Tag: marketing agency Chattanooga

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How to Get More Leads: for Small Business Owners Who Want a Marketing Partner

Marketing team having a strategy meeting in a modern office to get more leads
A collaborative office team building strategies to help small businesses get more leads

Let’s be honest, getting leads shouldn’t feel like throwing money into a black hole. But if you’re a small business owner, chances are it does. You’ve probably tried boosting posts, hiring a freelancer, or even doing it all yourself. And still… nothing changes.

At Spectruss, we help small businesses like yours turn confusion into clarity, and clicks into real customers. This article walks you through what’s missing and how to finally start generating leads that matter, with support that sticks.

What Is Lead Generation (And Why You Might Be Missing the Mark)

Lead generation means turning strangers into people who are actually interested in your product or service. But here’s the thing: not every click or follow means someone wants to buy.

A real lead is someone who’s ready to reach out. If your inbox is full of junk leads (or totally empty), your approach probably needs some changes.

Female small business owner managing online orders to get more leads and sales

Why Most Small Businesses Struggle with Getting Leads

Here are the common problems we see:

  • Your website is slow or confusingYou’re running ads with no plan (or just hitting “boost” on Facebook)
  • You have no system to track or follow up with leads
  • Your branding doesn’t feel consistent or professional

Sound familiar? It’s not your fault. You’re focused on running your business, not trying to figure out how online marketing works.

The truth: you don’t need a vendor, you need a partner.

Vendors sell you one thing. Partners create full strategies that support your growth.

At Spectruss, we focus on long-term plans because that’s how real results happen. Our mission is simple: help your small business show up online, build trust, and bring in steady leads.

What to expect when you work with a true marketing partner:

  • A plan made just for your business
  • Clear updates on what’s working (and what’s not)
  • Full support, from visuals to lead follow-up
  • A team that’s all in on your success
Bakery employees using a tablet to manage customer orders and get more leads
Local bakery owners checking digital orders and working together to get more leads

What Spectruss Does to Help You Get More Leads

Here’s what we focus on every day for our clients:

1. Websites That Turn Visitors Into Customers

Fast, mobile-friendly, and built with purpose. Every page is designed to make it easy for people to call, click, or buy.

2. SEO That Gets You in Front of Local Customers

We help your business show up when people search for what you do—right down to your city or zip code. It’s smart, targeted visibility that works over time.

3. Paid Ads That Actually Perform

We run ad campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, Google, and YouTube. The goal? Reaching the right people with the right message and turning clicks into calls.

4. CRM and Automation That Keep Leads Moving

Once leads come in, we help you keep track of them. From follow-up emails to reminders, we make sure nobody slips through the cracks.

5. Branding That Feels Trustworthy

We help you look and sound like the real deal, so people trust you from the first visit.

Need a starting point? Try these 5 simple fixes

  1. Update your homepage: Add your phone number and a clear button like “Get a Quote.”
  2. Check your Google Business profile: Make sure your hours, location, and photos are current.
  3. Ask for more reviews: They help build trust fast.
  4. Figure out what service brings you the most money: Then focus your marketing there.
  5. Schedule a chat with someone who can help you plan your next move: Like us.

FAQs About How To Get Leads

How much should I spend on lead generation?

A good starting point is about 5–10% of your revenue. For businesses trying to grow quickly, spending a bit more on targeted strategies makes a real difference.

Do I need both SEO and ads?

If you want leads now and later, using both works best. Ads help short-term, SEO helps you stay visible long-term.

What’s the difference between a lead and a sale?

A lead is someone showing interest. A sale happens when they buy. We help you get both.

Can social media really help me get leads?

Yes, if you’re doing more than just posting. With good targeting and messaging, platforms like Facebook can bring in customers, not just likes.

Do you have troubles with your social media? Find out more here.

How do I know if my website is the problem?

Check if your site is easy to use on a phone, loads quickly, and has a clear call to action. If it doesn’t, you’re likely missing out on leads. We can take a look and tell you what’s going wrong.

Real help starts here!

