Hidden Gems: Meet Sarah Smith of Sarah Smith Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Smith

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My consulting journey began when I was in college, in July 2022. At the time, I was a social media coordinator for the leading patient-empowerment and advocacy organization in the United States. While traveling to Washington, D.C., for work, I encountered some women volunteering at an event I was involved with. They asked me to take some pictures of them and help upload them to social media. As we talked, they asked for my number because they needed help with their business’s social media. A couple of months later, I put together a contract and started working for them. That’s where my consulting journey began!

I had no idea how much I would love it! From there, my business grew through word of mouth, and I realized there was a huge demand for social media and marketing consulting. Every business needs help with marketing, but not every business can afford to hire someone full-time. That’s where my business fills a need. I typically work with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits for 6 to 12 months. We create a contract that outlines their business needs, the services they require, and the goals they want to achieve.

I do make some exceptions, though. For example, one of the clients I’m currently working with has been with me for a year, and our contract is almost indefinite until she reaches the goals she’s aspiring to achieve. Typically, I don’t work with clients for more than a year because I want to help as many businesses as possible.

Once I entered grad school in 2023, I had more time to establish a real business. I created social media accounts, built a website, and started to grow. That’s when I was able to narrow down my areas of specialization: branding, marketing, social media management, video editing, and design.

My sister, Savannah Smith, is a photographer, and I recently added her to my team. Now, I can offer professional photography and videography services for businesses. It’s been so exciting to watch my business grow!

I get the opportunity to help so many different kinds of people, and it is incredibly rewarding.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, it has been smooth, but being a consultant comes with its challenges. A significant part of my job involves analyzing the current decisions people are making and informing them if those decisions are effective or not. Typically, when you tell a business owner they are making a mistake, it’s not something they want to hear.

As a female consultant, I sometimes find myself wanting to sugarcoat the issues. In the beginning, I often walked on eggshells when discussing problems because people can get defensive when told that what they’re doing isn’t going to bring the results they’re looking for. But I’ve learned that I have to be honest.

Recently, I had a meeting with a nonprofit that needed a website and a social media revamp. I explained what I thought they needed to do and outlined the steps it would take. Unfortunately, they told me they wanted everything done in just a few weeks, but I informed them that achieving good results would take at least a month. They ended up going with someone who claimed they could deliver good results in a week. That’s my cross to bear—I will never sacrifice quality just to make money. I want everything I do to be of the highest quality, even if it means turning down a job that doesn’t align with my values.

Now that I have more experience, I’ve learned the importance of telling those hard truths. When a business or individual hires me, they know from the start that I will be straightforward with them and help create a campaign or brand that will elevate their business and help them reach their goals.

We’ve been impressed with Sarah Smith Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sarah Smith Consulting is passionately committed to empowering small businesses and nonprofits, ensuring they thrive in today’s competitive market. With years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge in crafting innovative brand strategies and enhancing customer experiences. My expertise spans across branding, marketing, social media management, video editing, and website design.

What truly sets Sarah Smith Consulting apart is my dedication to small businesses and nonprofits, especially those that are just starting out or facing financial challenges. I’m known for my exceptional skill in growing social media followings through organic content and strategic planning. But beyond that, I have a genuine love for supporting businesses that may not have the resources to invest heavily in marketing. I work closely with clients to tailor solutions that fit their budget, ensuring they get the support they need without breaking the bank.

At Sarah Smith Consulting, I’m most proud of my ability to make a meaningful impact, helping businesses and organizations in need reach their full potential. My heart for service and dedication to my clients is what truly distinguishes me from others in the field. I want readers to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting a consultant—they’re gaining a partner who is deeply invested in their success.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see the consulting industry, particularly in branding, marketing, and social media management, undergoing significant shifts driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors.

I see an increased focus on digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration. As technology continues to evolve, there will be a greater emphasis on integrating AI and automation into marketing and branding strategies. AI-driven tools will likely become essential for data analysis, content creation, and customer engagement, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and personalize their offerings.

I also see a growth of personalized marketing. Consumers are increasingly expecting personalized experiences. The ability to create tailored content and marketing strategies based on individual customer data will become crucial. This trend will likely push consultants to develop more sophisticated methods of analyzing and utilizing data to deliver highly personalized campaigns.

Another huge part of my business and what I specialize in is video and interactive content. Video content will continue to dominate, with an increasing demand for short-form videos, live streaming, and interactive content. Social media platforms are likely to evolve to support these formats even more, making video editing and production a critical skill for marketing professionals.

Finally, I see a greater emphasis on community building and social impact. Brands that focus on building communities and creating a social impact will resonate more with consumers. Consultants will need to help businesses not just sell products or services but also create meaningful connections with their audiences, fostering loyalty and advocacy.

Pricing:

• A 1-0n-1 meeting with me is free! We will meet for roughly an hour (virtually or in-person) and discuss the businesses needs and see if I can meet them!
• From there we will discuss pricing that fits for that business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarahsmithconsulting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsmithconsulting/