#WIB-Q&A With Anina Heyns Founder & Owner Of Pretty Social
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. Pretty Social is a boutique social media marketing agency in Cape Town, founded in 2016. We offer social media strategies and advertising to small businesses all over South Africa and even Dubai. For a small business new to marketing, we build a brand from the ground up by creating a corporate identity, stationery and website. From there, we create a social media strategy, craft fresh content and manage their social media platforms, but most importantly, we advertise their business through social media advertising. That is truly where our strengths lie. We also help them grow their email list and create monthly email newsletters to keep regular contact with their customers. Between a strong visual look, online presence (website) and targeted social media advertising and content, we work wonders.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started my business at the end of 2016 and started working full time on it at the beginning of 2017. I’ve been working in the marketing industry for over five years by then, doing a variety of marketing activities for a company in-house, from website maintenance and print advertising to social media marketing, arranging events/launches and internal marketing. I grew very fond of the social media side of things and wanted to focus on that only. I quickly realised the potential of what social media advertising can do for a business. That’s where my dream of helping other businesses grow their social media was born – to go beyond increasing followers to actually convert likes into solid leads and sales.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. As founder and owner of Pretty Social, I’m very much involved in the day-to-day running of the business. Of course my day is filled with client queries, consultations, putting proposals together and onboarding new clients. But I also work directly with a few of our clients and manage their accounts. I feel that this is the best way to stay on top of what’s happening in the world of marketing and for our clients to get to know me.
4. Where did you study & what did you study?
A. I actually studied Hospitality Management in Pretoria and worked in that industry for a few years. I then fell pregnant with my firstborn and soon realised that the long hours and working over weekends just won’t work for this brand-new, first time mom! I was lucky enough to find a position as PA slash marketing coordinator soon after my maternity leave. I then studied digital marketing part-time at the University of Cape Town and did a few social media and Facebook advertising courses.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. Pretty Social wasn’t financed. I used my skills, network and contacts to get my first paying customers on board. With the first funds coming in, I built my website and basic marketing tools to market my business. I’ve never borrowed any money or taken on debt of any sort. I work with a couple of freelancers who are specialists in their fields, including copywriters, graphic designers, developers, Google ads and SEO specialists, photographers, videographers and PR professionals. This way I keep overheads low with no huge salaries to pay (as I pay per project) and I also help other small businesses and entrepreneurs grow.
6. Describe your average work day, if such a thing exists.
A. My average workday usually starts at 8:15am, with the checking and answering of emails and enquiries. I then start to tackle my to-do list, which I normally make the evening before. It helps me to know exactly what I need to do during that day before I even start reading my emails. One can easily lose track of your tasks when starting with emails and telephone calls or WhatsApp messages etc. I try my best to schedule my meetings on specific days (twice a week), with time allowed for admin and urgent tasks in-between. I find that keeping specific days open to just ‘work’ really helps with productivity. I take a quick lunch break around 1pm, normally only for 30 minutes. My work day doesn’t end at 5pm. After my kids are in bed and I’ve had dinner with my husband, I normally put in a few extra hours working on my own business.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. This is not always an easy task as I must admit I’m a bit of a workaholic. Mostly because I really love what I do and are so passionate about social media marketing and helping other businesses grow. I set aside one day during the week when I don’t work in the evenings to spend quality time with my family. And I try to limit my working times over the weekends or only work when my kids are asleep. I must admit, getting the balance right is not always easy.
8. What drives you to inspire others?
A. Seeing others’ business succeed and grow! I thrive on others’ success. This makes me so happy and drives me to inspire and motivate others and help them believe that with hard work and the right marketing tools, anyone can succeed!
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. I read a lot of articles and success stories, listen to podcasts and watch webinars. I also scroll on social with intent, and I always have a notebook or app at hand to write down ideas. Not just for my own business, but also for our clients! Social media is not (just!) for relaxation for me, it’s a wonderful research tool.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. I write regular blog posts for our website, which often come with free downloadable resources for current or potential customers. I believe in sharing my knowledge as this builds trust. I always make sure that our web content is up to date. I try to be as active as possible on our social media channels – Instagram is my favourite so this is our main channel. I also send out regular newsletters to our mailing list. All our marketing activities drive people to our website, where most leads are generated from.
11. What is next for your business?
A. I really love working with lifestyle-related e-commerce businesses/stores and because it’s such a perfect time for businesses to take their business online during these difficult times. I want to niche down to focus more on helping businesses build their e-commerce stores and market it efficiently through social media and online marketing. I will continue to inspire and educate female entrepreneurs and potential clients with our live chats and regular blog posts. I’m also planning on doing more how-to video training in the near future.
12. What advice would you give for female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. If you’re going to wait until you’re ready, you’ll never do it. If you have a business idea and you really want it bad enough and are willing to give it your all, you WILL make it work. But you have to be willing to put in the work. You have to go all in. If you fail, get up and try something else or try to do it a different way. Don’t be scared to ask for help – you’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help or offer advice along the way. Show up for your business in every possible way. Build a community and form strong connections with like-minded entrepreneurs. Start building your email list as soon as you can and make it a constant focus to grow your list. This will be one of your most valuable assets.
Short Bio
Anina Heyns is the founder of Pretty Social, a boutique social media marketing agency based in Cape Town. She is that rare breed of marketing professional who takes a deep interest in each client’s business and genuinely wants what’s best for each venture. She values relationships, collaboration and teamwork above all else, priding herself on her excellent listening skills and being a trusted sounding board for clients and team members alike. She is a voracious reader and podcast-listener who always stays abreast of the latest developments in the ever-changing digital and social media landscapes. Anina believes in paying it forward, upskilling and empowering her clients and fellow marketing professionals with her wide skill set and industry knowledge. Anina loves going camping or hanging out at home with her husband and two daughters.
Contact information
Pretty Social
Website: https://prettysocial.co.za/
Email: info@prettysocial.co.za
Call: +27 79 896 1593
Social Media links
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/GetPrettySocial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_pretty_social/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17915576/admin/
LinkedIn personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aninaheyns/
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/GetPrettySocial/