You don’t have to keep guessing. If your business isn’t getting leads, the problem might be something we can fix, quickly. We’ll help you figure it out, and we’ll stick with you while your business grows.

Get your free consultation here.

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Spectruss Speakeasy with John Wiygul: From Climbing Walls to Building Business Grit

John Wiygul and Sam Silvey during Spectruss Speakeasy podcast episode 8
John Wiygul joins Sam Silvey on Spectruss Speakeasy to talk about building High Point Climbing, entrepreneurship, and staying true to your roots.

When a business and a lifestyle merge, it creates something unforgettable. That’s exactly what happened when John Wiygul, founder and CEO of High Point Climbing and Fitness, sat down with Sam Silvey on the latest episode of Spectruss Speakeasy. It wasn’t just a chat about climbing or fitness, it was about real ambition, smart risk-taking, and building something that reflects what you believe in.

Chattanooga roots, national reach John grew up in Chattanooga and built something local that now spans eight climbing gyms across three states. He started with a love for climbing, skipping elementary school to hit the rocks with his brother, and turned that into a brand that’s now one of the most respected climbing names in the Southeast.

The gyms are more than places to work out, they’re hubs for people who want a better way to move, connect, and grow. From digging a pit under a parking garage for their first downtown gym to developing a massive 49,000-square-foot facility in Orlando, John’s story is built on commitment, smart thinking, and relentless consistency.

Coffee, culture, and community John didn’t stop with gyms. He and his team launched Trail Town Coffee, a café right next to High Point’s downtown Chattanooga gym. It wasn’t just about caffeine. It was about creating an experience that matched the energy of the community. Sandwiches, specialty drinks, and a direct pass-through to the gym turned it into a local favorite.

This episode wasn’t only about climbing walls and workout routines. Sam and John talked about burnout, discipline, and what it takes to stay grounded while growing fast. From hard races in Puerto Rico to the grind of managing over 150 employees, the theme stayed the same, you can grow a strong business without losing your identity.

For small businesses: lessons from the wall John’s story hits close for any small to mid-sized business owner. Why? Because he started with a niche, went all in, and built it brick by brick, literally. And he did it while keeping his team close and his mission clear.

If you’re building something that matters, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to play by outdated rules. You can shape something new, something exciting, and something that really reflects your values.

Want to hear how he did it, mistakes, milestones, and all? Listen to the full episode of Spectruss Speakeasy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And check out more about what we do at Spectruss.com.

FAQ: What You Might Still Be Wondering

  1. What is Spectruss Speakeasy?
    It’s a podcast from Chattanooga-based agency Spectruss, hosted by Sam Silvey. Each episode brings real conversations with business owners, creatives, and people shaping their industries.
  2. Who is John Wiygul and why is his story helpful?
    He’s the founder of High Point Climbing and Fitness. He’s grown a small local idea into a multi-location brand without losing its soul. His experience is relatable for any business trying to scale while staying true to their values.
  3. What can other industries take from this episode?
    Whether you run a coffee shop, creative agency, or retail space, John’s focus on clear branding, smart expansion, and customer connection applies across the board.
  4. How does Spectruss help brands like High Point?
    We help businesses build websites, create brand strategy, manage digital marketing, and deliver results through paid ads, content, and design. Learn more at spectruss.com.
  5. What’s the biggest message from the episode?
    You don’t have to be corporate to be successful. Being involved, staying consistent, and doing things differently still works, and it’s working for High Point.
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Dermatology Meets Digital: Skincare and Strategy with Dr. Emily Brewer

Sam Silvey and Dr. Emily Brewer on set at Spectruss Speakeasy podcast discussing modern dermatology and marketing
Sam Silvey and Dr. Emily Brewer dive into the challenges of running a dermatology practice in the digital age on the latest episode of Spectruss Speakeasy

Running a business is hard. Running a dermatology clinic in the age of TikTok trends and “I saw this on Instagram” diagnosis? Next level.

