Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Smith.
Hi Victoria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The VSmith Media Story: My Journey to Natural Marketing
The whole reason I started VSmith Media was to close the ridiculous gap between the fancy, complicated world of digital strategies and the real, human needs of small business owners. I truly believe marketing shouldn’t feel confusing or overwhelming—it should feel “natural.”
Here’s the breakdown of how we went from a specialized consulting gig to the full-on digital powerhouse we are today.
Starting with a Journalism Vibe
Long before VSmith Media officially launched, I was in communications and journalism. That background was the secret sauce. It taught me how to tell a great story and, more importantly, how to really dig up the why behind a business. This gave me a huge advantage: while other marketers were only obsessing over the data, I was focused on the narrative and making a deep, human connection with the brands we worked with.
The Big Lightbulb Moment
While working in the industry, I kept seeing the same frustrating problem: small business owners were getting completely left behind. The big agencies were too expensive, and the technical jargon around SEO, social media algorithms, and local search was just too much to handle.
I realized what was needed was a “partner-first” approach, not just another “outside hire.” I created VSmith Media to make digital marketing easy, affordable, and actually effective for everyone from local shops and real estate agents to e-commerce startups.
Building the “#NaturalMarketer” Movement
As VSmith Media grew, the Natural Marketing philosophy became our guiding principle. It’s what drives everything we do:
The Podcast: I launched the #naturalmarketer podcast to share honest, practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to “crush it online” without having to sacrifice their integrity to the algorithm.
Laser Focus: We started focusing exclusively on the high-impact stuff that drives actual local growth—Local SEO, managing Google Business Profiles, and creating social media strategies that bring in real leads, not just a bunch of meaningless “likes.”
Introducing “Digital Footprints”: Specialized Niches
To serve our clients even better, we launched a sub-brand called Digital Footprints. This is our specialized arm dedicated to creating hyper-focused, industry-specific strategies that directly apply the Natural Marketing philosophy to high-growth niches:
Real Estate: We help agents and brokers use Local SEO and Google Business Profiles to dominate their territory. For a listing, their “Digital Footprint” is more than just an image—it’s a story that connects local buyers to the feel of the home and neighborhood.
E-commerce: For online stores, the “Digital Footprint” is about making the shopping experience feel personal. We move beyond simple ads to use advanced content strategy and automation that turn one-time buyers into lifelong, engaged brand advocates.
Digital Creators: We work with creators to solidify their brand authority. We don’t just chase vanity metrics; we help them weave their personal narrative and expertise into a cohesive “Digital Footprint” that translates views and listens into stable, long-term revenue streams.
VSmith Media Today: Focused on Impact
Today, VSmith Media (still based right here in Oakland, Tennessee) is a comprehensive digital partner. Our goal has shifted from just “getting businesses online” to helping them absolutely thrive in an AI-driven world.
Growth & Adaptation: We now help our clients navigate the complex stuff, from sudden e-commerce booms to handling big Google updates and weaving AI/automation into their daily operations.
Our Mission: The core goal is still the same as day one: empowering all kinds of businesses to hit their unique growth targets by mixing tech know-how with a personal, human touch.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be completely honest? No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, the early days were characterized by a lot of “trial by fire” and a steep learning curve.
The transition from a journalism background to running a full-scale media agency came with its fair share of hurdles. Here is a look at the struggles that eventually shaped VSmith Media into what it is today.
In the beginning, the biggest struggle was lack of focus. When you are starting out, the instinct is often to say “yes” to every project and every client that comes your way.
The Generalist Trap: I was taking on any client regardless of industry or need. This meant I was spreading my energy too thin, trying to be an expert in everything for everyone.
Operational Friction: Without a defined niche, every project required a brand-new workflow. It was exhausting and made it difficult to provide the high-level, consistent results I knew I was capable of.
The “Hustle” Burnout: Managing a chaotic roster of clients meant working around the clock without a clear strategic path forward.
The real shift happened when I stopped looking at marketing as a series of random tasks and started looking at it through the lens of Digital Footprints.
I realized that every business already has a “trail” they leave online—whether it’s a neglected Google listing, a dormant social media account, or an outdated website. By focusing on optimizing and expanding these footprints, I found the clarity the agency needed.
Strategic Focus: Instead of guessing, I began using data to see where a client’s footprint was weakest and where it had the most potential for growth.
From “Yes” to “Purposeful”: I stopped taking on “any” client and started partnering with those whose digital footprints I could truly transform.
Building Systems: This focus allowed me to build repeatable, effective systems for Local SEO and content strategy that actually moved the needle.
