Meet Kristi Fisher | Social Media & Online Community Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristi Fisher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have worked in social media and online community as a volunteer or as part of my 9 to 5 job for over 10 years. I have been building community both online and offline for a long time. But it wasn’t until the pandemic that I realized how vital those skills I had built had become. I saw people turning to social media to maintain human connection, and at the same time, I saw local businesses and non-profits struggle to stay open. I saw the massive opportunity that they were missing by not converting all the efforts they had put into being an integral part of the community into nurturing those same relationships online.

Then, by a stroke of luck, Meta announced they were developing a Community Management Certification program. That was the first time it occurred to me that all those skills I had developed building community online could actually be a career. So, while I began studying for the exam in 2020, I started Kristi Fisher Creative as a side hustle. A year later, I had several regular clients and was in love with what I was doing, so I quit my job and haven’t looked back. The certification gave me the confidence and credentials I needed to build and grow my business.

Since then, I had the opportunity to participate in a Community Management Fellowship at Meta. In 2023, they brought me on as a subject matter expert on building community on their platforms. Through that relationship, I have had the opportunity to write questions for future certification exams, speak to other social media professionals about building community online, and visit their campus in Menlo Park to discuss how AI can help small businesses stay competitive on social media and in business.

Although businesses have transitioned back to an in-person model, I have been able to pivot a bit to remain competitive with a company founded during the pandemic. My client base is still small businesses and non-profits, but my focus has shifted slightly. My new mission is to use my knowledge and skills to boost their organic reach so that they can reach larger audiences and stay competitive without the outrageous ad spend that corporations can afford.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Most social media solutions priced and geared toward small and local businesses tend to provide cookie-cutter solutions or push out the same white-labeled content to a dozen different companies in one industry. I reject the notion that for social media services to be affordable, they have to be generic or oversimplified. I build each client’s package tailored to their specific needs and audience while maximizing their budget. My content strategy gets measurable results because I center it around what makes each brand unique and sets it apart while being driven by data and a deep understanding of constantly evolving trends.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the things I love about living in the San Fernando Valley is that there is no shortage of stuff to do, even for an introvert like me! I think visitors are surprised about how much nature there is in LA, so I would probably take them for a drive in the canyons and a stroll along Malibu Creek. There are so many great places to grab a bite and catch up with friends, but HOM Italian Eatery is one of my favorite local spots. I know it is a trek from the Valley, but I would have to follow it up with gelato from ecco un poco in Beverly Grove.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a great deal to Meta and the opportunities they have given me. However, I am tremendously grateful for the organizations that have helped me along the way. I am thankful to the 500+ admins of all the local Buy Nothing communities in Los Angeles who share their struggles and joys in our support group, especially Ramona and Anna. Through them, I have learned that there are more than 500 different ways to run an amazing local community.

I also have to mention the Maiden Community. Like me, Kim started Maiden Community out of the need created by the pandemic and the desire to see local businesses thrive. Local Facebook groups often get a bad reputation for being nosey, alarmist, and contentious. Maiden is a rare gem of positivity, humor, and genuine connection.

Website: https://kristifcreative.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristifcreative/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-fisher-b2869251/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristiFCreative

Image Credits
Photography: Kathleen Lantos-Cochrane – iBrand Creative Studio
Graphics: Kristi Fisher