2179 - What Works in Small Business Marketing with Ninety Five Media's Emma Tessler

The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Unlocking the Secrets of Social Media Marketing: Insights from Emma Tessler of Ninety Five Media

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge chats with Emma Tessler, the Founder and CEO of Ninety Five Media. Emma shares her journey from solopreneur to agency leader, offering insight into how small businesses can scale through intentional content marketing. She also discusses the balance between creativity and data, the evolving role of social platforms, and why longer-form video is the future of digital engagement.

Finding Balance in a Digital World

Emma began the conversation by opening up about her personal growth journey—specifically how she’s cultivated balance in a world driven by digital noise. After spending years pouring everything into her business, she realized the importance of unplugging and finding a creative outlet. For Emma, that outlet is needlepoint. It’s a meditative activity that brings joy, social connection, and a refreshing break from screen time.

Transitioning into her business, Emma introduced Ninety Five Media, a digital marketing agency that serves small businesses looking to grow their audience and convert followers into paying customers. The agency provides a full suite of services including strategy, content creation, community engagement, and performance tracking—so founders can stay focused on running their business without the overwhelm of managing their online presence.

Emma also shared her outlook on social media trends. While many users feel disenchanted by algorithm shifts and platform saturation, she believes there's opportunity for brands that deliver meaningful, educational, and story-driven content. Longer-form video, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, is outperforming short clips by increasing audience retention and deepening brand connection.

About Emma Tessler

Emma Tessler is the Founder and CEO of Ninety Five Media and host of the podcast Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling. With nearly a decade of experience in the digital marketing space, Emma leads a powerhouse team that helps small businesses create content that drives real growth. Her mission is to empower founders with strategies that convert and build community-driven brands.

About Ninety Five Media

Ninety Five Media is a full-service digital marketing agency helping entrepreneurs grow through strategic content creation and social media engagement. From content calendars to analytics, the agency specializes in delivering results without locking clients into long-term contracts. Their motto: create content that converts and builds lasting community.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

• Ninety Five Media Website
• Emma Tessler on LinkedIn
• Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling Podcast

Key Episode Highlights

• Why Emma uses needlepoint as a creative and mindful outlet
• How Ninety Five Media supports small business owners with done-for-you marketing
• The importance of video—especially long-form content—for building trust and conversions
• Why data should drive your content strategy, not trends
• The power of community building in growing an online presence

Conclusion

Emma Tessler reminds us that smart marketing isn’t about churning out content—it’s about creating with purpose. Through strategy, storytelling, and analytics, her team at Ninety Five Media is helping small businesses build brands that last. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start scaling, this episode is packed with the expert insights you need.

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