That’s why we kicked back with Dr. Emily Brewer, Founder and CEO of https://thedermcentertn.com/ (and honestly, one of the sharpest minds in skincare) in our latest Spectruss Speakeasy episode. This one? It’s part real-world medicine, part marketing therapy, and 100% no fluff.

Listen to the episode here!

Welcome to Modern Dermatology

Dr. Emily Brewer didn’t build a brand on hashtags and hope. Her clinic The DERM Center is a go-to spot in Chattanooga because she knows her practice, and knows how to talk about it online without sounding like a robot.

Dr. Brewer’s story hits home for any small to mid-sized business in Chattanooga trying to grow in a competitive field. Her clinic was built on the idea of simplicity and accessibility, no insurance, no rushed appointments, just real results. But with that kind of shift comes its own set of hurdles.

So What’s the Real Issue?

  1. Trust Isn’t Clickable
    Marketing healthcare is like building a relationship, except you have about 0.2 seconds before someone scrolls past you for a dog reel. Dr. Brewer chats about how hard it can be to show expertise and warmth… all in a square image.

  2. Content That Doesn’t Feel Cringe
    She is showing up on socials with smart, honest, helpful posts. Working with the Spectruss team, she’s figured out how to balance her brand tone with engaging social content that doesn’t scream “We paid someone $2K for this Canva post.”

  3. The Tech Stress is Real
    Ads? Meta? Pixel tracking? For a doctor trying to help people, learning the Facebook Business Manager is like the last thing in her priority list. That’s where our Spectruss crew comes in. From Instagram ad specs to targeting the right audience, we’ve helped bring Dr. Brewer’s message to the right audience.

From the Exam Room to Entrepreneurship

Opening her own dermatology clinic wasn’t just a business decision, it was personal. Dr. Brewer was tired of the red tape and five-minute patient visits, so she created a direct-pay model that puts patient experience first. That meant building a brand from scratch. No hospital support, no referral pipeline—just her name and a belief that people deserve better care.

That’s where smart marketing steps in.

Why Dermatologists (and All Businesses) Need a Clear Brand

Your services might be top-tier, but if your online presence looks outdated, potential patients (or customers) might scroll right past. Dr. Brewer talked about the effort it took to get her website, social media, and messaging to reflect what actually makes her clinic different. Her success reminds local business owners that having the right digital marketing strategy really matters.

What Other Business Owners Can Learn

Whether you’re running a med spa, fitness studio, or your grandma’s biscuit empire, authenticity + smart content + actual strategy still wins. Don’t just chase trends. Build trust. Talk like a real person. And find a marketing agency that actually gets you.

Got Questions? Pull Up to Our Open Mic

Dr. Brewer did. You can too. Every Wednesday at 1PM EST, our Open Mic Sessions let business owners bring their challenges, questions, or just hang with Sam (our CEO, marketing madman, and podcast host).

Ready to Build Your Brand with a Real Strategy?

No buzzwords. No BS. Just smart moves, good people, and marketing that works.

Check out the full podcast, and let us know what you think. And, if your ads are stressing you out? Let’s fix them.

FAQ: Marketing for Dermatology Clinics & Local Businesses

  1. What is Spectruss Speakeasy?
    Spectruss Speakeasy is a podcast hosted by Spectruss, a Chattanooga-based agency helping small and mid-sized businesses grow through smarter digital marketing. Each episode features business owners and creatives who share their stories and what’s working for them.
  2. Who is Dr. Emily Brewer?
    Dr. Emily Brewer is the founder of The Derm Center, a clinic offering personalized dermatology care without insurance hassle. Her model focuses on quality care and patient connection.
  3. How does Spectruss help clinics like hers?
    We help clinics design clean websites, improve their SEO, and run smart, targeted ad campaigns on platforms like Google and Instagram. It’s not about spending more, it’s about using your budget wisely.
  4. I’ve never run paid ads. Can Spectruss help me start?
    Absolutely. We’ll help you set up Instagram ads, track results through Ads Manager, and make sure your campaign fits your goals and budget.
  5. Can this approach work for businesses outside of healthcare?
    Yes. Whether you’re in landscaping, tech, or food service, these same marketing and advertising strategies apply. If you want to grow your audience and increase sales, we’re here to help.

