The Social Agency, a dynamic digital marketing firm, has emerged as a trailblazer in Botswanaโs digital marketing landscape. Founded byย Melissa Setlhare, the agency combines creativity with cutting-edge digital strategies to help brands reach wider audiences and maximize their online presence. In an interview withย The Business Weekly & Review, Setlhare shared her journey, vision, and the agencyโs aspirations for the future.
Setlhare, a young entrepreneur with aย Bachelorโs degree in Business Management, has always been passionate about crafting compelling content and enhancing brand visibility. Her mission is to bridge the gap between traditional marketing and modern digital strategies, ensuring her clients stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
โDigital marketing is constantly evolving, and Botswana is still growing in this space,โ Setlhare explains. โThe Social Agency exists to help businesses close the gap between what theyโre doing and what they should be doing to thrive online.โ
Setlhareโs hard work and dedication are beginning to yield recognition. The agencyโs nomination for theย Digital Branding Services Awardย at the upcomingย Emerging Brands Africaย Awardsย came as a pleasant surprise.
โWhile the nomination was unexpected, itโs a testament to the effort weโve put into our work,โ she says. Setlhare will join other brand leaders inย Harare, Zimbabwe, later this year to celebrate this milestone at an event that aims to honor Africaโs most innovative brands and serve as a launchpad for future growth and investment across the continent.
As aย Gen-Z entrepreneur, Setlhare believes her generation has a unique advantage in the digital space. โWeโre tech-savvy and natural social media experts,โ she says. โBut thereโs still a lot of room for growth and improvement.โ
She emphasises the importance of a strong online presence, noting thatย 75 percent of consumers judge a brandโs credibility based on its social media activity. โFirst impressions happen online long before a potential client approaches you,โ she adds.
Setlhare credits her entrepreneurial spirit to her family, who have been a source of inspiration. โComing from a family of entrepreneurs, Iโve always known that their success isnโt mine. Building my own path is what motivated me to start The Social Agency.โ
The agencyโs creative approach has already yielded impressive results. One of its standout campaigns was forย Rodizioโs Brunch Saturdays, featuring bottomless mimosas. Although Rodizio has since closed, the campaign left a lasting impact.
โWe crafted visually vibrant, appetite-inducing content that captured the essence of brunch culture,โ Setlhare recalls. โUsing countdown teasers, user-generated content, and engaging photo and video content, we positioned Rodizio as the ultimate weekend hotspot.โ
The campaign not only increased foot traffic but also solidified Rodizioโs reputation as a go-to destination. โCreativity is at the heart of what we do,โ Setlhare says. โWe blend innovation with consistency, adhering to clientsโ brand guidelines while keeping content fresh, engaging, and aligned with current trends.โ
Setlhareโs ambitions extend beyond Botswana. โOne of my key goals is to position The Social Agency as a leading force in Botswanaโs digital marketing space and eventually expand into the global market,โ she says.
She also aims to mentor and empower young women and creatives in Botswana, inspiring them to break through societal limitations and reach their full potential.
โAs a small agency, weโre still learning and making mistakes, but thatโs all part of the process,โ Setlhare reflects. โBrand management is crucial because it builds trust, drives loyalty, and ensures a strong, consistent brand presence. Thatโs what we strive to deliver for our clients.โ
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