Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McGrath.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hey everyone! I’m Jess, and if you’re wondering how I ended up creating social media experience videos for businesses, well, it was a total happy accident! For a while, my passion was all about sharing the best coupon deals and life hacks with my followers. I loved helping people save money and make their lives a little easier.
Then, things started to snowball. I found myself diving deeper, not just into deals, but into the actual experiences businesses offered. I remember one video in particular where I shared all about a local lake in New Jersey. I talked about the hidden gems, what to do there, and just the overall vibe. To my absolute surprise, that video went viral! The response was incredible.
That’s when it clicked for me. I realized I had a unique way of connecting people with places and services. It became clear that it was my duty to help businesses genuinely reach people, and just as importantly, help people discover amazing businesses they might love. And that’s how @JessKnowsTheDeal transformed into what it is today – a place where businesses can tell their story, and you can find your next great experience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, no! While the “happy accident” of my viral video launched @JessKnowsTheDeal, the journey since then has definitely had its bumps. It’s one thing to spontaneously share something you love, and quite another to build a consistent, valuable service around it.
One of the biggest struggles was learning the business side of things. I was passionate about creating content and connecting people, but understanding proposals, contracts, pricing, and deadlines for multiple businesses was a steep learning curve. There were times I felt overwhelmed trying to balance the creative work with the administrative tasks.
Another challenge was maintaining authenticity while growing. As more opportunities arose, I had to be really intentional about choosing businesses that genuinely resonated with my audience and values. It was tough saying “no” to potential collaborations, even when they were tempting, because I knew they wouldn’t be a true fit. My followers trust my recommendations, and that trust is paramount.
Finally, the ever-changing social media landscape itself has been a constant hurdle. Algorithms shift, new platforms emerge, and what worked yesterday might not work today. It’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and innovating to ensure the content I create not only looks great but also reaches the right people and delivers real results for the businesses I partner with.
Despite these challenges, every struggle has been a lesson, pushing me to refine my skills and solidify my commitment to @JessKnowsTheDeal.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At @JessKnowsTheDeal, I specialize in creating dynamic social media experience videos for businesses. Think beyond a static ad – I craft engaging, authentic short-form videos that truly capture the essence of what a business offers, whether it’s the cozy ambiance of a local café, the thrill of an adventure park, or the unique services of a wellness center. My goal is to transport viewers directly into that experience, making them feel like they’re right there with me, discovering something new and exciting.
I’m known for my relatable and enthusiastic storytelling, combined with a keen eye for what makes a business genuinely special. My videos aren’t just about showing a product or service; they’re about highlighting the vibe, the feeling, and the people behind the brand. I often incorporate a “behind-the-scenes” feel, making the content feel less like an advertisement and more like a trusted recommendation from a friend.
What am I most proud of? It’s seeing the tangible impact my videos have. I get incredibly excited when a business tells me they’ve seen a direct increase in foot traffic, bookings, or engagement because of a video I created. Knowing that I’m helping local businesses thrive and connect with their community in a meaningful way is truly rewarding. I’m also immensely proud of the community I’ve built – my followers trust my honest reviews and genuine enthusiasm, which is the foundation of everything I do.
What truly sets me apart from others is that “happy accident” origin story and the authentic connection I foster. Many creators focus solely on aesthetics or statistics, but I combine high-quality, engaging video production with a genuine passion for discovery and community support. My background in sharing “deals and life hacks” means I instinctively look for the value and the unique angle that will truly resonate with an audience. It’s not just about getting views; it’s about building trust, driving genuine interest, and helping both businesses and consumers “know the deal” on incredible local experiences. I bridge the gap between businesses wanting to tell their story and an audience eager to find their next favorite spot.
How do you define success?
For @JessKnowsTheDeal, success isn’t just about follower counts or viral videos, though those are definitely exciting! For me, success boils down to impact and genuine connection.
First, it’s about the tangible impact for the businesses I work with. Did a video help a local restaurant fill more tables? Did it bring new customers to a small boutique? When a business owner shares that my content directly led to increased foot traffic, bookings, or buzz, that’s a huge win in my book. It means I’m fulfilling my mission to truly help them thrive.
Second, success is about the authentic connection with my audience. It’s about knowing my followers trust my recommendations and feel like they’re discovering something truly valuable. When I get messages from people who visited a place I featured and loved it, or when they share how a “life hack” video genuinely helped them, that tells me I’m building a real community, not just collecting views. That trust is paramount, and maintaining it is a core measure of my success.
Ultimately, if I can consistently bridge the gap between incredible local experiences and an audience eager to find them, creating real value for both sides, then I’m succeeding. It’s about building a sustainable platform where I can continue to do what I love – explore, share, and help others “know the deal” – while making a meaningful difference for the businesses and communities around me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessknowsthedeal?igsh=MTZ4bG5na2VqeGk2Mg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessknowsthedeal?_t=ZT-8xgHuJfnZDq&_r=1
