Steve Whitney is the owner Sit. Stay. Forever, a Maine-based company that makes and sells safe and sustainable pet products. He also participated in the Lab’s 2023 Inclusive Entrepreneur Fellowship program.
The Business Challenge
To boost sales, Steve realized that he needed to revamp his website and implement a social media strategy. That’s where collaboration with two student teams in the Digital Media master’s program athe College of Professional Studies came into play during the fall 2023 semester.
The Project Outcomes
One class focused on creating a comprehensive new brand book, designing a modern Amazon storefront, revamping the website, and producing branding videos. The students also developed a social media growth strategy, conducted hashtag research, and designed new product labels.
Meanwhile, an SEO class formulated a robust search engine optimization strategy. The students conducted detailed keyword research, and competitive analysis, and revamped the website’s metadata, ensuring optimal online visibility.
The synergy between the classes, facilitated by having the same instructor, Professor Christina Inge, fostered a seamless cross-class collaboration. This not only amplified the learning experience for the students, but also enriched the suite of services offered to Whitney’s business. The students’ research into consumer trends in eco-friendly, organic pet care was particularly insightful. The true impact of these efforts, as Steve noted, will become more apparent in the months to follow.
The Business Owner’s Takeaway
Steve Whitney
Owner of Sit. Stay. Forever in Maine
“The strides my company has taken in SEO, website development, videos, images, social media, and more, have been nothing short of remarkable. It feels like hitting the jackpot!”
