About
I’m Carla Gerardu-Low, a small business marketing consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area. I help small business owners and nonprofits simplify their marketing so they can show up with more clarity and confidence.
Most of the people I work with are not short on ideas. They are short on time, direction, and a clear sense of what to focus on next. I help turn scattered marketing ideas into a practical strategy, so your marketing feels more manageable and better connected to the business you’re building. Learn more about my Brand & Marketing Strategy service.
My Story
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats. My background spans digital marketing, communications, product development, sales, operations, and accounting. I’ve worked with real estate teams, lenders, nonprofits, and small business owners in industries where trust, relationships, and long-term success matter.
That mix of creative and analytical thinking shaped the way I approach marketing today. I enjoy solving problems, finding clarity in complexity, and helping business owners focus on what will make the biggest difference instead of trying to do everything at once.
I’ve also taught digital marketing to aspiring professionals, which keeps me connected to changing technology while reinforcing the fundamentals that never go out of style. Good marketing is still about understanding people, communicating clearly, and building trust over time.
Those experiences led me to create CGL Marketing. I wanted to give small businesses access to thoughtful marketing guidance that feels practical and tailored to their business.
Over the years, I’ve learned that marketing doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. My goal is to help clients understand why we’re doing something, make confident decisions, and build a marketing approach they can realistically maintain. If I can simplify the process and help someone feel good about their marketing, I’ve done my job.
Beyond Marketing
I’m based in Oakland and proud to call the San Francisco Bay Area home.
Outside of client work, I’m actively involved in my community and enjoy helping local organizations connect people and bring ideas to life. It’s reinforced my belief that strong communities and successful businesses are built the same way: through relationships, trust, and showing up consistently.
I enjoy exploring new technology and ideas, but I’m just as interested in the timeless fundamentals of good communication. Trends come and go, but helping people connect with one another will always matter.
My Approach
No two businesses are exactly alike, so I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all marketing plans. Every recommendation I make starts with understanding your business, your goals, your audience, and the resources you realistically have available.
I’m not interested in adding more to your to-do list just because it’s considered a best practice. I’d rather help you focus on the marketing activities that will have the greatest impact and build a system you can maintain over time.
That means we might spend as much time deciding what not to do as we do creating a plan. Sometimes the best strategy is simplifying what’s already there, strengthening what is working, and making thoughtful improvements instead of chasing every new trend.
Technology will continue to change, but the fundamentals of good marketing remain the same. When people understand who you are, what you offer, and why you’re the right fit, they’re much more likely to become customers. My job is to help you communicate that clearly and consistently.
Many of the ideas I share with clients also appear on my blog, where I write about local SEO, content strategy, AI search, and practical marketing tips for small businesses.
What It’s Like to Work Together
Some clients come to me because they need a clear marketing strategy they can put into action. Others are looking for an ongoing marketing partner who can help keep everything moving. However we work together, my goal is always the same: to make marketing feel more manageable and help you make progress.
I believe the best client relationships are collaborative. I’ll bring experience, perspective, and honest recommendations, but I also know that no one understands your business better than you do. The best marketing happens when we combine those strengths.
You can expect practical advice, thoughtful conversations, and recommendations that fit your goals, budget, and capacity. I’ll tell you when something is worth pursuing, and I’ll also tell you when it isn’t. Sometimes the most valuable advice is deciding what not to spend your time or money on.
Whether we’re building a strategy, refining your message, or working together month after month, I want you to feel more confident in your marketing and more connected to the business you’re building.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re just getting started, looking for a clearer direction, or ready for ongoing marketing support, tell me about your business and where you want to take it.
If you’re looking for a practical marketing partner who values clarity and practical solutions, let’s talk about how we can build a marketing approach that works for your business.