The overwhelming popularity of social media platforms has created new ways of making money among business people, whether full-time or part-time.
For Gesora Mwasi, Facebook is not only a social networking platform but also an avenue that he credits for his success in digital marketing.
Mwasi, the founder and lead Digital Brand Strategist at IDMA Agency, revealed he earned his first income from digital marketing in 2009 while in his first year at Strathmore University.
Mwasi told Nation he made an impressive Sh10,000 by selling a Facebook page with about 20,000 followers to a company, a deal that opened his eyes to business opportunities on social media.
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While still at school, he engaged in digital event management, where he helped high-end hotels and restaurants to increase sales through social media at a fee.
“After graduation, I decided to take it more seriously and venture into digital marketing full-time. I engaged two friends, and we had a good run and later dissolved the business because my colleagues wanted to pursue other interests,” he said.
With a capital of Sh 40,000, Mwasi registered his company IDMA Agency and developed marketing materials. His company took some time to peak, which he says was a result of a lack of connection.
“Before I landed my first client, I had understood the word tarmacking candidly. I made hundreds of calls and moved from office to office, demonstrating value and capability, and finally, one company agreed to try us out.” He added.
His first client almost drove Mwasi into losses as he had overpromised service delivery, an engagement he says helped him learn to price better, negotiate for better contract terms, and the importance of mentors in entrepreneurship.
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His company IDMA Agency, which connects brands to their target audiences through digital integrated marketing strategies, has since grown to a large firm serving various corporates.
His clients are mainly enterprises that have between 51 and 250 staff members and an annual turnover above Sh100 million.
To get his services, clients part with between Sh80,000 and up to Sh3.5m depending on the project and the client’s unique needs and requirements.
‘’We offer discovery, strategy, brand management, digital development, experiential marketing, integrated digital marketing, and capacity building, which involves training top management in delivering digital success.” He added.
He said to thrive in the digital marketing industry, one should have digital marketing expertise as well as be quick to adapt to changes as the digital space is ever-changing.
