This is a little different to the posts I’ve written lately. As you may have guessed from the title, I’ve decided to say goodbye to XOmisse.
It’s not a complete change, we’re just “growing up” a little.
I’ve toyed with the idea a lot over the years but I’ve finally taken the plunge. Read on for the full story and my thoughts on the rebrand to Marketing Malone.
Where XOmisse began
I first stumbled upon the “online creator world” in October 2009. Within two months, I was obsessed and had launched my own blog, a YouTube channel and a Twitter account.
I’d found a hobby, a creative outlet, a community. And I found something I was actually good at. Not necessarily being a blogger, though I enjoyed it. But the technical side of running an online platform. I loved getting behind-the-scenes, tweaking the code and digging into the systems and setup.
Fast forward a couple of years and the blogging era was in full swing. YouTubers and Bloggers were gaining recognition. We were starting to partner with brands and earn money. We were figuring things out as we went: how to customise our Blogspot themes, design graphics, use social media and get found on Google.
So much of what existed online was written for designers and developers, not for the growing community of bloggers I’d become part of. So while studying Creative Digital Media, I launched XOmisse in May 2013 as an online resource for bloggers.
I loved simplifying the technical side, sharing tutorials and helping people build their own platforms. I hoped that alongside helping other bloggers, I could build a portfolio of work for after I graduated.
That was thirteen years ago. And a lot has changed since then.
A long time coming
Honestly, this rebrand has been on my mind since 2020. But for one reason or another, the timing never felt right. As you can imagine, rebranding an online platform with over a decade of history is a massive undertaking.
Over the last year, however, the pull has become stronger. My mindset has changed. In a way, XOmisse was a hobby turned freelance portfolio, not a business. I started with a specific goal in 2013, but that got lost as my focus changed over the years.
It’s sad to leave XOmisse behind but it feels like the right move, and I’m approaching things differently now.
The experience behind this
I’ve spent thirteen years working across web design and development, SEO, content strategy, email marketing, social media, and more tools and platforms than I can list here. I’ve worked with creators, service providers, small businesses, talent agencies, media companies and AI startups. I’ve lectured, held webinars and spoken at industry events. I’ve built my own platforms and grown communities for other businesses. I’m bringing all of that with me.
Who Marketing Malone is for
The online space looks nothing like it did in 2013. Bloggers became influencers. Entrepreneurs are also content creators. There are more platforms than ever. And what it takes to run a business online has grown into a full-time job in itself.
Through all of that, the people I’ve always been most drawn to working with are the same. The ones turning a skill or passion into a business. They are the creative business owners: coaches, designers, copywriters, online educators, photographers, stylists, makers, artists, nutritionists, personal trainers… the list goes on.
I understand how overwhelming it is. Trying to do the work you love while also being your own marketing manager, tech support and content creator. Feeling like you have to be online constantly, churning out content, managing every platform.
That’s the part I want to take off your plate.
What Marketing Malone does
Marketing Malone is built around one simple framework: getting your business found, followed and booked.
- Found: showing up on Google, on Instagram, in the right places when the right people are looking.
- Followed: building an audience that trusts you, on platforms you own and ones you don’t.
- Booked: having a website and a system that converts into paying clients, without being glued to your phone.
If you need a professional website, have a specific list of SEO or tech tasks that need sorting, or just want to work out where to start, I’m here to help. You can see what’s available at marketingmalone.com/services.
If you’ve been here a while
If you’ve been here since 2013 or joined me along the way, I want to thank you.
I haven’t always been consistent. Life got in the way, other jobs took over, and XOmisse didn’t always get the attention it deserved. But there’s a reason I kept this space for as long as I have, even when it maybe wasn’t “worth my time” on paper.
The community and feedback around XOmisse was always something I’ve been proud of. You’ve allowed me to do work I love for over a decade. That’s what I’m building on.
If you want to follow what’s happening next, I’m at @marketingmalone on Instagram.
Here’s to the next chapter,
Elaine XO
