Business

How CEO Barion McQueen Uses Social Media to Inspire Younger Entrepreneurs

Published

6 years ago

April 17, 2020

Everyone who still thinks that social media isn’t a crucial aspect of the business game is just doing it wrong, okay? While there are still a few old school businesses that refuse to accept this, social media platforms have grown to have an immense conversion power for pretty much any business. And as a CEO, it’s vital that you understand and embrace this power, otherwise you risk losing valuable customers.

Barion McQueen, CEO of The Brand Castle, has learned to use his social media presence to his advantage. Building an online persona in keeping with his real self, kindly but confident, Barion has managed to attract both a healthy stream of new customers to his branding and marketing agency, as well as a following of young entrepreneurs.

Looking for inspiration from someone who gets it, more and more young men and women at the start of their creative journey credit Barion, either directly or indirectly, with giving them much-needed advice and offering words of encouragement.

“Everyday is an opportunity to be better than you were yesterday. Do not ever put limits on your potential. I would have never thought I’d be a best selling author, but with some hard work & faith it was possible. Keep going and keep pushing to do all the things you’ve dreamed of.”

This is the message that greets you as soon as you access Barion McQueen’s Facebook page. What immediately strikes you, scrolling through his social media posts is the upbeat and daring tone. He immediately comes across as an optimist and a dreamer, a man who believes in being creative and dreaming with your eyes open, but also believes in going the distance.

Bringing together a rare mix of creativity and ambition, Barion McQueen manages various businesses – from a hip-hop magazine, the “Hip Hop Dose”, to a profitable real estate business, “Real Estate Captured”. On his social media, he talks openly about his varied interests, plans of the future, as well as some personal musings about past failures and successes. And thus, combining advice with tales of his own experience, off the wall ideas with success examples, Barion serves as a constant source of inspiration.

By being honest. By never concealing the failures, but rather embracing them as a natural part of the road to success and learning from each. By offering his advice, not in a condescending tone, but rather in a humbling manner.

If asked, Barion would tell you he is trying to be the voice of inspiration that he would have liked to have at his side, when he first started on this road.

An encouraging pat on the shoulder that says “You’ll be alright”, that’s what Barion McQueen strives to be. And ultimately, that’s what Barion McQueen is.

Business

The Key Components of a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy

Published

18 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In today’s hyper-connected world, a well-defined digital marketing strategy is essential for any business that wants to grow, build brand trust, and stay competitive. Whether you’re a local retailer, an eCommerce business, or a professional service provider, your online presence plays a major role in shaping how your audience perceives you. For example, industries like legal services are increasingly recognising the benefits of specialised digital marketing for law firms to attract and engage clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Below, we explore the key components that make up a successful digital marketing strategy—and how to align them with your business goals.

Clear Objectives and Measurable Goals

Every effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Your goals might include increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving search engine visibility, or enhancing customer retention. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives helps ensure that each marketing activity contributes to tangible outcomes.

A Strong Brand Identity

Your digital marketing efforts should reflect a cohesive brand identity that resonates across every channel—your website, social media, email campaigns, and online ads. Consistent visual design, tone of voice, and messaging establish credibility and make your business instantly recognisable.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility. From on-page content optimisation and keyword targeting to technical site health and link-building, SEO ensures your business appears where customers are actively searching. Local SEO, in particular, helps businesses connect with audiences in specific geographic areas—an essential tactic for professionals and service-based businesses.

Engaging Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content builds authority and nurtures relationships. Blogs, videos, infographics, podcasts, and whitepapers provide opportunities to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Great content not only boosts SEO performance but also establishes your brand as a trusted industry leader.

Social Media Engagement

Social platforms allow you to interact directly with your audience, showcase brand personality, and promote your services. The key is to use the right platform for your audience—LinkedIn for B2B engagement, Instagram for visual storytelling, or Facebook for community connection. Regular posting, active engagement, and data analysis are crucial for success.

Paid Advertising (PPC and Social Ads)

Paid campaigns can provide immediate visibility and lead generation, especially when combined with strong targeting and data insights. Tools like Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager allow you to reach specific demographics, remarket to previous visitors, and maximise ROI through ongoing optimisation.

Email Marketing and Automation

Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships. Automated workflows can deliver personalised experiences, keeping leads engaged throughout the buyer journey. From newsletters to drip campaigns, consistent and value-driven communication is key.

Data Analytics and Continuous Optimisation

No digital marketing strategy is complete without performance tracking. Tools like Google Analytics, social insights, and CRM data reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Regularly reviewing metrics enables businesses to refine their strategy and continually improve results.

Final Thoughts

A successful digital marketing strategy is more than a checklist—it’s an evolving framework built on research, creativity, and constant learning. When each component works together seamlessly, your business can attract, engage, and convert customers more effectively, while maintaining a powerful and professional online presence.