MICHELLE MURRILL
Smashing stereotypes from long ago, Michelle Murrill is not only a tech guru, she’s a fearless CEO and a wife and mother, too. Finding her way and carving out her digital niche from her living room, her journey consists of the entrepreneurial details that motivate and encourage other women. Starting with small steps, she proves that owning and operating a business is truly within reach.
Known for her enviable energy and long locks, whether straight or curly, Michelle Murrill is one of those people that can simultaneously run an empire and a home while making everyone feel they are the center of her universe. The very definition of a self-starter, she’s not only the founder and CEO of Daphne’s Southern View Media, she’s also a business partner and wife to her high school sweetheart, Brad. Originally from New Orleans, she’s also mom to Kaitlin, 22, Maddux, 15, and Hudson, 3.
As for her start? She chose not to be intimidated by the digital world that is typically male dominated. Perhaps braver than she knows, a quick Google search indicates there aren’t many women-owned ad agencies in North America. Out of the approximately 14,000 across the continent, less than 1% are owned by women.
Taking small steps, Michelle shares, “I began running Facebook ads and exploring content marketing and SEO in 2009 when I launched Moms of Charleston from our living room. Before I knew it, I had 6 years of experience! Inspired, Brad started training in Google ads and was fully prepared when we launched our first campaign 4 years later for a local HVAC client that’s still with us today. I started recruiting both my operations director and VP of digital marketing from day one and it took less than 2 years to get them both onboard. It was just the two of us then, but now we’ve grown to 15 employees, with Leigh Wright as our Vice President and Cheri Roberts as our Operations Manager.” she proudly shares.
““I’VE NEVER CONSIDERED THE FACT THAT I’M A WOMAN WORKING IN A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY TO BE A HINDRANCE. ALTHOUGH SOMETIMES PEOPLE UNDERESTIMATE ME AND MY ABILITIES, THAT JUST MAKES THE SUCCESS I HELP THEM GAIN THAT MUCH MORE FUN!””
Offering a long list of services such as custom website design and development, logo design, branding, social media content and ad creation, management and strategy, Google ads, marketing strategies, and so much more, Michelle operates from a set of core values she’s adopted throughout her 14 years in digital marketing. “As a parent and business owner, the goal is to always strive for greatness. This means good isn’t good enough as the bare minimum doesn’t cut it and every piece of creative or marketing plan we produce must exceed expectations. I’ve always been drawn to seahorses as they’re known problem solvers and silent ninjas! An inspiration at Southern View Media, I always say, “Be a seahorse!” This means do the right thing, even when no one is looking, and be the solution to someone’s problem. It also means we are each tasked with taking care of our community, the surrounding environment, and the people in it.”
Working with businesses around the coast to ensure they don’t get left behind in this digital age, Michelle tells us, “We’re a boutique creative and digital marketing agency here to help small to medium-sized businesses understand the complex world of marketing so they can make educated decisions to grow their business.”
Many businesses, especially small brick and mortar ones, find themselves overwhelmed and secluded as the digital world turns non-stop. Their challenges range from a lack of inhouse technology experts, time for learning the ever-evolving technology, and technology not simply being user friendly enough. With a commitment to meet clients where they are, overcoming these hurdles is possible with the guidance of Michelle and her team.
Understanding that many women own local businesses, it’s refreshing to hear Michelle say, “We know what it’s like to be a small business!” From time constraints and the fear when trying to approach anything online related, she adds, “We aim to help local business owners find success through various methods such as free Google My Business listings, free quarterly training, eBooks, website payment plans, templated websites and logos, our business expos, overall guidance on starting a business, and more. It has never been more vital to have an online presence and we get our clients there!”
Sharing one simple fact, Michelle states, “Your business has to have a social media presence. Social media is not only an effective way to reach new audiences, it also helps build brand authority. Statistics show people are more likely to trust a business with a strong social media following. Whether we develop a social media plan or a customized website or even assist with Search Engine Optimization (SEO), I’ve witnessed these tools quickly become common practice once clients see the improved earnings from their efforts. The bottom line is that none of us can afford not to be online.”
As for the female bonus? “I’ve never considered the fact that I’m a woman working in a male dominated industry to be a hindrance. Although sometimes people underestimate me and my abilities, that just makes the success I help them gain that much more fun! Women tend to be more empathetic people-pleasers and can relate to their employees better, so I’m thrilled I get to use that positive feminine energy to relate to clients and my team members. Plus, we’re fortunate to live in an area full of successful women who lift each other up. This encourages our male counterparts to continue to recognize that female business owners are credible and relevant, too,” Michelle beams.
Authentic in her approach, serving the local community is key not only to her business, but to raising a family in the Bay area, too. “I give back as much as possible. In various volunteer roles from local breast cancer fundraiser, Bras for a Cause, to the Autism Society and the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, being involved and donating always turns out to be a bigger gift to me personally and professionally,” Michelle beams.
Knowing the impact a hurricane can have on small business, Michelle created the Small Business Disaster Recovery Specialists after Hurricane Ida affected many of her Gulf Coast clients and friends. “This organization provides access to tools, assets, free marketing, free commercial-sized tarps, yard signs, chainsaws, and business cards immediately after major storms. It also delivers boots on the ground help in the days after a major storm,” Michelle explains.
Leaning into assisting others, Michelle’s passion lies in helping businesses grow and become established. “If a small client’s business succeeds, we all succeed. This is accomplished not only through our paid marketing campaigns, but through our Small Business nonprofit and several other free and low-cost services. We also offer low-cost office space called Daphne Cowork which allows us to serve nonprofits and business groups with a place to meet and fundraise,” she shares.
Not only does Michelle work to ensure small businesses are able to keep up with the increasing pace of innovation, but she also never misses an entrepreneurial opportunity. Seeing a need for a full service ad speciality company on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Michelle hired Kayla Murray and branched into the world of branded promotional items that range from huggers, notebooks, hats and apparel to business cards, signage, trade show displays, and more, with sister company Pelican Promos.
With a long list of acknowledgements, Michelle was recently named Alignable’s Local Business Person of the Year on the Gulf Coast and as a 2022 Southwest Mobile County Chamber Business of the Year Nominee. Just hitting her stride, Michelle’s tight-knit team is what truly touched the Access team. Whether it’s brainstorming a path to success for an adored client or toasting to thriving through significant growth over margaritas, Michelle’s leadership style not only commands the best from her team, it also fosters respect and a positive impact that should be clickable, too.
Southern View Media
25369 US-98 E, Daphne, 36526 | 251.517.9425 | SouthernViewMedia.com
PelicanPromosllc.com | DaphneCowork.com
