(Alexandra and Sean McCrea | Photo Courtesy of Parallel Forty Four)
Alexandra McCrea, 25, is responsible for a client’s web design, content creation and social media management. Sean McCrea, 29, manages logo design, branding and photography.
Combining their talents to start Parallel Forty Four last fall, Alexandra and Sean McCrea have the experience and expertise to guide their clients in having an edge over their competition. “We are constantly staying abreast of the latest media trends, and the services we offer have solid knowledge and research behind them,” Alexandra said.
Located in Bend and Redmond, Parallel Forty Four is a full-service social media partner providing their West Coast clients with photography, web design, social media, reviews and influencer management, content creation, logo and business card design, banner and signage design and consulting services.
Their current client portfolio includes restaurants, salons, insurance agencies and nonprofits.
As Oregon reaches the one-year milestone of the shifts brought forth by the pandemic, Alexandra said many of the changes in how people conduct business and personal tasks will continue.
“Face-to-face transactions have reduced dramatically over the past year, and in turn, online shopping has seen an explosion of growth and businesses have had to adapt to that,” she said. “In addition, trends are showing the online shopping boom isn’t going to slow down, it’s become an integral part of our economy, and it’s here to stay.
Alexandra said social media platforms have proven to be an asset to businesses seeking to keep in contact with their customers. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have shopping tools built in, allowing customers to shop from a business’ social media page. The McCreas are dedicated to providing Central Oregon businesses with the online presence they deserve to keep and attract new followers.
A graduate of WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, Alexandra said her decision to start Parallel Forty Four with her husband stems from her personal experience selling her artwork on Etsy. She noticed the artists who did well financially had set themselves apart with a strong online presence and strategy.
“Six years ago, social media management began as my side interest, but then these accounts started growing, and I realized that not only did I love engaging with people through a brand and making a connection, but I was really good at it, too,” she shared. “We have helped our clients have successful campaigns.”
Before she meets with a potential client, she does extensive research, so she clearly understands the business’ mission, products and their industry. “My understanding of your industry, your audience and what you do is my first priority. Once I’ve gotten to know you, I’m able to gauge your needs as a brand and write a social strategy, which is basically a proposal of what I think needs to be implemented for Parallel Forty Four to help you reach your goals,” she explained.
One of her challenges is explaining to her clients that social media is more than a game of numbers. “The biggest misunderstanding I’ve seen in this industry is how obsessed people can get with the number of followers they have or want,” she said.
She advises clients not to buy followers, especially when their money could be better spent in other areas. While having a following is important, she stresses businesses want to have a relevant following. A business could have 100,000 followers, but if none of the followers are local to a business’ storefront or aren’t interested in buying what the business sells, the numbers do nothing for a business’ brand.
“Making sure you’re getting the right followers with the potential of turning into clients or customers is far more important than numbers,” Alexandra said, adding that’s where Parallel Forty Four assists its clients.
Alexandra shared it’s a full-time job for a company to create and manage social media accounts, photograph new products, respond to reviews and engage with potential and current customers.
Parallel Forty Four manages a business’ social media, website and online platforms, ensuring everything is cohesive and consistent. “We are small-business owners ourselves, so we can relate on both a personal and professional level with our clients,” Alexandra said. “We allow businesses to focus on what they do best.”
