MARCH MARKS BG DIGITAL GROUP’S 15TH YEAR IN BUSINESS!
In 2007, with a strong work ethic and a dream to create marketing that matters, Cheryl kicked off a journey that would lead to ensuring small businesses had the expert marketing help they needed. Through hard work, strategic growth and hiring a team of brilliant women, BG Digital Group continues to serve eastern North Carolina and beyond with superior marketing and website design.
But we didn’t become an award-winning business overnight. The stepping stones it took to arrive at this moment in time hold memories of parent magazines, a growing team, logos created by a talented graphic designer who still works with us today, and so much more!
Continue reading to discover our roots and hope for the next 15 years.
March 2007
Cheryl Pigott launched Bellagurl in March 2007 as the parent company of Crystal Coast Parent magazine. The first magazine was delivered to Cheryl’s home and was distributed by her and her friends throughout Carteret, Craven, and Onslow Counties.
Cheryl started the magazine as many family-friendly establishments were closing all over the Crystal Coast. Parents were lamenting that there was nothing to do for kids anymore. She felt that there were lots of things for families to enjoy but that there needed to be one place for them to find everything. She started the magazine and the tagline said it all: Where Families Find Fun!
The magazine featured articles about local things and even a Family Fun calendar where businesses and organizations could submit their events. Our goal was to be a family-friendly company that helped other small businesses. Cressa Megown joined Cheryl as her partner and helped grow the company. With Cressa’s finance and accounting background, she kept everything running smoothly while Cheryl focused on networking and sales.
May 2008
The magazine was growing by leaps and bounds and we hired our first employee, Susan Yates, a graphic designer who has grown into our Art Director.
February 2009
Crystal Coast Parent wins multiple awards with the Parenting Publications of America. Bellagurl begins to take off as an agency representing many small businesses with their marketing needs and designs its first website for Crystal Coast Parent. This award-winning website launched us into the website design business designing hundreds for customers both local and worldwide!
2010
Eastern Carolina Parent is launched serving the rest of eastern NC but focused mainly in the Greenville area. Crystal Coast Parent continues to win awards with the Parenting Publications of America.
2010
Susan Yates begins designing logos and brands for our clients and this service begins to take off!
March 2011
Eastern Carolina Parent wins multiple awards with the Parenting Publications of America along with its website garnering the Gold Award in Excellence. Crystal Coast Parent continues to win awards with the Parenting Publications of America.
December 2011
Bellagurl begins offering social media marketing as a service to small businesses after hiring our first social media manager, Carrie Vaughn (formerly Carrie Hammill).
April 2012
Bellagurl is noticed for its marketing expertise on social media and launches an event marketing service specializing in helping festivals and events reach new and existing audiences on social media platforms.
Some great festivals and events we have worked with included North Carolina Seafood Festival, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, Outer Banks Wedding Association Wedding Weekend, NC Pickle Festival, Crystal Coast Countdown, Beaufort Wine and Food, Crystal Coast Oyster Festival and more!
May 2012
Bellagurl hires its first Account Manager, Krista Gentry, who is now our Account Executive and is married with a new name, Krista Boyette!
March 2013
We win our first Telly Award for Local TV and Local Cable Commercial and a Summit Creative Award for the design of Outer Banks Bride magazine, their social media campaign!
November 2013
Having a heart for the community and those who choose to serve it, Bellagurl launches Marketing That Matters, a discounted or free (for those who qualify) marketing service to help non-profits get their message out to those in need. We have helped many local non-profits to this day with Marketing That Matters.
April 2014
We win another Summit Creative Award for the design of Outer Banks Bride Magazine.
July 2014
We guided the NC Seafood Festival through a rebrand changing the look of their O-Fishal mascot, Sasea and designing a new tagline: Where Sea Food & Sea Fun Meet! This rebranding would earn the festival an award in the SouthEast.
May 2015
Bellagurl rebrands as BG Digital Group to incorporate our focus on helping small businesses master all things digital: social, websites, online videos, blogging, SEO, and email marketing!
March 2015
We win two more Telly Awards for creative commercial design and production!
March 2017
We win another Telly Award for creative commercial design and production!
September 2018
Cheryl Pigott becomes a certified StoryBrand Guide helping small businesses clarify their marketing messaging through copywriting, thoughtful website design, and social media messaging.
March 2020
With the onset of COVID and more people being restricted in their access to visit businesses, BG Digital Group begins working remotely and focuses on helping our clients increase their online presence. Both our team and clients enjoy our access and ability to help them quickly and seamlessly get adjusted to the new restrictions.
March 2022
BG Digital Group becomes a remote agency!
Being in business for 15 years is no small feat. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or more. And to do so successfully means that you must welcome changes and learn to work with them. BG Digital Group is excited to announce that we will now be a remote agency!
Our team is eager to continue assisting our community and beyond in creating marketing that matters. Allow our team of experts to help you and your business reach its full potential by giving us a call today!
