Danielle Gingerich Built DG Creative Media on Word of Mouth

DG Creative Media began with a Facebook page. Fresh out of NYU, Danielle Gingerich created one, invited her parents’ friends to like it, and started sharing what she could offer local businesses in the Hamptons. Before long she had 7 clients, then 20. More than a decade later, most of the agency’s work still arrives the same way, through word of mouth and referrals.

Danielle Gingerich is the founder and CEO of DG Creative Media, an all-women, creative-first social media, branding, and digital marketing agency rooted in New York City and the Hamptons. Her 8-person team serves more than 40 clients nationwide across social media management, content creation, branding, graphic design, paid media, influencer marketing, and email marketing. A member of the Entreprenista League, Danielle is now building an agency that can grow well beyond her. Because “beautiful creative is only truly valuable when there’s thoughtful strategy behind it,” Danielle says.

A summer plan that became a company

Danielle founded DG in 2014, when social media marketing was still an emerging industry. She had an opportunity to join Ogilvy and chose to build something of her own. Her plan was modest: Spend the summer in the Hamptons building a social media business, knowing a traditional agency job would still be there if it did not work out.

Growing up in the Hamptons, with deep roots in New York City, gave her an early appreciation for luxury, hospitality, design, and how a brand presents itself. She understood what those markets expected, and that became a real advantage with local businesses. When the clients kept coming, the decision made itself. “Well, I guess I won’t need to start applying for jobs after all,” she remembers thinking.

From doing everything to leading

Danielle started DG with no experience running a company, so she learned nearly every part of it firsthand, from clients and finances to hiring and hard decisions. As the agency grew, she saw that the skills needed to start a business differ from the ones needed to scale it.

“I wish I’d understood sooner that doing everything yourself doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing it better,” she says. Today her focus is stronger systems, leaders within her team, and delegation that protects the creative quality and personal service DG is known for.

Abby Martinez of Well Balanced Business describes a similar shift in her conversation about systems, delegation, and scaling without burnout, moving from the person doing everything to the CEO leading the business. For Danielle, the lesson is still in progress. “It’s about building something that can thrive beyond your own individual contributions,” she says.

A brand-new account and 2.7 million views

Meet Cute Con, a new fan convention celebrating beloved television shows, their stars, and the communities around them, came to DG with its inaugural event approaching and no social media presence. The convention needed awareness and excitement among potential attendees, and it needed both quickly.

DG built a social-first strategy around what fans cared about most: favorite shows, celebrity appearances, exclusive experiences, and the chance to connect. Original creative, event teasers, talent announcements, celebrity collaborations, and community engagement carried it. In 60 days, the new account generated over 2.7 million views, reached nearly 568,000 viewers, and drove more than 66,000 interactions.

“For me, this project is a great example of what happens when beautiful creative meets smart strategy,” Danielle says.

Growth built on relationships

DG pairs the creative capabilities and strategic expertise of a larger agency with the flexibility and personal attention of a boutique partner. Services are built around what each client actually needs, and the team works as an extension of each client’s business.

That approach has carried the agency a long way. “One of our most recent milestones was reaching an annualized revenue run rate of approximately $1 million,” Danielle says. “While our monthly revenue naturally fluctuates as client projects begin and end, reaching that level was an exciting moment and a reflection of how far DG has come.”

She is just as proud that so much of the business still comes through referrals. “It speaks to the quality of our work and the relationships we’ve built.”

Stepping out from behind the scenes

The next chapter is about growth and evolution: a bigger client portfolio, larger and more ambitious partnerships, and the leadership team and operations to support a much larger agency. Danielle also wants DG itself to be seen. “We’ve spent years working behind the scenes to make our clients shine, and I think it’s time to share more of our own story,” she says.

Her advice for aspiring founders is to start before you feel ready and to trust the people you bring in. “Never underestimate the power of relationships,” she says. Referrals taught her that “doing great work, treating people well, and building genuine connections can be just as powerful as any marketing strategy.”

You can connect with Danielle on LinkedIn, follow DG Creative Media on LinkedIn, and see the agency’s work at dgcreativemedia.com.

Danielle’s story is a reminder that relationships carry a business further than any marketing strategy. The Entreprenista League surrounds you with women founders who believe in the power of a warm introduction. Learn more about the Entreprenista League right here.