Introducing…MORE THAN CREATIVE

I am so excited to introduce to the world…MORE THAN CREATIVE.

If you’ve been following my journey, you know I have a huge passion for business.

I started my career in the marketing agency world and learned SO much. I loved going into work every day ready to explore all of the ways to make a business grow – how to get in front of more people, how to better communicate the value, how to help connect people with products and services that would improve their lives.

When it came time to make a decision between focusing fully on my photography business or continuing my agency career, I bet on myself and left the world of marketing behind (mostly).

While I love photography and it’s not going anywhere, I’ve always felt this gentle pull back to the strategic side of things. I found myself in conversations constantly with other business owners and I’ve learned I’m not really like the rest of them…

I LOVE business.
I LOVE marketing and sales strategy.
I LOVE creating content.

I really believe that I am serving in the best way when I’m helping others get clarity on their positioning and structuring their online presence to attract their dream clients.

This past year I introduced brand photography as a service for Dakota Hersey Photography and that only poured gasoline on the fire that was telling me it’s time to step back into the world of marketing strategy.

I have so much to share (Lord knows I’ve been building this for over a year so I have A LOT to say!) but we’ll start with the basic, burning questions…

Why a brand new business?

I went back and forth on what it would look like to infuse this new venture into Dakota Hersey Photography, especially since education is a popular route for photographers. 

I spent MONTHS deliberating the brand structure.

Ultimately my vision and goals for these two companies are completely different, so that meant two separate businesses made the most sense.

Dakota Hersey Photography is my heart – it’s where I serve from the core of who I am as an encouraging, detail oriented, creative person. The brand and I are essentially one and the same and my vision is that it will always be that way.

More Than Creative is my soul – it’s where I can lean into the things that keep me curious and serve with passion. This brand is an extension of me, but there’s room for growth to make it bigger than myself.

I’m excited to share more about my heart and vision for both, but I’ve known since I was in high school and built my first website that I wanted to do a version of this. While I didn’t totally understand what that would look like, it’s been so fun to see it evolve.

This is exciting!! What exactly…is it?

If I’ve learned anything over the years in creative, entrepreneurial industries, to run a successful business you must be “more than creative.”

It requires more than taking something you’re good and having people pay you for it. It means you’re also a CEO, marketer, finance advisor, content creator, data analyst, website designer, customer service, photographer, bookkeeper…

Most people start businesses for the love of their craft, not the love of being a business owner.

More Than Creative strives to be a resource for creative entrepreneurs who have turned their unique skills and talents into businesses and want to grow through intentional marketing, sales, and client experience strategies.

It is business coaching meets tactical marketing and sales strategy. Our goal is to work alongside brands who believe in the same business fundamentals that we do and apply our own knowledge, experience, and skill set to help them grow while staying focused on the things they do best.

Over time this will evolve alongside the businesses we work with, which is the most fun part! I can’t wait to see what opportunities present themselves as we reach new levels together.

Regardless of the specific service, More Than Creative’s strategy focuses on mapping out key points of your client experience, developing a sales process that sets expectations, and creating a marketing strategy that educates and builds trust. 

The approach is made up of 5 key components:

• Clarity
• Direction
• Voice
• Content
• Images

I’ve explained this a little more in-depth on the homepage but I will explain even more in the future! (Like I said, LOTS of sharing)

How can we work together?

I am launching with three different programs alongside 1:1 coaching calls. I am SO excited about these because they are all things I have been asked to help with over the years, so the fact that now I get to offer them is WILD.

The Brand Identity and Messaging VIP Day

This is the foundation to everything you will do with your marketing and sales strategy (honestly the foundation to everything you’ll do…period). During this VIP Day, we’ll have focused time to drill into your core values, purpose, impact, goals, and messaging to have a crystal clear view of what your brand is.

The Blogging and Content Planning VIP Day

Blogging is one of the cornerstones of my success over the years. I LOVE creating content and blogging is one of the few platforms you actually own. It’s built for the long game, but that also means the work you put in today will pay off for years to come. 

During this VIP Day, we will set up your blog, technically and strategically, and create a content strategy that will set you up to create multiple pieces of EFFECTIVE content that are fun to read (not just things that are “good for SEO”). 

The Website Strategy and Copy Program

I am very excited about this one because we are shaking up the website design process – starting with helping you actually know what to say on your website. So many people build their websites by piecing together sections and paragraphs from other people’s websites…and that’s not an authentic version of you.

During this coaching program, we’ll outline your website strategy, build wireframes (page outlines), AND write the words – because copy dictates design. 

If you are interested in any of these programs, head to the Work With Us page to learn more!!!

The journey to More Than Creative has been a challenging one for many reasons – professionally and personally.

I am so thankful for my community and how you all continuously support me. It’s honestly overwhelming to know that I can choose whatever path and I can always look back to see a crowd cheering me on. 

Okay, who’s ready for another wild adventure?!!!