talk it through.
What's included in The Town Square VIP?
A full year of one-on-one coaching, with calls every two months and voice message access between calls. You can see everything that's included on The Town Square VIP page.
Do you offer a free discovery call?
No. I've found I can answer most questions just as well by email, and it saves us both time. Send me a message and we’ll figure out the right fit.
Do you work with businesses outside Niagara?
Yes. I'm based in Niagara, but I work with clients across Canada and beyond, virtually. If you've got a reliable internet connection, we can work together.
I'm not "techy." Can I still promote my business online?
Absolutely. You don't need to be technical. You need a plan that matches your comfort level and someone to walk you through it at your pace. We start simple and build from there.
How long until I see results?
That depends on where you're starting and how consistently you show up. Most people notice a difference in their confidence and clarity within the first few weeks. Visible results like more website traffic, stronger engagement, or media coverage typically take a few months of consistent effort. There's no shortcut, but there is a straightforward path.
Promotion Basics
Why is it so expensive to hire a PR or social media team?
Because good strategy takes time, consistency, and a lot of work that happens behind the scenes. You're not just paying for someone to post content or send emails. You're paying for their experience, their media contacts, and their understanding of what actually gets noticed. For most small businesses, you don't need a full agency. You need the right foundation and enough knowledge to handle things yourself with confidence.
Can I handle my own PR and social media?
Probably, at least to start. Most small businesses don't need a full-time PR firm or social media team. You just need to show up online consistently so people can find you. Media coverage and viral moments are great when they happen, but your real goal is steady visibility, not perfection.
Do I need to be on every social media platform?
No. Start where your customers already are. A simple website and one active social platform is enough to begin building visibility. It's better to show up consistently in one place than half-heartedly everywhere.
What should I post about on social media?
Talk about what's happening in your business, introduce your team, share customer stories, or show what makes your product or service worth choosing. Honest and consistent beats polished and sporadic every time.
How do I promote my next event or show effectively?
If people keep telling you they didn't know about your event, you're not promoting it enough. Talk about it more often than feels comfortable, across social media, email, and in person. Mix in behind-the-scenes content, countdowns, and reminders so it doesn't feel repetitive. People need to see something several times before it sticks.
How do I get media coverage for my small business or event?
Start with a story, not a sales pitch. Journalists and producers want something interesting, local, or genuinely useful to their audience. Figure out what makes your story newsworthy, then send a short, clear pitch with the key details: who, what, where, when, and why anyone should care.
Ready to get started?
Book a Strategy Session and let's figure out where to begin.