Sarah Thomson’s Online Social Butterfly helps women build aligned, sustainable businesses without sacrificing well-being.
Building a business can often feel overwhelming, especially when digital marketing is tangled up in complicated jargon, overwhelming tactics, and relentless hustle culture. Many women face the pressure of building a business while managing other parts of their lives, family, personal commitments, and sometimes a full-time job. But what if you could build a business that not only works but fits seamlessly into your life?
Sarah Thomson, the founder of Online Social Butterfly, has spent over 30 years in marketing and communications, guiding businesses and individuals through the ever-changing world of digital marketing. For the past 14 years, she has honed her expertise in digital marketing, focusing on a powerful mission: to simplify the overwhelming world of online marketing for women entrepreneurs. Her vision is clear: to help women build businesses that fit their lives, rather than take everything from them.
The Journey to Simplifying Digital Marketing
Sarah’s journey didn’t begin with a clear path to mentoring women in the digital space. It started with a deep passion for helping businesses connect with their customers, build trust, and thrive. With a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, and a Master’s in Communications Management, Sarah has always understood the importance of clear, human-centered messaging in business. However, it wasn’t until she became a business owner herself and began juggling the demands of motherhood that she truly realized just how overwhelming the digital marketing world could be.
“I started my business when my boys were 3 and 5,” Sarah recalls. “I understand first-hand the balancing act that comes with building something meaningful alongside family life. I also realized how many women felt like they were drowning in all the digital marketing advice out there, much of it complicated and not at all suited to their personal or business needs.”
Her experience became the foundation for Online Social Butterfly. Sarah set out to create a space where women could get the support and clarity they needed without the overwhelm. She focused on taking digital marketing out of the ‘too hard basket’ and making it approachable, practical, and, importantly, enjoyable.
The Turning Point: Teaching Clarity, Not Hustle
What sets Online Social Butterfly apart is Sarah’s belief that clarity is more powerful than hustle. Women don’t need to burn out to succeed. “Hustle culture teaches us that more is always better, but in my experience, more stress doesn’t equal more success,” says Sarah. “It’s clarity and alignment that lead to true, sustainable growth.”
Sarah’s approach to digital marketing isn’t about adding more to a woman’s plate or pushing them to constantly perform. Instead, it’s about creating a strategy that works for them. She teaches women how to build content, offers, and communities that align with their values, rather than forcing them to fit into rigid models that don’t suit their lives.
A Human-Centered Approach to Business Mentoring
What makes Sarah’s approach unique is the deep empathy she brings to her mentoring. She knows that women aren’t just business owners; they are mothers, daughters, caregivers, and partners. She doesn’t just teach tactics; she helps women understand how to balance business with life, recognizing that both are interconnected.
“I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all strategies,” Sarah explains. “What works for one person might not work for another. I meet my clients where they are, honoring their energy, season of life, and capacity.”
This human-centered approach to business mentoring is at the heart of Online Social Butterfly. It’s about creating a business that supports life, not replaces it. By taking the pressure off perfection, Sarah helps women find their own rhythm in business and digital marketing so they can thrive without burnout.
The Ripple Effect: Women Empowering Communities
The impact of women in business goes far beyond the individual. Sarah believes that when women succeed, their families and communities do too. Research shows that women reinvest the majority of their income into their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
“I believe that when women succeed, communities shift. Stronger families, resilient communities, a ripple effect that lasts for generations,” Sarah explains. “It’s not just about making money. It’s about making a difference.”
For Sarah, the true reward lies in watching her clients succeed. The real success is when a woman builds a business that supports her family and aligns with her life, creating lasting impact for those around her.
Building a Business That Fits Your Life
At its core, Online Social Butterfly is about sustainability and aligned growth. It’s about moving away from hustle culture and focusing instead on building a business that brings fulfillment and peace of mind. Sarah encourages women to embrace simplicity in business, knowing that it’s not about doing more, but doing what matters.
“Marketing doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful,” Sarah states. “It’s about finding clarity in what works for you and your business, not following every trend or checklist that comes your way.”
Sarah’s work stands as a reminder that it’s possible to succeed without burning out. Through her mentorship, she teaches women that success isn’t about being someone else or fitting into a mold; it’s about being yourself and building a business that aligns with your values.
For more information on Sarah’s approach, visit Online Social Butterfly, or follow Sarah on Facebook and Instagram.
