Running A Social Media Marketing Agency In College
How I Started Running a Social Media Marketing Agency in College
When I first launched 5South5, I was a college student with no office, no large budget, and not even a clear idea of where it would take me. All I had was my phone, a laptop, and a vision: to fill a gap I saw in how food, health, and wellness brands were communicating online. Starting a social media marketing agency in college seemed unconventional, but for me, it was the perfect fit. The idea of creating content to help brands grow while balancing my own studies felt like a challenge worth taking on.
The Struggles of Running a Social Media Marketing Agency in College
Running a social media marketing agency in college isn’t glamorous. There are late nights, back-to-back client calls, and constantly moving deadlines. Between studying, meeting new clients, and creating content, there are moments when it feels like the workload might be too much. But I quickly learned that success in this field isn’t just about working hard—it’s about learning to manage distractions and staying focused on the bigger picture. The real lesson? Passion for the work makes the sacrifices worth it.
How I Built Systems to Grow My Social Media Marketing Agency
The one advantage I had as a college student? Time. While most founders are scrambling to keep up with clients and deadlines, I had the unique opportunity to test ideas, fail, and try again without risking everything. I used this time to build systems that would allow me to scale my company. From tracking leads in Google Sheets to creating smooth onboarding processes for clients like Thrifting King and ECB NJ, I made sure every step of the process was efficient. Experimenting and refining my approach became key to growing 5South5 without the pressure of financial failure.
What Makes 5South5 Different as a Student-Run Social Media Marketing Agency
At 5South5, we don’t just edit videos and post on social media—we craft tailored strategies for each client. Running a business in college means I have the flexibility to get hands-on with every detail of my business. We go from brainstorming ideas to executing them across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The focus is always on creating content that resonates and delivers results. This isn’t just a side hustle—it’s a full-fledged media company that’s built to grow with its clients.
How Short-Form Content Drives Growth for Companies
If you’re thinking about starting a company in college, one thing I can tell you for sure is this: don’t underestimate the power of short-form content. It’s the quickest way to scale a brand, and it’s been the secret sauce for my business. Whether it’s viral TikToks or engaging Instagram Reels, short-form video has allowed me to land clients, generate income, and build credibility—all while keeping up with schoolwork. It’s an essential tool for success.
Taking 5South5 from College Campus to National Reach
What’s next for 5South5? My goal is simple: to make it the most trusted name in short-form video creation and content strategy. Starting in State College, I plan to grow the agency to Philadelphia, New York, and eventually LA. But running a social media marketing agency in college is just the beginning. Beyond the business, my vision is to create a community of dreamchasers—those who want to turn creative ideas into careers. This journey is more than just about scaling a business; it’s about building something bigger than myself.
L
earn more about me on our “About” page
Danny Vitale, Founder and CEO of 5South5