Six Lessons from Six Years of Siren Media
Six years of running Siren Media has been a rollercoaster of lessons, growth, and some “why didn’t I know this sooner” moments. Reflecting on the past six years, I’ve boiled it down to six lessons that have shaped how we do business, serve clients, and grow as an agency. Here’s what I’ve learned—and what might resonate with other business owners, marketers, and nonprofit leaders.
1. Prescription Before Diagnosis Is Malpractice
Here’s the deal: you wouldn’t walk into a doctor’s office and say, “Hey, I think my arm is broken—can I get an antibiotic?” You let the doctor do what they’re trained to do: diagnose the problem first. The same applies to marketing.
In the early days of Siren Media, I’d meet with clients who’d come to me saying, “We need a new website,” or “Can you fix our social media?” But after digging deeper, I’d often uncover much bigger issues—like a lack of strategy, unclear goals, or insufficient business infrastructure.
Now, our approach is focused on fully understanding a client’s needs before offering a solution. A shiny new website won’t fix systemic business problems, but the right strategy paired with the right tools just might.
2. Our Process Works—If You Work It
If there’s one thing I can confidently say after six years, it’s this: our system works. After many one-off projects and processing client feedback (whether glowing or lackluster), we found a formula that works. When clients trust our process, commit to the collaboration, and give us their focus, we can deliver stellar results.
However, if the process isn’t followed—or if the client isn’t fully invested—things can go sideways. Some of our toughest projects have involved clients with big budgets but little time or energy to commit to the process. In almost every instance, we’ve found that the business owner’s involvement is critical. On the flip side, some of our best work has come from small business owners who brought enthusiasm, creativity, and a true partnership mindset. They brought their time and energy on top of their investment.
Budget isn’t the magic ingredient—collaboration is.
3. A Clear Marketing Budget = Peace of Mind
Many businesses and nonprofits don’t know how to structure a marketing budget, and honestly, I get it. Marketing can feel overwhelming, expensive, and risky—especially if you’ve been burned before.
That’s why we developed a tool to help clients build a marketing budget that fits their business size, goals, and needs. Our sales process is designed to demystify budgeting, allowing clients to make informed decisions. Sometimes, that means we’re not the right fit, and that’s okay. We’re happy to refer clients to someone else who can help.
Marketing should never feel like a gamble—it’s an investment. A clear budget tailored to your goals makes all the difference.
4. The Marketing Industry Has No Standardized Ethics (But It Should)
Here’s a hard truth: anyone can call themselves a marketer. You don’t need a degree, a license, or even experience to set up shop and start selling services. If you experience an issue with someone who sold you a bill of goods, there is no standard ethics governance. That means there is no repercussion for bad actors in this industry outside of the justice system.
Unfortunately, this lack of standards has led to countless businesses being burned by “marketers” and advertising salespeople who overpromise and underdeliver—or who simply don’t know what they’re doing. At Siren Media, we’ve met too many clients who came to us after being hurt by inexperienced or unethical practitioners of the trade.
Our team takes pride in being educated, experienced, and transparent. We believe in setting clear expectations, delivering on outlined goals, and always prioritizing the client’s best interests. Marketing may not have a national (or universal) code of ethics, but we hold ourselves to the highest standard regardless.
5. Big-Hearted Clients Make the Best Partners
Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not just a client’s budget that determines a successful partnership—it’s their energy, excitement, and willingness to collaborate.
Some of our most rewarding projects have been with small businesses and nonprofits operating on modest budgets. What made these projects shine was the passion and dedication our clients brought to the table. Their enthusiasm fueled our creativity, and together, we created incredible outcomes.
On the flip side, we’ve had high-budget clients who didn’t make time for strategy meetings or provide the input we needed. Those projects struggled, not because of a lack of resources, but because of a lack of partnership. So if you’re thinking about hiring a marketing agency, ask yourself: Are you ready to invest time and energy—not just money?
6. There’s Power in Alternatives
When I started Siren Media, it was because my last full-time job didn’t work out. At that moment, I didn’t have an alternative—despite my years of networking and building my own connections, it was either sink or swim. Fortunately, it worked out, but that’s not always the case. Having alternatives is powerful, whether in career changes, client selection, or big business decisions.
This lesson resonates with our clients, too. Many times, business owners get stuck in a situation because they didn’t plan for other options. Whether it’s choosing the right agency, pivoting a strategy, or managing client relationships, having a backup plan gives you the power to say “yes” or “no” confidently. Build alternatives now so you aren’t stuck later.
Final Thoughts
Six years of Siren Media has been an adventure filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable partnerships. If I had to sum it all up in one takeaway, it’s this: success in marketing (and business) is a mix of strategy, collaboration, grit, and heart.
Here’s to the next six years of learning, growing, and partnering with amazing people. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, I hope these lessons inspire you to reflect on your own journey.
Ready to make your next big move? Let’s talk!