We had the good fortune of connecting with Ilona Selina and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ilona, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was working in the agency world, particularly at a boutique agency as a junior manager, I was handling over 30 clients at a time. This experience was eye-opening; it made me realize the vast spectrum of needs and challenges different brands face. However, I noticed a significant gap in the market: many agencies weren’t tailored enough to meet the specific needs of each client, especially in terms of affordability and dedicated attention.
This realization sparked the idea of starting my own agency. I envisioned an agency that wouldn’t just be a service provider, but more like a partner or an in-house team for our clients. My goal was to create a business model that was more client-centric, offering more competitive pricing and ensuring that each client received the attention they deserved.
To maintain this level of dedication and quality, I decided that our agency would not take on more than 10 clients at a time. This approach allows us to focus intensely on each client, tailor our services to their unique needs, and build stronger, more personal relationships with them. In essence, I wanted our clients to feel that we were an integral part of their team, fully invested in their success.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Route Marketing was born out of a desire to assist startups and small businesses in mastering the complexities of the digital marketing world. My experience as a content creator and digital marketer laid the groundwork for this venture. My foremost aim has been consistently centered on discovering innovative strategies to help our clients distinguish themselves in the competitive digital arena.
What sets us apart is our genuine and skilled approach to digital strategy. We’re acutely aware that effective marketing cannot adhere to a uniform model, which is why we customize our strategies for every brand and creator we collaborate with. This bespoke approach is essential in aiding our clients to realize their business goals.
The path to developing Route Marketing into what it is today has been anything but straightforward. It’s a journey marked with challenges, learning, and growth. I’m immensely thankful for everyone who has played a role in our journey, influencing and contributing to our evolution. There have been numerous communities that opened doors for us (Female Founder Collective, the PR Net, Freelancing Females, Allbright and many more), and individuals who pushed us to pivot and expand. The experience of navigating these challenges has been both humbling and enlightening, and it’s these experiences that have shaped both me and Route Marketing into what we are today.
In sharing my story and that of Route Marketing, I want the world to recognize the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of community in business growth. Our story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, driven by a commitment to provide unique, authentic, and tailored digital marketing solutions.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since my team works remotely, we could tell you about all corners of the world. But since I am based in London, I will share a few of my favorite spots there. Sunday brunch would be spent in Notting Hill, stopping by Sunday in Brooklyn for their delicious pancakes, followed by a walk down Portobello Road to explore the weekend food-market. For dinner on the weekends, we’d go to a buzzy members club like Maison Estelle or stop by for live music at The Maine. After a busy work-day at women’s co-working space Allbright Mayfair, we would stroll around Bond Street and stop by for Happy Hour at Chiltern Firehouse, or Cecconi’s. If it’s a hot day, checking out Soho House 180 Strand’s rooftop pool and view is a must.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to the the PR Net and Allbright communities!
Website: https://www.route-marketing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/route.marketing
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/route-marketing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RouteMarketing2020