Since 2011, I’ve been working in digital marketing across different roles and industries. I’ve seen fads come and go, new platforms emerge, and countless “ultimate” formulas take over timelines, only to disappear just as quickly.
But one thing hasn’t changed: the deep scepticism that many small business owners feel toward marketing agencies.
I don’t blame them.
After years in this space, working both in boutique agencies and alongside independent businesses, I’ve heard the same frustrations on repeat.
And I believe it’s time we talk about them, openly, honestly, and with perspective.
I don’t usually start with a list of courses or qualifications, but since you’re here: I’ve specialised in Social Media, studied SEO, content strategy, and business strategy. I also hold an MBA in Innovation and Leadership Models.
Still, what shaped me more than anything was working in a boutique agency, where clients had direct access to the owner and to us, the team behind the work. There was no room for overpromising or hiding behind vague deliverables.
When we didn’t know something, we said so.
When we couldn’t deliver something, we referred the client to someone who could.
That honest, grounded way of doing business is still how I work today.
My strength lies in understanding my clients deeply, what they want, what they need, and what’s realistic given their current stage of business.
I build trust first.
I become part of the team. That’s when the best results happen, not from hype, not from pressure, but from alignment.
At Chama, here’s what we deliver:
Let’s be honest: the digital marketing space is saturated with noise.
Instagram is full of short-form advice like:
But the reality for small business owners is very different.
They’re short on time, stretched across roles, and many aren’t willing, or able, to spend half their day recording reels, editing videos, planning content, or trying to master a constantly changing algorithm.
For them, the idea of “just be consistent on socials” feels unrealistic, and often, demoralising.
That’s the million-dollar question. And if you’re a business owner asking it, I hear you.
The good news is: there are still a lot of opportunities for small businesses in digital. In fact:
But here’s where it gets tricky:
This creates a frustrating middle ground, where businesses know they need help, but don’t know where to turn or how much to spend.
I’ve worked both inside agencies and alongside them, and I’ve seen it first-hand:
According to recent data:
Many of these business owners are asking themselves:
Let me be clear: most marketing professionals do want to do good work. But the real job, aligning expectations with budget, systems, and stage of growth, often gets skipped.
Sometimes clients expect instant ROI without having the foundations in place. Other times, they’ve been burned before and expect the worst. It goes both ways.
A good agency will:
You don’t need to become a digital marketing expert. But you do need a partner who explains things in your language, not theirs.
You should feel confident enough to ask questions, raise concerns, and leave if the relationship isn’t working. You should never feel trapped by a contract or unsure of where your money is going.
You should also know that sometimes, the problem isn’t marketing, it’s strategy.
These aren’t marketing decisions alone, they’re business decisions.
It’s OK to Say No (From Both Sides)
I’ve turned down projects before because I knew they weren’t a good fit. Either the client wasn’t ready, or the expectations were far from the reality. And that’s okay.
Saying no protects my integrity, and it protects their investment.
We need to stop pretending there’s one perfect formula.
The truth is:
But none of that happens if we don’t start with trust, honesty, and clear communication.
Let’s not forget:
Marketing doesn’t exist in isolation. It only works when aligned with reality.
If you’re a small business owner tired of one-size-fits-all packages, vague deliverables, or feeling left in the dark—you’re not alone. And you’re right to be cautious.
But if you’re ready for a partner who will work with your goals, your budget, and your stage of growth, I’d love to chat. Contact Chama today to have support with your marketing strategy and brand positioning.
Let’s build a marketing strategy that’s honest, achievable, and built to last!
