Pam Foley on Founding AOU Creative Group: Building Online Visibility for Law Firms

Hello Pam! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I am the owner of AOU Creative Group, a successful 100% woman-owned brand management agency specializing in building visibility for law firms and women owned businesses. My team and I use SEO, social media marketing and conversion focused content to build online visibility for clients. As an agency owner, Amazon bestselling author, and creative professional, I have worked with dozens of clients across many industries on brand strategy, copywriting, SEO, design, and social media marketing. I am known to develop innovative digital branding for clients, and I spent a career using simple design and plain language to build professional brands that attract new business, increase revenue and tell the story of my client’s work. In addition to B.A. in Communications (emphasis in Journalism) and a stint as a professional writer for a Reuter’s service, I hold a Juris Doctorate (J.D). I worked as a practicing attorney and law firm owner and bring over 15,000 hours creating content and strategy for entrepreneurial businesses and building brands that see results online.

So Pam, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

I am thrilled to be a part of this talented tribe! Joining Entreprenista gives me the chance to be a part of a community of like minded people - to learn, share ideas and grow together.

Starting your own business is not an easy decision. What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I first became an entrepreneur when I opened my own law firm in 2007 after being laid off from a law firm for a #METOO issue. Not wanting to return to the toxic environment of a traditional law firm, I opened my own family practice. I grew the practice to 3 locations and dozens of divorces -- and found financial success. What I lost was personal success. I realized that I wasn't being the parent or person that I wanted to be in the world. Too many hours working, too many kids field trips missed -- too many times finding myself cynical at work. So - in 2012 I left the law. In 2014, I opened AOU. Now, I work with amazing clients who are focused on building their dreams. My team of talented women and I help them gain online visibility that leads to more website traffic, better leads and higher conversions. It's amazing to work every day with the people I do. I couldn't be happier as a business owner.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I was a practicing lawyer.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No - not until I was laid off for refusing to "date" a managing partner.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Lol -- marketing strategy? When I opened my 1st entrepreneurial business, I focused on choosing a niche to attract clients. That worked -- and I focused on divorce matters and representing men. By 2014 when I opened AOU, I knew that a niche would help -- so I chose women owned businesses and law firms. I focused on building visibility using SEO and social media. At first I spent time on Facebook - which wasn't serving me at all. Then I turned to Linkedin and Instagram -- where I continue to attract new clients. During the pandemic I stopped in person networking and haven't returned to it. I build my visibility -- and pipeline -- online. Was it the plan all along? When I started I didn't have a plan - but the organic results I see with SEO and social media have been so consistent that they are the main elements of my brand strategy for AOU.

Pam, how did you learn to focus?

As a business owner it is so easy to have shiny object syndrome. It took a few tries - but once I focused on our ideal clients and the offer they needed - everything changed. We can't be everything to everyone -- but we can be amazing at brand management for law firms and women owned businesses. When I accepted that and let all others go -- things took off. And my life felt easier.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Hiring a team of talented women of all ages. Hitting my revenue goals. I am proud that agencies seek me out for advice.

Do you believe in work/life balance? Do you have any tips and tricks that keep you sane?

I do! My advice? Schedule you into your day - workouts, downtime -- all of it. Once I did that - I found that I was able to relax and enjoy my work more. Now, I even take some Fridays off! Amazing.

What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?

It isn't always a straight shot to success. You might try and fail sometimes, and that is ok. Just get up, dust off and keep going. It's worth it.

Pam, you have lots to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

I've filled out my team with top talent for every service. From an influencer who manages our personal branding social media for clients, to a former magazine editor who writes content and a past agency owner who is my Creative director. We have the team -- at last - that ensures our client's success. And there is nothing better than seeing a client grow their business and make their dreams come true.

Last, but certainty not least, what's next for your business?

We expect to hit the $2 million revenue mark in 2024. So excited!

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