Meet Rylee Marks | Social Media Manager, Consultant & Marketing Services

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

Hi Rylee, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One of the most misunderstood aspects of social media management is the depth of strategy and expertise required to achieve meaningful results. As a marketing business owner and social media manager, I often encounter the misconception that our role is simply to post on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. In reality, effective social media management goes far beyond that.

Each client’s success begins with thorough research into their business, industry, and—most importantly—their ideal audience. We dive into their target customer’s demographics, psychographics, and pain points, understanding what drives them to take action, whether that action is making a purchase or booking a service. This in-depth analysis is the foundation of a business’s tailored strategy designed to resonate with their audience and align with their business goals.

The initial strategy is only the starting point. Social media is dynamic, and strategies often require adjustment as we learn what engages the audience most effectively. This interactive process involves tracking performance, testing new approaches, and fine-tuning content to optimize results. The outcome is an increased social media presence and a stronger more consistent brand identity that fosters trust and drives business growth.

Entrusting social media management to someone without this level of expertise, such as a family member or friend who “knows how to use social media,” is rarely in the best interest of a business. While they may know how to post, they likely lack the strategic, analytical, and creative skills necessary to build a cohesive brand presence and generate real business outcomes. Social media management is an investment in the business brand’s future, and partnering with a professional ensures that investment is positioned for maximum success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Please tell us more about your business.
– Rylee Marks Marketing was established in March 2023 and focuses primarily on
social media management, marketing strategies and the overall support of
business owners with their marketing challenges.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or
excited about.
– Personalized attention is what sets Rylee Marks Marketing apart from other
businesses. When working with us, business owners become a partner in the
journey of growing their business. They do not become another number in our
book of business. We accomplish this by being highly skilled in the area of work
life balance and recognizing the importance of adaptability and the on-going goal
of forward thinking. Finally, Rylee Marks Marketing prides itself on customizing
an individual business plan for each client.

Most Proud of:
– To this point, the thing I’m most proud of related to Rylee Marks Marketing
involves one of our first clients. It’s a photography business and within the first
three months of working with Rylee Marks Marketing, which were June, July and
August, their business was fully booked for weddings for the following calendar
year. The business owner was amazed at how quickly they saw results from their
social media platforms.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise.
– Starting a business is not easy work so I focus on using all of the resources I
have available to me (mentors, colleagues within the industry, relevant books,
podcasts, etc.) The old saying, “hard work and dedication” as cliché’ as it is, just
happens to be true. I can’t sit back and think it is going to happen for me, I have
to make it happen for me. This includes stepping out of my comfort zone.
“Tooting my own horn” about my skill set is not something that comes easily for
me. However, speaking with business owners about their business and where I
can see it progress to with the management of their social media is something
I’ve extremely comfortable with.

Was it easy?
– No
If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
– I did several things to overcome challenges that were presented in starting
Rylee Marks Marketing. I’ve listed a few of those below:

– I left the focus of businesses we’d work with broad and open to nearly all
industries. This allowed Rylee Marks Marketing to have a greater
opportunity to secure clients by not niching down into one specific
industry.

– I offered some initial services for free to allow potential clients to
experience first-hand what Rylee Marks Marketing has to offer at no
financial risk to them.

– I developed and provided on-line Marketing courses which would illustrate
to potential clients the simplicity and ease of working with us.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
– One of the lessons I’ve learned through starting my own business is to
remember that things don’t happen overnight. The timeline that you set for your
business success is rarely met with the reality of the work you put into it. Another
lesson is don’t compare your success to someone else’s. There are too many
variables involved in the start up of a business to compare one to another. Finally,
it’s critical to keep an open mind. Having a mindset that encourages continued
growth and learning will be extremely beneficial for any new business own.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
– Rylee Marks Marketing meets clients where they are at and partners with them
on a journey to elevate their business and move it forward.

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.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d start by taking them to Midtown Nutrition, where the owner, Christen, and her team make everyone feel like family. It’s my favorite spot to grab a shake, get some work done, and chat in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

We’d spend time strolling the Riverwalk Downtown, exploring small businesses, and soaking up the local charm. The beach would be an absolute must—it’s one of my favorite places to relax and recharge. Growing up in Wisconsin, the ocean still feels like a novelty, and I love sharing the simple joy of a peaceful sunset walk or a day by the waves.

For dinner, The George is a highlight, offering incredible food and an upscale yet relaxed vibe. A mix of good eats, scenic views, and supportive local spots would make their visit truly unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My passion for marketing and social media management started with an amazing opportunity at Northwoods Grazing, a charcuterie company in my hometown of Eau Claire, WI. I worked as their social media manager and assistant for about eight months before starting Rylee Marks Marketing, and it was a life-changing experience. The owner admitted she knew very little about social media and asked if I could give it a shot. At the time, I wasn’t even in school for marketing, but this role showed me how powerful social media could be for a business.

While managing Northwoods Grazing’s TikTok, I was able to grow their account from 87 followers to over 2,900 in just eight months, with several videos going viral. It was then that I realized this was what I wanted to do long-term. Soon after, I decided to pursue degrees in Marketing and Digital Marketing, and I’ll be graduating with my associate degrees in both fields in May 2025. I’m so grateful to Northwoods Grazing for trusting me and giving me the chance to find my passion.

I also want to give a huge thank you to my mom, Kay Marks, who has been my biggest supporter every step of the way. She’s taught me so much about work-life balance, staying dedicated, and showing up professionally, no matter what. Even during times when I doubted myself, she never gave up on me or my dreams. She’s the strongest person I know, and her constant encouragement has been a huge part of my journey. Mom, I can’t thank you enough for always being there for me—you’re my rock and my biggest inspiration.

Website: https://www.ryleemarksmarketing.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566816942105

Image Credits
Madison Sardo

Peyton Armstrong