Ashley Jones: The Journey of a Resilient Entrepreneur

Marketing has changed, and consumer experience in the age of digital disruption has also undergone a massive shift. The digital age has made traditional market research methods easier and more cost-effective to implement than ever. Delivering effective marketing strategies in keeping with the times is Ashley Jones, founder of Marcom Content by Ashley, LLC (MCA) , which provides marketing communications services.

From Freelancer to Full-Service Agency Owner

After studying public relations and English Literature at Malone University, Ashley worked a sales job to fund her college education. Upon graduation, she secured a sales position at a local manufacturing company, where she excelled. Despite enjoying industrial sales, Ashley missed writing, a passion that drew her to the field of communications in the first place. Fortunately, a friend introduced her to freelancing for local publications, allowing her to pursue her writing ambitions while maintaining her sales job.

Later, Ashley's expertise in sales and communication landed her a role in analyst relations at a large corporation, where she grew exponentially. She continued to freelance as a journalist but became interested in digital marketing, particularly creating recurring revenue through e-books, advertising, and e-learning. Unfortunately, Ashley's life took a difficult turn when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, went through a divorce, and held unfulfilling positions. These challenges motivated her to take control of her life and transition from freelancing to becoming her own boss.

Building Marcom Content by Ashley, LLC (MCA)

Ashley's company Marcom Content by Ashley , LLC (MCA), is all about content. It started by providing digital marketing, copywriting, communications, and marketing strategy services. Since then, it has expanded by offering learning solutions that include e-learning development, instructional design services, and curriculum development for corporations to improve employee and contractor performance. MCA offers an integrated marketing approach to clients, meaning they are about creating a unified user experience through marketing and communications efforts. Ashley's strong sales background helped her put herself and her business out there and reach out to companies to pitch her services.

MCA is a comprehensive agency that offers a range of services, including advertising, social media, media relations, copywriting, SEO, design, website development, e-learning, PPC, photography, and video services. The agency is dedicated to delivering clear messaging to customers and prioritizes customer experience as the cornerstone of successful marketing efforts. Regardless of the marketing deliverable, MCA's focus remains on providing a cohesive message that resonates with users.

Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

Marketers need to be ready to act in a world driven by instant gratification. Like others, Ashley too bore the brunt of the pandemic as her business lost a prominent client. But months later, the client came back, and alongside also came more work from other clients. She gave markdowns on specific initiatives to help them, and they, in turn, provided her with more business. Technology and consumer behavior are constantly changing, so it is imperative to stay updated. Even more so, it's important to understand how to look at content strategically. Be it new or traditional media, MCA believes it all needs to work together to effectively communicate a consistent message to the audience. It helps clients to do this by evaluating their messages to where the audience is in the modern-day sales and marketing funnel .

Ashley's Advice for Women Juggling Multiple Roles

Having dabbled in multiple things to hone her skills and reach where she is today, Ashley very well understands how sometimes it can be tough for a woman to juggle multiple roles. But she believes giving up is not an option. "Be honest and allow vulnerability with those women who can help you grow. If it was not for the woman I met during the vulnerable time in my life, I am not sure if I would be where I am today. So, allow yourself to learn and grow with the curveballs life throws at you," said Ashley.

Ashley's personal experiences taught her that darkness does not have to become us. She understands that the night eventually ends, and the morning brings new mercies and opportunities. Her journey from a freelancer and consultant to owning a full-service marketing agency is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself.