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February 9, 2015
Sterling Perry is a multifaceted entrepreneur on track to building a digital marketing empire.
Evidence of his unshakable self-belief he launched his company just a month shy of graduation. His college lecturer introduced him to his very first client.
Since then the digital marketing guru has garnered years of experience in web design, marketing, mobile apps and digital branding with Georgia’s top companies. He is also an in-demand and sought after public speaker.
Perry, founder and president of Sent Media Marketing, says it is essential for businesses to have a web presence. “It’s critical. If your business doesn’t have a digital presence in 2015 then you don’t have a business.”
“The first place people go is either their phone or tablet when they’re looking for something. If they can’t find you there, they can’t find you anywhere, because they’re not going to go the extra step to look for you.”
His mobile-friendly websites are highlighted by a clean design aesthetic, which has attracted a number of clients, including Murrells, UrbanGeekz and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. Perry’s work is extensive, often including logo designs, social media marketing, search engine optimization and even website hosting.
Still, web development is just one facet of Sent Media. Perry, now 30, sees his Georgia-based company focusing on digital marketing as his firm continues to expand.
“What kind of makes us unique is that we not only do a website, we can also do your logo. We can also host your websites. When you’re ready for a mobile app, we can do that. If you need help developing content for your social media strategy we can do that. On top of that, we can give you a 360-degree marketing strategy.”
“When they come to Sent Media Marketing it’s a one-stop shop. We can literally handle everything digital marketing from the ground up.”
In fact, Perry provides a service most web developers can only dream of. He offers domain registry and in-house hosting packages.
“Most marketing agencies in Atlanta may outsource to Bluehost or GoDaddy, or something like that. We keep everything in one simple package. It was a business decision.”
“I was referring business, just like every other web design agency to GoDaddy or BlueHost. Instead of taking revenue outside, I can keep a portion of that. It’s also convenient to clients not to go to too many places to operate their website.”
Most of his clients are small and medium-sized businesses but Sent Media, which has now been operating for around five years, has the capacity to work with the big boys.
“I keep a staff of virtual developers. I can scale my business up or down if necessary,” says Perry, who has a degree in Business Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Norfolk State University.
“The focus is always going to be small businesses because small businesses build America and build our economy. But strategically we’ve placed ourselves in a position to acquire government contracts to provide website services. Also, this year we’re going to rollout enterprise solutions for Fortune 5000 companies that want to enhance and refine what they’re doing online.”
“In the next five years, the goal is to have a 300 or 400 staff member agency providing digital marketing serves and website development.”
“We’re helping companies blog, we’re helping companies do their social media. We’re helping companies produce online video. We’ve helping companies make their podcasts. We’re doing some general consulting. On top of that, we’re building websites and mobile applications. “
“In the next year, 2015, I’ll be writing a book on digital marketing and how small companies can win. That’s not only where my company is going but the overall industry.”
Follow Kunbi Tinuoye on Twitter@Kunbiti
