Press and Media
VDM In The Media
Boulevard Magazine
I have to say – getting the phone call saying: “You got the cover,” is one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. I cried a lot afterwards, and I cried a lot when I saw this. Walking into a space as your authentic self – tattoos and all – is the real reward.
Thank you so much to the team at Black Press Media for making this happen – Glen Butcher for nudging me to join in this issue, everybody who facilitated this cover decision and Don Denton for capturing this incredible photo.
Portfolio YVR
What began as a solo freelancing venture has grown into a multi–six figure agency serving organizations across North America, including nonprofits, tourism operators, tech firms, and Island-based small businesses. Through VDM, Jessy leads a multidisciplinary team specializing in web development, SEO, content strategy, paid advertising, graphic and brand design, with a strong focus on community impact and ethical business growth.
Authenticity, in this context, isn’t about self-expression or vulnerability-as-content. It’s about coherence. About refusing to split yourself in half just to keep moving. About operating in a way that doesn’t require a smaller, safer version of you to be taken seriously. I know, because until very recently this was how I survived in business.
Social responsibility and sustainability are deeply woven into VDM’s culture. Without a physical office, the team avoids commuting, reducing their environmental impact. The company also gives back by supporting nonprofits. They’ve developed a program to help these organizations access Google Ads Grant campaigns, securing up to $10,000 in ad spending per month. Each quarter, VDM donates a website project to a community organization. From helping a cat rescue to supporting a new healthcare facility for the Cool Aid Society, Jessy ensures that her company always gives back.
What began as a one-woman operation has drastically transformed into a full-scale agency equipped to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Savage brings to the company a robust career history that began in traditional print marketing in the 2000s, working in graphic
design. “Everything from business cards to billboards,” she says.
During the 20 years in her career, Savage shifted alongside the marketing industry to find her expertise in digital marketing. When developing the offerings for Victoria Digital Marketing, Savage found it integral to infuse the expertise of all marketing specialties.
“One of the things I really love to do is build community and that’s what I see here,” said Jessy Savage of Victoria Digital Marketing.
Each speaker celebrated the new faces in the room, as well as the flurry of business cards changing hands, building that community and support by setting coffee dates.
“I took a look at all the experience that I had and I realized, wow, my whole life has been really geared towards digital marketing,” she recalls. She found herself hired on at an agency in Kelowna, where she delved even deeper into the world of digital marketing, and hasn’t looked back since. Since then, even a pandemic couldn’t stop her from doing what she loves. Savage found herself back in Victoria when COVID-19 hit, and was able to create the business of her dreams while helping local businesses thrive.
“No two businesses are the same and no two people are the same, so you can’t really have a blanket approach to a marketing strategy,” she explains.
“Even if you have two clients who run the exact same business, they’re both going to have their individual needs.”
Having a career in digital marketing just “makes sense” for Savage.
Growing up on Vancouver Island, her dad owned a print shop and he taught her how to use Photoshop at the age of 10.
“He hired me on for six years and we did everything from business cards to billboards.”
VDM takes philanthropy to the digital realm with their quarterly website donations program. VDM selects deserving candidates and provides them with a transformative website overhaul, recognizing the pivotal role a strong online presence plays in today’s world. This unique philanthropic angle aligns seamlessly with Victoria’s community-driven ethos, contributing to a more inclusive digital landscape. By giving back to the community in this impactful way, Victoria Digital Marketing is not just a service provider but a catalyst for positive change.
Victoria Digital Marketing was launched by Jessy Savage as a means to connect Victoria creatives with local business owners to provide innovative marketing solutions in their community. Named the Face of Digital Marketing in Victoria for two years in a row, Jessy infuses her expertise of digital marketing with a swift analytical mindset, dedicated creative strategies, a skilled team of professional staff, and the interpersonal relationships built with business owners to achieve their goals when it comes to website design, SEO, social media presence, consulting and more.
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Where we've made an impact.
VDM is deeply rooted in giving back to the community. Our team members receive a stipend monthly to donate to a not-for-profit of their choice, or paid time to volunteer at a charity of their choice. We frequently donate our time, skills, and expertise to making our city and surrounding neighborhoods vibrant and prosperous. Here are a few of the spaces our team has supported.