A new digital marketing business based in Carlisle is supporting local businesses to improve their online presence.
Libra Nine was established in 2023 by Megan Johnstone, who returned to her home city to start the business after spending several years working in the North East for creative marketing agencies.
The firm specialises in optimising SEO performance and creating tailored digital content for targeted audiences.
Megan said: “I developed the idea to bring a truly organic digital marketing business to Cumbria whilst working in Newcastle for a very modern agency. I have worked in various environments with different approaches to delivering projects, and I set a goal to become self-employed.
“I think that digital PR in Cumbria is still a new thing and unknown to many businesses. I want to help business owners understand the value of investing in SEO and realise the potential of a targeted organic marketing strategy.”
The 27-year-old former Trinity School pupil studied English and History at York St John University before becoming a digital account manager for marketing agencies in Newcastle and Carlisle.
The firm now has a growing list of clients from various business sectors, including hospitality, retail, recruitment and professional services, and is expanding beyond Cumbria.
Megan said: “We have a nice mix of customers, as well as local businesses in and around Carlisle, we also work with an optician in Essex, a recruitment agency in London and an architect in Dubai.
“I enjoy the challenge that each client brings with their unique set of aims and aspirations for their business. I’m very persistent and I am always realistic about how SEO and digital content can help a business to grow.
“I won’t just take on a new customer for the sake of it, I want to share the passion and vision that they have and build trust. Educating business owners about the SEO is very important.”
The next move for Libra Nine is to move into a dedicated office space and recruit a full-time member of staff to support the firm’s growing workload.
The name of the business is derived from Megan’s interest in astrology – combining her star sign and date of birth – and is a good example of thinking outside the box to create something unique.
Megan said: “I didn’t want to just give the business my name, I thought Libra Nine was interesting and there are no other companies with that name.
“I want to take my time. There is a skills gap in Cumbria and I want to give someone an opportunity to learn and grow their skills and experience in what is going to become an increasingly important area for businesses. There is no doubt that the future of marketing is digital and content-driven, and I want to be at the forefront of that in Cumbria.
“I’d encourage everybody to take a risk – I’m so pleased I decided to start my own business and bringing my own personality to every project is what keeps the work exciting and fresh.”
Megan is also keen to expand the networking opportunities for younger business owners and entrepreneurs in Cumbria.
“It’s been challenging to meet other young business owners – I have been to several of the county’s business networking groups, but there doesn’t seem to be anything focused on the under-30s that are the future of our economy. I’d like to develop a group to help other young people who are setting off on their business journeys,” she said.