Check out more resources and updates from our team at spectruss.com, or follow us on Instagram @spectrussllc.

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Legacy, Branding & Making It Happen | Carter Fowler Ep. 5

Keeping It Real: How a 140-Year-Old Business Stays Relevant

Every business has a story, but not many last for 140 years. That’s exactly what Fowler Brothers Home & Patio has done.

On this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, I sat down with Carter Fowler, the fifth-generation owner and CEO, to talk about what it takes to build a brand that lasts. Whether you’re running a family business or launching something new, this episode is packed with real-world lessons, straight talk, and no fluff.

Making It to the Fifth Generation—A Rare Feat

Less than 1% of family businesses make it to the fourth generation, let alone the fifth. Fowler Brothers is one of those rare ones.

Carter broke down how his family has stayed relevant, sticking to quality, keeping things consistent, and being willing to change when needed.

“We used to draw our ads by hand for the newspaper. Now, digital marketing is instant, but the message is the same, quality and trust.” – Carter Fowler

Branding That Stands the Test of Time

A strong brand builds trust. If your messaging, visuals, and tone change constantly, customers get confused. Carter and his team have avoided that trap.

One big change? We helped rebrand Fowler Brothers from “The Furniture Shop & Patio Shop” to a simple, recognizable brand that feels modern but still honors their history.

“Your brand is the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. Make sure it’s a good one.” – Sam Silvey

Old-School Business Meets Digital Marketing

For decades, Fowler Brothers tracked marketing by hand—billboards, newspaper ads, you name it. Then, we helped them move to digital. Now they’re running:

  • Social media campaigns
  • Video marketing for TV & web
  • SEO-focused website content
  • Google Ads and local search strategies

The takeaway? The way you market changes, but the need to build trust and tell a strong story stays the same.

“The tools have changed, but the principles haven’t. You still have to show up, tell a great story, and build trust.” – Carter Fowler

Location, Experience, and the Human Connection

Fowler Brothers has a prime location in Chattanooga, 80,000+ cars drive by every day. But a great spot isn’t enough. They make sure their in-store experience stands out:

  • People can actually touch, feel, and test the furniture.
  • Staff is trained to help customers find exactly what they need.
  • Hassle-free delivery and setup keeps things smooth.

“People come into our store and say, ‘I saw you on TV, and you act the same way in person.’ Well, yeah, because it’s real.” – Carter Fowler

Growing Without Losing the Personal Touch

Scaling a business can make things feel corporate. Carter makes sure that doesn’t happen.

Here’s how we help brands stay personal even as they grow:

  • Automated but personalized email and SMS marketing
  • Local SEO that brings in the right audience
  • Story-driven content that keeps the brand human

“The best businesses don’t feel corporate. They feel like they’re run by real people who care.” – Sam Silvey

Lessons for Business Owners

Some straight-up takeaways from this conversation:

  • Keep your brand consistent everywhere—online, in-store, and in marketing.
  • Data is useful, but gut instinct still matters. A mix of both wins.
  • The customer experience should always be a priority.
  • Digital marketing moves fast—adapt or get left behind.
  • Be real. People connect with authenticity, not corporate buzzwords.

Carter’s mindset? Simple: Do what it takes. That’s how you make things happen.

If your business needs a fresh brand identity, a stronger online presence, or marketing that actually works, Spectruss is ready to make it happen.

Let’s talk. Schedule a consultation today!

FAQs

  1. How do you keep a brand consistent across different marketing platforms?
    Stick to the same logo, colors, tone, and messaging. Customers should recognize your brand no matter where they see it. If your Facebook looks different from your website or your in-store experience, it creates confusion.
  2. What’s the biggest mistake businesses make when they grow?
    Losing the personal connection. When companies scale, they often get too focused on systems and forget the importance of real human interaction. Automation is great, but it should enhance relationships, not replace them.
  3. How can a local business compete with big online retailers?
    Offer something they can’t—personalized service, real expertise, and a great in-person experience. Customers still want human connection, and that’s something online giants can’t provide.
  4. How important is location for a business today?
    It still matters, but digital presence is just as big. You need both—being in a high-traffic area is great, but if people can’t find you online, you’re missing out.

