Social Beat
About the Company
Social Beat, based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, was co-founded by Vikas Chawla and focuses on helping businesses scale digitally. Over the years, the company has grown significantly and now manages around 3% of India’s digital media investments. Specializing in integrated digital marketing solutions, Social Beat leverages multiple channels, including influencer marketing, multilingual content, and marketing automation, to cater to a diverse clientele. With a strong foothold in South India, the company is known for its expertise in vernacular campaigns and engagement with local audiences.
From its inception, Social Beat has built a robust service portfolio that includes content creation, influencer partnerships, customer acquisition, and ROI-based strategies. Known for practicing what they preach, Social Beat actively uses digital marketing methods it promotes to clients, such as hosting summits, maintaining a YouTube channel, and running an informative blog. Through constant innovation and strategic partnerships, the company has solidified its reputation as a leader in the digital marketing industry.
Idea Behind Company
The concept for Social Beat came from Vikas Chawla’s experience managing digital marketing at TI Cycles, where he identified a gap in ROI-focused digital marketing. He realized that existing agencies focused on digital metrics rather than business outcomes, which inspired him to establish a more business-driven marketing agency. Social Beat began with a pay-for-performance model to address this gap, working with a chain of dental clinics as its first client.
From the outset, the company aimed to serve clients needing measurable business outcomes rather than just digital presence. Social Beat saw early opportunities in influencer marketing and media-driven customer acquisition, allowing it to quickly expand its client base. Leveraging insights gained during Vikas’s time in the corporate sector, Social Beat positioned itself to meet the growing demand for digital expertise as internet use expanded across India.
Creating the Company
Social Beat’s creation involved detailed planning around brand-building, hiring, and organizational structure. Initially structured as a Sole Proprietorship, Social Beat later shifted to a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) for enhanced growth and risk management. Building the company in Chennai gave Social Beat an edge in understanding local markets and culture, allowing it to tailor marketing campaigns in multiple languages for southern Indian audiences.
To gain early traction, the founders invested in creating a strong online presence with a WordPress website and pursued business development efforts. They started with a small team, navigating challenges in attracting top talent within the digital marketing sector. Social Beat also developed proprietary products to support its service offerings, such as a unique multilingual content platform to serve India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Launching the Business
Social Beat’s launch strategy was centered on grassroots marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. While digital marketing was still emerging in India, the founders demonstrated their capabilities through conferences and seminars, which helped establish credibility. Despite the initial challenge of securing clients, the company’s reputation grew through client referrals and the success of its pilot projects.
Starting with an investment of under $10,000, Social Beat was able to operate as a cash flow-positive business from the beginning. Without reliance on external funding, the agency scaled sustainably, fueled by its clients’ confidence and trust. By showcasing a results-driven approach, Social Beat gradually attracted significant clients, laying the foundation for future growth and profitability.
Earnings
Today, Social Beat generates around $350,000 in monthly revenue and operates at a 20% profit margin. The company has diversified its income streams through services, influencer marketing, and an in-house multilingual content platform launched in 2018. This platform supports content creation in 22 languages, which has become particularly valuable for brands reaching diverse Indian audiences.
In addition to its marketing services, Social Beat launched DigiGrad, a digital marketing training arm, in 2019. DigiGrad provides agency-style training programs in Bengaluru, addressing the skill gaps in India’s digital sector. With plans to expand its service offerings in marketing automation and data analytics, Social Beat continues to increase its revenue while staying competitive in the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.