Where We Are Today
Those early struggles were actually a gift. They taught me that focus is a superpower. Today, VSmith Media doesn’t just “do marketing”—we audit, repair, and amplify digital footprints. That initial chaos was the necessary friction that forced us to develop the specialized, “natural” approach we use today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about VSMITH MEDIA, LLC?
At VSmith Media, we believe that digital marketing shouldn’t feel like a foreign language. Based in Oakland, Tennessee, our agency is built on the principle of “Natural Marketing”—the idea that your online presence should be a seamless, authentic extension of your physical business, not a clinical or overwhelming chore.
Here is a closer look at what we do, what makes us different, and why we’re so passionate about the work we do.
What We Do & What We’re Known For
We are a full-service digital marketing partner, but we are most widely recognized for our expertise in “Digital Footprints.” Just as you leave tracks in the sand, your business leaves a trail across the internet. We specialize in making sure those tracks lead customers straight to your door.
Local SEO & Google Business Profile (GBP) Management: We are known for dominating local search. We help brick-and-mortar businesses and local service providers (like real estate agents and contractors) show up exactly when their neighbors are looking for them.
The Blueprint Playbook: We don’t just “post to post.” We create comprehensive strategic playbooks that act as a roadmap for your brand’s growth.
AI & Automation Integration: We help small businesses leverage the power of AI to work smarter, not harder—using technology to handle the repetitive tasks so you can focus on your clients.
Content with a Voice: From our #naturalmarketer podcast to high-converting email sequences, we specialize in storytelling that feels human and builds trust.
What We Are Most Proud Of (Brand-Wise)
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the growth and resilience of our community. Seeing a small business owner move from “overwhelmed and invisible” to “confident and dominant” in their local market is our greatest achievement.
We are also incredibly proud of the #naturalmarketer movement. It has grown from a simple hashtag into a podcast and philosophy that empowers entrepreneurs to stay authentic in an AI-driven world. We’ve proven that you don’t have to be a “techie” to crush it online; you just need the right footprint.
What We Want You to Know
If there is one thing we want readers to take away, it’s this: Your digital presence is your most valuable asset, but you don’t have to build it alone.
Whether you are a real estate professional looking for more listings, an e-commerce brand ready to scale, or a local business owner who is tired of being buried on page two of Google, we have the tools and the heart to help you grow. We offer a full suite of SaaS tools, CRM solutions, and managed services designed to meet you exactly where you are.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Working with VSmith Media is about more than just hiring a marketing agency—it’s about gaining a dedicated partner who is invested in your growth. Whether you are ready for a full-scale strategy or just want to learn from our community, there are several ways to get involved.
1. Work With Us (Direct Services) If you are a business owner looking to solidify your digital presence and drive actual leads, we offer tiered ways to engage:
The Digital Footprint Assessment: This is the best place to start. We conduct a deep dive into your current online presence—from SEO and Google Business Profiles to social media—to identify exactly where you’re losing potential customers.
The Blueprint Playbook: We build you a custom, actionable roadmap. You can choose to execute this yourself or have our team handle the heavy lifting.
Managed Services: For those who want to “set it and forget it,” we offer full management of Local SEO, Google Business Profiles, Email Marketing, and Content Strategy. We specialize in working with real estate agents, e-commerce brands, and local service providers.
Digital Footprints CRM: Get access to our specialized SaaS tools and CRM solutions designed to simplify your lead generation and follow-up.
2. Collaborate With Us
We love working with other “Natural Marketers” and industry experts who share our vision:
Podcast Guests: Are you an entrepreneur with a story of growth and resilience? We are always looking for insightful guests for the #naturalmarketer podcast to share actionable strategies with our listeners.
Trim Creators Studio (a partnership with Trim Radio Network): For digital creators and fellow podcasters, we offer resources, workshops, and personalized support through our studio to help you refine your craft and reach a larger audience.
Strategic Partnerships: We frequently collaborate with complementary service providers (like web developers or business coaches) to provide a holistic experience for our clients.
3. Support the Mission
If you aren’t ready for a full partnership yet but want to support what we do, you can join the movement:
The Digital Footprints Newsletter: Subscribe to stay updated on the latest shifts in AI, SEO, and authentic marketing.
Listen & Review: Subscribe to the #naturalmarketer podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Leaving a rating or review helps us reach more small business owners who need to hear that marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Spread the Word: Follow us and share our content on social media. A simple tag or share goes a long way in helping a local business owner find the help they need.
Pricing:
- The Digital Snapshot Report ($0 / Free)
- The Blueprint Playbook (Custom Quote)
- Managed Services (Monthly Retainer)
- Digital Footprints CRM (Tiered SaaS Pricing)
- Consulting & Training (Hourly or Project-Based)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vsmithmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsmithmedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vsmithmedia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsmithmedia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vsmithmedia
- Other: https://naturalmareketerpodcast.com
