GIna Scarpa, a lifelong Shelton resident, recently started her own local small business marketing company, Branch Out.
The business offers services ranging from social media strategies to website design to preparing press releases for companies looking to get more exposure. Click here to visit her businesses’ website. Click here to read the official company blog.
Scarpa answered a few questions about herself and her new business last week via an e-mail Q&A with the Valley Indy.
Valley Independent Sentinel: Tell us about yourself. Are you from Shelton originally?
Gina Scarpa: I have lived in Shelton all my life, as has my father. I grew up and attended public school here, and my son is currently going to be a junior at SHS. My parents own Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, and have been married and directing together for almost 40 years. We Scarpas love living here and being part of this great community of people.
VIS: How’d you get into marketing?
GS: I have always had a love for marketing, media, and communications. I was a radio DJ in CT for many years and went on to become a television blogger with RealityWanted.com. I networked and formed very strong relationships with publicity firms and publicists, which helped elevate the content on the site. Over the years in CT, I’ve worked as a project manager for various companies to help push companies forward and market businesses as well. I’m taking the knowledge and experience I’ve gained and channeling that into helping small businesses grow, reach new customers, and create lasting relationships that will keep bringing people back to them!
VIS: Why open your own business?
GS: You know, opening my own business is something I have thought about for a long time. My family has always said that I had an entrepreneurial spirit and for many years now, I’ve been tossing around business ideas. I realized that, while I had a few potentially successful ideas, I ultimately wanted to do what I’m truly passionate about. I’ve developed a great love for helping businesses grow and succeed, and feel I have a set of marketing and PR skills to help them do that. I feel more excited, motivated, and passionate than I can ever remember!
VIS: You talk on your website about how the federal Small Business Administration recommends companies spend 7 to 8 percent of their monthly budget on marketing. Do businesses around here do that?
GS: There are definitely some local businesses that are doing things ​“right”. There is a large majority, though, that could be doing a lot more. I think there are small business owners who a) worry that they can’t afford marketing or b) don’t feel they necessarily need it. That’s not just not the case. There are many questions to ask yourself as a small business owner. Are you reaching the right customers? Do you want to and know how to reach more? Do you have a social media strategy? Can people find you easily online? Does your website truly convey how great you are at what you do? Are you involved in community events and are you getting press about it?
A business owner has a lot of things to worry about and marketing often falls to a low priority or almost completely non-existent. However, while they focus on and do what they do best, Branch Out can come in and take care of that crucial marketing aspect of the company.
VIS: First client?
GS: My first client is a pizzeria/Italian restaurant in Fairfield. Their main issue is that their website was not ranking in Google, which made it extremely hard for both current and potential new customers to find them. I designed an SEO (search engine optimization) plan for them and we are already seeing some very exciting, positive results.
VIS: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
GS: I’d like Branch Out to be a full scale marketing and public relations company – an office, employees, the whole nine yards! I hope that Branch Out is ultimately seen as a key player in helping small businesses grow and succeed.
Scarpa can be reached at 203 – 242-6370 or via email at gina@branchoutct.com. She’s also on Twitter @branchoutct
