“I really fell in the love with the idea of helping businesses clarify their overall marketing message and then write marketing copy that would truly allow them to reach more potential customers and grow their business,” Holly says. “Let’s just say I spend my days writing a lot of words!”
After celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Fisher Creative last fall, Holly is focused on growing in new ways and reaching more organizations eager to enhance their marketing.
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
Many businesses have a fantastic product or service, but struggle to generate leads. I start by clarifying the organization’s marketing message. Then, I write clear, compelling copy for their website, email campaigns and other materials – all with the goal of turning prospects into paying customers and clients.
I’m the owner of Fisher Creative Marketing and a StoryBrand Certified Guide. I’ve helped dozens of organizations clarify their marketing message and develop an effective sales funnel that generates more leads and boosts their bottom line.
After many years as a full-time journalist, I shifted into marketing and public relations. In November 2011, I started Fisher Creative in Mount Pleasant, S.C. In those early days, I worked mostly with businesses and nonprofits in the Charleston, S.C., area. In February 2018, I became a StoryBrand Certified Guide, using the powerful and proven StoryBrand Marketing Framework to help businesses grow. These days, I work with organizations locally and around the globe on copywriting projects. In August 2021, my family and I relocated to Asheville.
What’s a little-known fact or trivia about your business?
If you look at my company logo, you’ll get clues to some of my favorite things. A coffee mug because I love coffee. Also, the red/orange color of my logo matches the color of my Dodge Challenger. And, the car’s name is Fran, a classic CrossFit workout (before I start my workday, I’m at CrossFit Asheville).
How has your company grown over the years?
When I first started my business, I offered public relations and social media marketing. Businesses were still new to social media, so it was fun helping them develop their online presence and engage with their new followers. But when I read the book “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller, I really fell in the love with the idea of helping businesses clarify their overall marketing message and then write marketing copy that would truly allow them to reach more potential customers and grow their business. Over the last few years, I’ve shifted my focus to marketing messaging and copywriting services. Let’s just say I spend my days writing a lot of words!
What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome?
Not undercharging for my services. For service-based businesses in particular, pricing is a challenge. It can be tempting to charge less because we truly want to help more people. But we must remember, customers and clients will pay for what they value. I was many years into my business before I truly learned that lesson. Now, I try to encourage other businesses to charge what they are worth. Your expertise, your knowledge and your decades of experience are valuable.
How has you/your company’s idea of success transformed?
In business, we tend to attach dollar amounts to our success. Certainly, revenue growth is a sign we’re doing something right, but it’s not the only measure of success. For me, I want to know I’m helping my clients grow their businesses. When they are successful, I’m thrilled! I also put a strong emphasis on my priorities: faith, family, work. Work is important but it’s not the most important.
What is most important to you/your company now?
This year, I’ve been focused on business development – my own marketing, learning new skills that will improve the work I do for my clients, and networking. After celebrating my 10-year anniversary last fall, this year seemed like the perfect opportunity to grow in new ways and focus on reaching more organizations eager to enhance their marketing.
What do you see as your company’s legacy?
I want anyone associated with my business – clients, partners, vendors – to know I gave them 110%. I want them to be delighted with the work I provide and enjoy the process of working with me. I see my business as an extension of my faith and want that to come through in every interaction I have.
What’s on the horizon?
I’m studying up on brand archetypes – think personality types for your brand – so I can ensure clients not only have a crystal-clear marketing message but a strong sense of how to engage with their ideal clients. I’m also looking for additional speaking engagements and planning to host a marketing workshop or two here in Asheville.
What else would you like to share?
This summer, I’m inviting everyone to join me for the Summer of Story in my Facebook Group. We’ll be working through the book “Building a StoryBrand” and talking about the power of storytelling in your marketing. Anyone can join! It’s a great way to head into the fall with a clear marketing message.