CREATING A BUZZ
Doing what comes naturally is the key to success for this entrepreneurial marketer.
Michelle Hummel is ubiquitous on social media. Fans can count on see-
ing her regular posts and blogs, offering advice on web strategy and social media marketing. Hummel and her team of experts at Web Strategy Plus serve local businesses and franchise networks nationwide with a “one stop
shop” full-service digital marketing agency. Here, she shares her insights on social media marketing and gives us the story behind her growing business. Please give a little history about how you started your business. In 2010 I found myself working a corporate job selling banner advertising for a local television station. Every time I would go on a sales call, customers asked if we offered services for managing Facebook and Twitter. At the time, I wasn’t sure what “social media” was about. So I decided to read every book I could find about social media. I created a WordPress website, where I blogged a quote each day called, “365 Ways to Become a Millionaire.” I created a Facebook page, posted the blog, and started to grow a following. Then I went to Mexico for my best friend’s wedding and stopped posting. When I returned I had an inbox full of messages asking “where were their daily posts?” It was then I realized the power of social media. I left my job to start a social media marketing agency. Since then, I’ve evolved Web Strategy Plus to become a full-service agency offering Web Design, SEO, PPC, Mobile App Development while also specializing in Franchise Marketing. Along the way, I developed 22 Social Media Enthusiasts chapters 64
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Nationwide in every major city where I travel and teach the latest techniques in digital marketing. I’ve since written three books on social media and founded Web Media University where I offer Social Media Training and Certification. I was also lucky enough to be recently nominated for the Woman-Owned Business of the Year! What does Web Strategy Plus do for franchisees and franchisors? Our business is to grow your business and we do so in a variety of ways. For franchisees and franchisors, we have two services to help them stay ahead of the game. Franchisor Lead Development: Bringing new franchise owners into your organization begins with identifying the right prospects. Even though you may know exactly what your ideal owner looks like, connecting with them can be a significant challenge. Using social media, search engine optimization, and advertising strategies, we can help increase the number of targeted leads your operation receives in a cost-effective manner. Franchisee Local Marketing: In addition to
