A Conversation With Creative Entrepreneur Pete Bella

Every now and then you sit down with someone who reminds you why the business world is changing faster than most people are willing to adapt. In my latest conversation with Pete Bella, owner of Twist Creative Studio and Twist & Shout Mobile DJ, we dug into the realities of running a creative business today — the messy parts, the wins, and the parts nobody wants to admit publicly.

What started as a simple “catch up” turned into a brutally honest breakdown of SEO, social media strategy, AI-driven search, creative careers, Google ads, and the future of content. And if you're a business owner or creator trying to grow right now? You need to hear this.

Keep an eye on this blog for more insights of our chat. Be sure to follow “How Social is Your Media?” our podcast that focuses on small business owners and their marketing journey.

Check out the podcast here starting: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yMCLueHFvuZNUil0kcHAU?si=ea26b36abc974109

Why Small Businesses Keep Dodging Social Media Management (and Why It’s Hurting Them)

Running a small business is already a full-time hustle. Between operations, customer service, staffing, and a dozen fires that pop up daily, it’s easy to understand why social media often gets pushed to the back burner. What’s harder to understand? Why so many small businesses continue to dodge hiring a social media management or content production company that could make their lives easier.

At Pixels and Peeps, we see this every day — and it’s a challenge we’re passionate about solving.

The Myth of “Doing It Yourself”
Many small business owners think, “I can just post on Facebook or Instagram myself.” And sure, you can. But will you do it consistently? Will you know how to shoot content that actually connects with your audience? Will you stay on top of algorithm changes, trends, and paid strategy?

The truth is, DIY content often fizzles out because it takes time, skill, and a creative plan. That’s where professionals like us come in.

The Tax Benefits Nobody Talks About
Here’s something that doesn’t get enough attention: when you hire a content production or social media management company, it’s not just about freeing up your time. It’s also a legitimate business expense.

Instead of buying random gear, burning hours trying to edit videos, or paying staff extra for something they aren’t trained to do, you can invest in a company like Pixels and Peeps and write it off as a marketing expense. That’s smart business.

Still Involved, Without the Stress
Outsourcing doesn’t mean giving up control. We work with you, not around you. You’ll still have a say in the creative direction, the look, and the message — but you won’t have to worry about shooting, editing, scheduling, or analyzing results. It’s a partnership where you can stay involved while staying focused on your actual business.

Focus on What Matters Most
When you remove the hassle of managing your own content, you get back time — and in small business, time is everything. Instead of stressing about what to post, you can focus on customers, sales, and growth. Let us do what we do best so you can do what you do best.

Final Thought
Small businesses can’t afford to keep dodging professional content help. Social media is no longer optional — it’s the front door to your brand. With Pixels and Peeps, you get a creative partner who removes the stress, maximizes your marketing dollars, and helps your business stand out in a crowded digital world.

Navigating the Creative Landscape: Insights from TR-The Creative Director

In a world where creativity meets commerce, TR shares his journey from backyard wrestling videos to leading a decentralized creative studio. His story is a testament to the power of passion and adaptability in the ever-evolving creative industry.

The Journey:

TR's fascination with digital media began at a young age, experimenting with VHS tapes and backyard wrestling videos. His career path took him through various roles, from marketing branding to creative director at a luxury fashion brand, where he led a team to scale e-commerce revenue significantly.

Embracing Change:

TR discusses the impact of AI on the creative industry, highlighting the divide between those who resist and those who adapt. He emphasizes the importance of creativity beyond tools, focusing on expression and problem-solving.

Building a Business:

The concept of retainers has been pivotal for TR's studio, allowing for consistent growth and collaboration with a network of freelancers. He shares insights on the importance of building relationships and maintaining transparency in business dealings.

Conclusion: TR's story is a reminder that creativity is not just about the tools we use but the problems we solve and the value we create. As the industry continues to evolve, staying adaptable and focused on genuine connections will be key to success.

Subscribe now to “How Social is Your Media?” to stay updated with more inspiring stories and insights from the creative world. Listen on your favorite podcast player.

Just be Social

Pixels and Peeps has been in business for four years now. We have improved our skills and developed micro services within our existing ones. One thing has remained in our efforts to help your small business, you have to be social.

Social just doesn’t mean getting on social media. Yeah, we manage social media accounts if your small business needs that. The thing we want to accomplish with our biz and yours is being in the community a being social and present. We love meeting new small businesses and capturing moments that inspire others to be social.

Always looking for new people to grow with, bounce ideas around with, and of course new clients. Can’t deny we stop looking for new clients since we are a for profit biz.

If your small business is looking to expand your network, then let’s meet and just connect our networks. Nothing more that time involved.

With that, we will leave you with a simple statement: just be social.

See Ya Peeps,

Joe

Business Evolution

Hey Peeps,

Not to be compared to the Great Recession, this pandemic has created challenges and circumstances that no business was ready to handle. Being a young digital marketing company, that also specializes in social media management, the pandemic has led to phases and stages of business evolution.

Eateries of ALL sizes have created new ways to service their customers that may not have been in their plan for 2020. Seeing the changes in the business models, especially small eateries, has been exciting considering the circumstances. Offering additional services like television by a local brewery or using spirit processing to make hand sanitizer were change processes initiated. Smaller eateries have seen a constraint with profit by using food delivery services and are looking for additional ways to get their food in their customers bellies. Even expanding pickup options has improved some businesses, but at times the staff cannot keep up. Automation will need to be the BFF of these smaller eateries in order to help them survive. As marketers, it is important to help with the social media aspect and to also help network other resources to aid in the automation that is cost effective for our clients.

Small brick and mortar stores have created pickup measures to help with the CDC orders of social distancing. Online buying and picking up has been building for several years. Seeing companies acclimate to these types of processes is inspiring, again considering the circumstances. Selling product outside of their typical categories like face shields, sanitizer, or face masks without gouging prices shows the respect given to customers in need of PPE items. Even social media usage has increased for these businesses helping them get their name out.

Pixels and Peeps reached out to multiple businesses or brands to help with any marketing needs. Promoted authors on “How Social is Your Media?” to help give exposure to sell books during this time. Worked with a local Indy entrepreneur Lydia Hlebesko to make face shields. Created a video service to showcase before and after landscaping work for Max’s LLC. Introduced screen printing and sticker making for Max’s LLC to start with. Then slowly, but surely podcast editing and producing is launching with Luis “DJ Cupcake” Rivera.

Now that I have rambled, my question is: how has your business or brand adapted to the changes in our environment?

Keep Your Social Media Social,

Joe

Content Additions

Added links to the 1st nine podcasts. If you check out the podcast header it will show you the logo for “How Social is Your Media?” with the image being a hotline to each episode.

I am ready to begin filming for our Youtube channel and cannot wait to announce the first guest that gets to enjoy this add-on.

Hope you all have been enjoying the podcast. Any feedback is welcomed. Improving on the audio quality and editing continues to be my main goal.

2020’s guests are going to be eclectic and will bring the emotions out in you.

Please support the entrepreneurs we have on the show or others that your know!