Clicks and Counselling – Building an online presence with Celest Gilmour Counselling
Today we are featuring Celest Gilmour, owner of Celest Gilmour Counselling in Lethbridge, Alberta. Celest embarked on a transformative journey with the Digital Economy Program (DEP) where she was provided with invaluable support, guiding her to enhance her online presence and reach new clients. Through the DEP, Celest found the tools she needed to flourish in the digital landscape, ultimately leading her business to new heights.
Founded in late 2022, Celest Gilmour Counselling was born out of Celest's mission to support people in need and to help people “become more than they think they are”. Celest was born and raised in Worcester, South Africa and later emigrated to Canada with family in 2008. She returned to South Africa, earning her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Counselling from the University of South Africa followed by a Diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling from Kelowna College of Professional Counselling. When the practice she worked for closed its doors in December 2022, Celest was faced with the challenge of establishing her own practice and effectively marketing her services.
The Digital Economy Program (DEP) became Celest's guiding light during her journey toward digital transformation and establishing her own brand as a healthcare professional.
Reflecting on her experience, Celest shared, “During the time that I was starting up my business, a local business owner that I know personally well, referred me to the Digital Economy Program for assistance with marketing, advice, and support. She was raving about the excellent support and service she received from them.”
The referral opened the doors to a wealth of knowledge and resources that would prove instrumental in shaping Celest's digital journey. Working closely with her dedicated Digital Service Squad Member, Tina Martin, Celest found herself in capable hands. Celest praised their collaboration saying “I enjoyed working with Tina Martin, she took the time, had a lot of patience for her ‘technologically challenged' client and supported me with sound advice and guidance.”
With Tina's expertise and guidance, Celest overcame her initial technological hurdles and gained confidence in navigating the digital realm.The DEP provided Celest with comprehensive support tailored to her specific needs. One of the main challenges Celest faced was improving her website and effectively utilizing social media platforms to build her brand. Through the program, she received advice on website optimization, social media strategies and even had a custom banner designed.
Reflecting on this support, Celest stated, “All of this placed me on the map to get more clients.”
The DEP's assistance enhanced Celest’s online visibility and played a vital role in attracting new clients to her counselling practice.
When asked about the most valuable part of the DEP’s, Celest remarked on the “constant support, learning about new resources, and up-to-date knowledge shared”.
Thanks to the Digital Economy Program, Celest Gilmour Counselling has been able to grow her businesses through her new online website and knowledge of online tools. Looking ahead, Celest acknowledges the impact the program will have on her business.
“It is definitely worth it to make use of the services from the Digital Economy Program. It definitely enhances your business and broadens opportunities”.
The DEP's mission to support and empower small businesses on their digital transformation journeys has undoubtedly been accomplished through Celest's inspiring story. To businesses considering joining the DEP, Celest shares she believes “They will reap the benefits from the latest technology, superb services plus grow their business”.
To learn more about Celest Gilmour Counselling and how Celest serves the Lethbridge community, visit their website here.
To learn more about Digital Main Street and how our Alberta Digital Service Squads can help your business, visit here.
Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Meta, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, Lightspeed, Ebay and Canada Post.
Digital Main Street and Business Link have partnered to deliver the Digital Economy Program in Alberta. Through Digital Service Squads, the Digital Economy Program aims to help small businesses adopt digital technologies to grow and stay competitive. The Digital Economy Program is funded by the Government of Alberta and Prairies Economic Development Canada.
