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Worthy Convos: Kimberley Gotcher, Marketing Maven
Kimberley Gotcher knows the value of digital marketing to a small business because she used to run a small business. After leaving corporate marketing to obtain her MBA, Gotcher opened a bridal salon, learning quickly just how essential it is to connect with clients. She eventually swapped gowns for graphics and opened Savvy Digital, a firm dedicated to creating marketing experiences that elevate the social media presence of small businesses. A self-proclaimed “marketing dork,” Gotcher works around the clock to create affordable and impactful solutions for her clients.
Marketing can be both vague and broad. How does Savvy Digital define the term?
You’re so right – “marketing” can mean many things to many people. I tend to define marketing as the art of building relationships. There is a reason that influencers have become such a huge piece of the social media landscape. We, the consumers, are being given a peek into these people’s lives and suddenly, we feel like we personally KNOW the people on our phone screen.
At Savvy Digital, the goal for every client is to develop and cultivate relationships with their clients, both potential and current. Since 2020, there has been an increased need to connect on a deeper level, and I keep that in mind when designing a marketing plan for a client. I create transformational campaigns that connect with the public in many ways and allows the brand to make the transition from business to “friend.”
Photo courtesy of Savvy Digital
What type of clients do you work with?
I guess the simple answer is that I focus on small, local businesses. Having owned a small business in the past, I know the challenge of trying to do your own social media while running your business. And if you wanted to find a social media management company, finding one that would fit a small business budget. So, I created affordable, impactful options that work for every small business.
Having said that, I target small businesses, my clients run the gamut. I have clients that are photographers, I work with a private school, a construction company, even a company that produces an organic cleaner. And that’s just a few!
I love taking on a new client and digging in and learning about what they do. I firmly believe that marketing is marketing, regardless of the industry. Approaches and messaging might change, but the concept never changes.
What is a Client Retention plan?
Client Retention is about focusing your marketing efforts on your current customers. A few fun facts…Did you know that increasing customer retention by 5% increases profits by 25-95%? Additionally, it costs 7x more to acquire a new customer than to retain an old one.
That brings us back to my Client Retention services. I will work with my client to craft a customized plan that fit your needs and budget. It could be as simple as monthly client care calls – think birthdays, thank you, loyalty, and follow upscales after a purchase. I can also create custom email templates and manage an email campaign for your clients, so you stay top of mind.
But, if none of those options sound quite right, I will work with my client and design a completely custom package for them – the sky’s the limit.
How would you describe your work style?
I would say it’s all about having fun! It sounds silly, but it’s true. I absolutely LOVE coming up with new and innovative ideas for my clients that will allow them to stand out from the crowd. And I’m that marketing dork that thinks researching for social media posts is the coolest thing ever! I currently have a client who has an Instagram account devoted to matchbooks from Fort Worth, both past and present. I will spend (probably too much) time digging and going on rabbit holes in order to find cool, little-known facts about these places on the matchbooks – and it is the best time!
If you’re not having fun when you’re working, then it truly is a J-O-B. But I don’t consider this a job. I look at Savvy as my baby, and I am nurturing her and taking care of her, which means I am always thinking and making notes for client’s projects. I might send a client email on a Saturday night at midnight because I had to share my idea right that minute. Working with me will never be boring, that’s for sure!
Photo courtesy of Savvy Digital
When you aren’t busy managing the day to day of Savvy Digital, where can you be found in Fort Worth?
Oh goodness, all over the place! I love spending time with my family, of course. And catching up with friends is always at the top of my list. Brunch at Winslow’s, grabbing a glass of wine at Colonial, cocktails at The Drover followed by dinner at Joe T’s, music bingo at The Rabbit Hole, lunch at The Tavern, and shopping at Clearfork. Fort Worth has so many options for entertainment, which makes it hard to decide what to do at times.
One of the mainstays in my schedule is Women in the Word at Christ Chapel. You can find me there every Thursday morning, diving into the scripture and building relationships with other women. The ability to take time out of a workday to feed my soul is such a gift!
What’s it like being a Baylor Bear in a sea of Horned Frogs?
Let’s just say there’s lots of purple around town! Honestly, it’s part of Fort Worth, and as a Fort Worth native, it’s all I’ve ever known. That being said, I was born into a family that BLEEDS green and gold. I grew up going to Baylor football games with my family every fall, our family dog was named Baylor, and my dog is named Bear.
I get teased and occasionally I’m given a hard time by my sweet Horned Frog friends, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! One of the funniest moments was when I was applying for grad school, and I ended up deciding to go to The Neeley School. My parent’s friends wanted to throw a party (all in purple and white, of course) to watch my parents write a check to TCU. I loved my time at The Neeley School; it has helped to make me into the woman I am today. I love Fort Worth with all my heart, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I just make sure to wear my green and gold on Fridays in the fall. Sic’em Bears!
Great interview! I’m a professional artist in need of a marketing professional—especially growing my social media presence & getting buyers to my Etsy gallery: JaunethSkinnerArt. Currently in process of moving to Mansfield—grumpy husband, 2 cats, studio, & all…! Would love to collaborate.