Retainer Support for Small Business Owners: What It Looks Like (And Why It Might Be Exactly What You Need) (Copy)
Let’s talk about something most small business owners don’t even realize is an option until they’re deep in burnout: Retainer support.
Not a one-time project.
Not a VA for admin tasks.
Not another course or template.
I’m talking about having a go-to person — someone who knows your brand, your goals, your voice, and your systems.
Someone you can say, “Hey, can you help me with this?” And they just do it.
That’s the kind of support Stephanie from How 2 Mom brought into her business — and today, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s helping her grow.
Because if you’re spinning your wheels trying to scale solo, retainer support might be the most powerful thing you didn’t know you needed.
What Is Retainer Support?
Retainer support means you work with a trusted expert month after month — someone who’s in your corner for strategy, execution, and everything in between.
You’re not starting from scratch every time.
You’re not explaining your brand 12 different ways.
You’re not jumping from contractor to contractor trying to keep it all straight.
With a retainer, I become your behind-the-scenes business partner — not just a service provider.
It’s flexible.
It’s consistent.
It’s personalized to what you actually need — whether that’s SEO and blogging support, graphic design, launch help, or systems like Dubsado and Flodesk.
How Retainer Support Helped How 2 Mom Scale
Stephanie is a mom of three, a blogger, a podcast host, and the heart behind How 2 Mom. When we first connected, she had a beautiful brand and a clear voice — but she was stretched thin trying to wear all the hats. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve tackled together over the past year:
✅ Optimized old blog posts for SEO
✅ Created a quarterly content plan that reflects her voice and her goals
✅ Managed the backend of her podcast — uploading episodes, graphics, and SEO-friendly descriptions
✅ Designed lead magnets and set up email automations in Flodesk
✅ Built out her client workflows in Dubsado
✅ Supported the launch of her first course
✅ Designed landing pages, opt-ins, and sales page tweaks as needed
The key?
We didn’t try to do everything at once. But we kept moving forward — one piece at a time. And every time Stephanie has an idea or a “hey, can we try this?” moment… I’m already familiar with her brand and business. We just get to work.
Why Retainer Support Works for Small Business Owners
If you’re a solopreneur or creative business owner, you’re probably used to being scrappy. You’ve DIY’d your website, written your own blog posts, maybe even dabbled in email marketing. But here’s the thing — growth doesn’t happen in survival mode. At some point, you need support that’s:
Strategic, not just task-based
Consistent, not one-and-done
Flexible enough to shift with your business
That’s what retainer support looks like. It’s not just hiring help — it’s building a partnership with someone who sees the big picture, understands the moving parts, and helps you stay focused on what actually moves the needle.
What You Can Use Retainer Support For
Every client is different, but here’s a peek at what I typically support with on a monthly retainer:
SEO + Blogging: keyword research, blog outlines, optimization, formatting, linking
Web + Design: one-off landing pages, opt-ins, social templates, light edits
Content Support: podcast uploads, show notes, email sequences
Workflow Systems: setting up Dubsado or Flodesk automations
Launch Strategy: prep for course or product launches, tech setup, visual assets
Creative Brainstorming: someone to bounce ideas off of and help you map out next steps
It’s like having a designer, strategist, and marketing assistant all in one — without the headache of managing five different people.
Is Retainer Support Right for You?
Here’s how you’ll know:
You have momentum… but you’re constantly pulled into the weeds
You’re tired of explaining your brand over and over again
You want to stay in your zone of genius but still get things DONE
You’re planning a launch or want to finally tackle that to-do list
You value collaboration and trust — and want a partner, not just a task-ticker
If you nodded your head at any of those — it might be time.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Grow Alone
Retainer support isn’t just for big businesses with big teams. It’s for solopreneurs who are done doing it all. It’s for creative women ready to lead their business instead of micromanaging it. It’s for the Stephanie’s of the world — who have big ideas and beautiful missions and just need someone in their corner who can keep up. If you’re ready for that kind of support? Let’s talk.
Head to bypwdesigns.com to learn more about my retainer options — or reach out and tell me what you need. I’ll help you figure out the best next step. You were never meant to do this alone. Let’s grow your business with support that actually supports you.