About - Linda Schenk (Virtuallinda) - Virtuallinda Creative

Hello! I’m Linda Schenk (a.k.a. Virtuallinda)

Marketing Strategist & Designer

I work with service-based entrepreneurs to attract more ideal leads, 24/7. I use a practical and flexible approach to adjust to the new normal…and beyond.

I offer a custom blend of 30+ years of expertise in marketing, websites, brand identity, strategy, tech solutions and more. Find out more about how I help build brands…

Leverage my 30+ years of experience.

Since 1994, I have worked with a wide variety of companies, giving me a unique set of skills & experience with brand strategy, marketing, graphic design, websites & tech shortcuts. Use this insight to quickly overcome your brand-building challenges and accelerate your success!

A little bit of my help will save you hours of frustration! Use my expertise to end your cycle of ineffective marketing with my approach to adjust to the new normal…and beyond.

I offer both targeted & flexible solutions that link together like blocks to create a custom fit. We’ll focus on a series of the right “next steps” to build your brand over time.

To learn more, just click the + bar below:

I launched my business with skills in graphic & web design, but I had to figure out the other components of business building. It was a long road, so I want to help make it easier for others.

I know what it’s like to struggle, and want to make it easier for other business owners. Woven into all of my strategic recommendations is real life experience of ways to make the business building process less stressful and more profitable. I have experienced the stress of less-than-ideal clients, of trying to offer too many services, of having to adjust around unexpected illness and other surprises.

Showing off my geeky side with my cat, Pixel.

I’ve found balance and ways to take back my sanity and grow a profitable business that is truly what I’m meant to be doing in life. I want you to experience this, too.

I’ve been building websites since 1997, when I jokingly named myself “Virtuallinda”. The name stuck and it makes it easy to find me online (@Virtuallinda at all the social networks), at home in Baltimore, or when I’m traveling (one of my favorite pastimes)! Nope, I’m not a virtual assistant… the name came when “cyberspace” and “virtual reality” were buzzwords.

I honestly don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t a business strategist and designer because it’s so much a part of me. I LOVE what I do, and I LOVE helping other people with my talents and expertise.

I believe that everyone should have a virtual version of themselves that will be working when they aren’t. As a business owner, you will be working harder and wasting time, money & energy if you ignore your online brand.

Over and over, my website has allowed doors to be opened. The web connects people. Your online brand allows you to make it easier to connect to the RIGHT ones.

My online brand has made it easier for me to find new opportunities and connect with the right people to move forward. In 1998, I had survived layoffs but was looking for a job. Without even applying, The White House found my website, contacted me and offered me a job as a web designer during the Clinton administration. I turned it down to move to Silicon Valley in 1999. I searched for jobs from Maryland, using my website to showcase my abilities.

After getting laid off during the dot-com bust, my online brand helped me connect with freelance opportunities. I’ve met a ton of people (including my husband) by first connecting online with Meetup.com and other sites, then going to events in person.

As an Entrepreneur, I’ve continued to use my online brand to assist with referrals and get leads of awesome clients. I’d love to help you do the same!

I primarily work with people virtually, via phone or online, but you can also meet me in the Baltimore, MD area.

There’s a real person behind the brand...

Linda in Real Life

Here I am, makeup-free and with my trusty NASA hat that I wear on my walks in the sunshine. I have a winter NASA hat for cold days. We are living in the world of polished Instagram-worthy people with glossy photos and curated content. I may not be glamorous, but I’m a real person. I do make a choice about what I share (and don’t share) online. I believe that’s a choice we all can make, based on our values and goals.

I always try and make the best of circumstances, and practice what I preach. In March 2020, I started walking outside with a goal of 100 miles—a challenge for me with ergonomic issues. I hit that goal and I’m now at 1536 miles and counting. I put effort into it every day, and adjusted for life circumstances…the same concepts as I use for brand building.

This time “out of the office” has become an essential part of my approach. I listen to podcasts, noodle on new ideas, think about my client’s projects from a different perspective, or just take time to do a complete mind reset. While I’m out, my online presence still works so people can reach me. We shouldn’t be working 24/7, but our brands can on our behalf!

Let’s talk about creating a brand to work for you, too!

Connecting People Through Solar Science

In 2009, I co-founded The Sun Today, an educational brand that explains the sun, space weather, eclipses, & related science in an easy-to-understand way. My design and strategy helped build this community by blending education with excitement about the sun. It reaches millions of people, and the site is often quoted by reporters globally.

I leveraged our brand as part of the Education & Public Outreach (EPO) Team for the Transit of Venus, winning the Robert H. Goddard Team Award and the NASA Headquarters Team Award in 2012. The Sun Today shares on exciting events such as eclipses, mission launches, and auroras.

I love getting outside to #lookup. I saw two solar eclipses in 2023, and I’m looking forward to the 2024 solar eclipse. Solar activity is increasing, and this gives The Sun Today a lot to talk about online. It’s an amazing way to connect people through their love of space!