Today we’d like to introduce you to Jono Slade.
Hi Jono, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey hasn’t followed a straight line, but every step has contributed to where I am today. Over the years, I’ve built online training companies, worked in the trades, traveled internationally producing video content, earned certifications in enterprise IT management platforms and led large-scale implementations, and worked with a variety of technology startups.
Despite the diversity of those experiences, there has always been a common thread: helping small businesses succeed online. For more than 25 years, the one constant throughout my career has been website development and digital marketing for local businesses across the United States.
Most recently, I served as a Principal Marketing Strategist for a marketing agency, where I helped businesses improve their online visibility and growth. That experience ultimately led me to launch my own agency, focused on helping local businesses navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape. Today, with AI and AI-powered search transforming how customers discover businesses online, I work with companies to adapt their marketing strategies, stay visible, and continue growing in an increasingly competitive environment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most service-based businesses, one of the biggest challenges has been standing out in a crowded market and consistently attracting new clients. The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and what worked a few years ago often isn’t enough today.
Another challenge has been building trust. Many business owners have invested in marketing services in the past that failed to deliver meaningful results, leaving them understandably cautious about where they spend their marketing dollars. Part of my job is demonstrating that I take that responsibility seriously and that I’m committed to creating real value for every client.
Fortunately, I’ve been able to use my own business as a testing ground for the strategies, tools, and systems I recommend. That hands-on experience allows me to speak from real-world results rather than theory. By focusing on transparency, measurable outcomes, and long-term relationships, I’ve been able to earn the trust of clients and help them feel confident that their investment is being put to work effectively.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart is that I have not spent my entire career in marketing. I’ve worked in many of the same industries I now serve, which gives me a practical understanding of the challenges business owners face every day.
Before focusing exclusively on marketing, I worked in the trades and service industries, including spray foam insulation, roofing, demolition, framing, finish work, and residential remodeling. I have done the kind of hands-on work that many of my clients do every day. I’ve also built businesses, worked in technology, managed enterprise software implementations, and helped startups grow.
Because of that diverse background, I do not just see my clients as marketing campaigns or websites. I understand the realities of running a service business, including finding customers, managing employees, controlling costs, dealing with competition, and balancing growth with day-to-day operations. That perspective helps me identify opportunities that others might miss and create marketing strategies that are grounded in the realities of how these businesses actually operate.
What I am most proud of is helping local business owners compete and grow in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Whether it is improving their visibility online, generating more qualified leads, or helping them adapt to emerging technologies like AI-powered search, I enjoy serving as a trusted partner who helps businesses succeed.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My father immigrated from South Africa and made it a priority for my siblings and me to stay connected to our family, even though they were scattered across the world in places like England, New Zealand, and South Africa. He believed those relationships were important, and every spare dollar went toward giving us opportunities to visit and spend time with them.
One of my favorite childhood memories was spending a summer on my uncle’s sheep farm on the South Island of New Zealand. I spent my days helping with farm chores, tending to the animals, and learning about a way of life that was very different from my own. When the work was done, my cousins and I would spend hours exploring and playing in the creek that ran through the property.
Looking back, those experiences gave me an appreciation for hard work, family, and the value of seeing different parts of the world. It remains one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my childhood.
Pricing:
- Our pricing is tailored to each client’s needs, goals, and current online presence. Most engagements range from $500 to $2,000 per month and are structured as 6- to 12-month partnerships to allow enough time for strategies to produce meaningful results. I believe in earning my clients’ business every month, so while we establish a long-term plan, there are no cancellation penalties if expectations are not being met. My goal is to build lasting relationships through transparency, measurable results, and consistent value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sladeinsights.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sladeinsights/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sladeinsights/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonoslade
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@slade-insights