5. What’s the one piece of advice for businesses trying to improve their marketing?
Don’t just focus on selling, focus on building relationships. The companies that win are the ones that make customers feel like they’re part of something bigger.

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Lucky Number 13: The Beginning of Spectruss

The Beginning of Spectruss - Episode 2 of the Spectruss Speakeasy podcast featuring a conversation about business, branding, and entrepreneurship
Episode 2 of Spectruss Speakeasy: The Beginning of Spectruss. A deep conversation about how Spectruss started, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned in building a creative agency

What does it take to build a business from scratch? Hard work, long nights, a little luck, and maybe even cutting down a few hundred trees (literally).

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, shares his experience from racing bicycles to launching a creative agency in Chattanooga, TN.

If you’re a small to mid-sized business owner or entrepreneur looking for insights on business, marketing, and creative problem-solving, this episode is for you.

From Racing Bikes to Building Brands

Sam’s story doesn’t start in an office, it starts on a bike.

Long before Spectruss, Sam was a competitive cyclist, pushing himself to the limit. But after dropping out of college to focus on racing, reality hit hard when he got his ass handed to him in his first pro race.

So, what do you do when your plan doesn’t work out? You adapt.

His background in computer science (the one subject in college he actually liked) led him to building websites for small businesses. His first gig? A local coffee shop website, paid partly in coffee and a few hundred bucks.

That’s when he realized businesses didn’t just need websites, they needed branding, marketing, and a plan to grow.

The Start of Spectruss

Before Spectruss, there was Silvey Development, a scrappy operation where Sam juggled coding, photography, and design to help businesses build their online presence.

But if you’ve ever started a business, you know money is tight in the early days. So, when an opportunity arose to clear a tornado-hit property (225 trees, to be exact), he took it.

With zero tree-cutting experience and a couple of chainsaws, he and his crew completed the job for $75,000, enough to fund Spectruss’ first office, new equipment, and a proper start.

From living in the back of his office on a futon to growing a creative agency, Sam built Spectruss with hard work, adaptability, and a vision to help businesses succeed.

Why Spectruss?

The name Spectruss is more than just a brand.

  • “Spectr-“ comes from spectrum, representing the wide range of creative and digital solutions they offer.
  • “-Truss” refers to a strong structural beam, symbolizing the solid foundation businesses need for growth.

At its core, Spectruss helps companies stand out through branding, marketing, and digital strategy.

Learn more about Spectruss here.

Lessons for Business Owners

Entrepreneurs, take notes. Here’s what Sam’s experience teaches about starting and growing a business:

Adaptability matters – Your first idea might not work, and that’s okay. Shift, learn, and find the right opportunity.
Success takes time – It took years of effort for Spectruss to become what it is today.
Solve real problems – Whether it’s a website, brand strategy, or marketing campaign, helping businesses grow is what makes the difference.
Work with the right people – Business is tough. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and values.

Where Spectruss is Today

From coffee shop websites to full-scale brand strategy, Spectruss has grown into a well-established digital marketing agency in Chattanooga.

They now help businesses with:

  • Brand Strategy & Creative Design
  • Website Development & SEO
  • Social Media & Digital Advertising
  • Marketing Campaigns & Business Growth Strategy

And they’re not slowing down. Spectruss continues to help brands grow and create real impact through digital marketing.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just love real stories about starting a business from the ground up, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Catch the full episode on:

Need a Marketing Partner? Let’s Talk.

If you’re a small business in Chattanooga or beyond looking for:
✅ Branding that makes an impact
✅ Websites that actually convert
✅ Digital marketing strategies that work

Spectruss can help. 

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200 W M.L.K. Blvd
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Chattanooga, TN 37402

info@spectruss.com

423.264.2404