Meet Ericka Dukes of Social Ink Co in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Dukes.

Ericka, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After working with a company for four years, I came to work one Friday and was let go. Although my mortgage and other bills came to mind, I was relieved and excited because I knew something better was coming. So here I am throwing my resume out, going to interviews and not landing a single job. Well, I knew social media like the back of my hand and figured, “Why don’t I just try this on my own?” So I did. I knew I only needed one person to take a chance on me (and pay me because I had bills!) and it worked. After I landed my first client, I really started building my business and learning all the ropes of entrepreneurship. These weren’t things I learned in school, so it took a lot of research and dedication. But here I am three years later with an amazing social media management business that I’m so proud of.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Have you ever heard that an entrepreneur is someone that jumps and builds a parachute on the way down? That is so true! You can get all the industry advice in the world, read all the books, attend all the webinars and it won’t matter until you figure out what works for you! I remember when I started, I still had this corporate mindset and would try to sound super professional all the time. But that’s not me. I’m laid back, fun and straight no chaser. That’s what people love about me and I had to realize, I can’t be like everyone else out here. It won’t work that way. Figuring out your business takes time. It takes sincere dedication and hard work. I had to really discipline myself because my livelihood is completely dependent on me. If I don’t feel like working, cool. I don’t have to. But what does that mean for my team and for my clients? You have to be disciplined to work those 15 hour days, skip dinner with friends, figure out how to pay taxes…whoo, it’s a lot LOL but it’s so worth it.

Social Ink Co – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I own Social Ink Co, a boutique social media management company. I specialize in organic social media growth, conversions, and ROI. We are all in with our full social media management clients meaning we create content and graphics, write out captions, post, engage with followers, answer questions/comments/DM’s – I mean we do it all so that our clients can sit back and manage the day to day of their business. I also offer Instagram Clarity Calls for people that are just stuck and need help and accountability. I’m known for staying on top of all the new social media trends and features. I’m also known for my no-fluff approach to social media. Want to know the truth about your page or about a feature, I’m your girl.

What makes me proud is that we are a small team and we truly take the time to nurture our clients and give them exactly what they need (not what they want because they don’t know LOL). We don’t run things on autopilot and walk away. We’re in there really talking to people on behalf of clients.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by how happy my clients are. Are we helping them reach their business goals? Is there social media a reflection of them and the people they serve?

Pricing:

• Instagram Clarity Call $297
• Full Social Media Management starts at $750/month per platform
• Instagram Strategy $650

Contact Info:

• Website: www.socialinkco.com
• Email: ericka@socialinkco.com
• Instagram: socialinkco

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