The Best Time to Invest in Marketing Is Before You Need It

Marketing-is-an-ecosystem

It isn’t uncommon for businesses to treat marketing re-actively. When leads dry up or the phone gets quiet, it’s suddenly time to post more, run ads, and figure out why no one can find them online. The problem with this approach isn’t the impulse to market; it’s waiting until results are needed before starting. Marketing […]

Why Engagement Matters More Than Reach

Multiple blue 3D thumbs-up icons floating in a soft blue background, representing likes on social media.

A post can reach thousands of people, but have little impact on your business. Another post could reach a much smaller audience but generate leads, calls, sales, and drive revenue because it captured the attention of the right people and prompted them to take action. That’s the difference between reach and engagement. Reach tells you […]

How the Instagram Algorithm Actually Works

How the instagram algorithm actually works

If you’ve ever shared a post you were proud of only to see it get little reach, you’re not alone. So what’s the algorithm looking for? The first thing to know is that Instagram doesn’t rely on a single algorithm. It uses different AI systems to rank content across the feed, Reels, Stories, and Explore

How Social Media Actually Drives Revenue (It’s Not About Likes)

How social media actually drives revenue its not a

Social media is often treated as a brand awareness channel, separate from revenue generation. It’s seen more as an optional garnish to your main revenue drivers: your website, referrals, and paid ads. But that framing is outdated. Social media doesn’t just build visibility. When used strategically, it shortens sales cycles, validates credibility, and keeps your

The Human Anchor in the Age of AI

Answer engine optimization

A Comprehensive Guide to Answer Engine Optimization and Brand Identity The 2026 marketing landscape is defined by a profound paradox: technology has never been more advanced, capable of generating infinite content at near-zero cost, yet the human craving for authentic, verified, and emotional connection has never been more profound. As artificial intelligence (AI) pervades every

Why Storytelling Should Be Part of Your Small Business’ Foundation

Storytelling as a marketing strategy

Aligning Your Marketing Strategy with Your Brand’s Identity This is a time when many small businesses are assessing the year ahead. Part of this outlook should be focused on how to connect in greater depth with your customers and potential customer base. Committing to a content strategy that is focused on storytelling is a powerful

Incorporating the Holidays into Brand Messaging & Design for Increased Engagement

Incorporating the holidays into brand messaging de

A Guide to Identifying Seasonal Marketing Opportunities ’Tis the season when people are actively seeking inspiration, recommendations, and memorable moments—making it a perfect opportunity to connect with your audience through festive brand messaging, holiday-themed visuals, and smart seasonal marketing strategies. Winter campaigns that incorporate warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of seasonal magic often outperform standard

Refining Brand Voice to Reach Your Target Audience

Refining brand voice to reach your target audience

Evolving the Voice of Your Business Your brand voice is more than words on your website or social feed — it’s the personality that shapes how potential clients perceive you. Your voice determines how people feel when they interact with your brand, but before you can fine-tune that personality, you need to know who you’re

10 Social Media Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for small businesses to connect with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. However, with the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms and the limited resources that small businesses often face, navigating social media marketing can be a daunting task. To help streamline

YouTube? You Bet! 4 Reasons You Should Be Investing YouTube Marketing

YouTube Can Help Your Brand Reach a More Targeted, Streamlined, and Engaged Audience As of July 2023, YouTube boasted 246 million U.S. viewers. Not only is YouTube one of the most popular search engines in the world, it’s also a top-tier social media network. This makes it a uniquely powerful and engaging platform for your

Luke Eitner

Editor & Engagement Specialist

Luke is a passionate video editor currently pursuing his academic studies at the University of Utah. Luke’s journey as a video editor has largely been a self-taught adventure. Fueled by curiosity, he’s learned his skills through countless hours of experimentation, online courses, and studying the works of industry professionals. This self-driven approach has not only empowered him to express his creativity but also allowed him to stay at the forefront of the fast-paced media industry.

As Luke continues his journey in the world of media, he is excited to share his passion, creativity, and dedication with you. Whether it’s crafting engaging video content, providing insights into the art of storytelling, or exploring the latest trends in the media landscape, he’s here to inspire, inform, and entertain.

Emily Carpenter

Graphic Design & Multimedia Specialist

Em brings 16+ years of experience of graphic design, and 8+ years of marketing to the team. The creative field is truly where her heart lies! From digital art/advertising, to print, production, & installations: she’s been hands-on in all aspects of the industry providing a plethora of expertise. Over the years, Em has been called a “Mind Reader” for being able to create visual designs from quick conversations of client’s ideas. Outside of her career, she is an avid disc golf player, and a total “Foodie” who loves to cook.

Kara Simon

Web Developer

A lifelong creative with more than 25 years of experience in graphic design and web development. She loves bringing ideas to life through clean, eye-catching design and enjoys teaming up with other creatives to come up with fresh, innovative concepts.

Kara lives in beautiful Leavenworth, Washington, where she and her husband embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Alexis Shiraki

Copywriter

Alexis Shiraki is a copywriter at Swell Media Solutions. Full bio coming soon.

Margaret Li

Graphic Design & Multimedia Specialist

Margaret, a Cal State LA graduate, is a graphic designer with over six years of professional experience creating visuals across all media, from print to digital. At Swell Media, she brings her talent to support an array of industries and initiatives, creating compelling visuals that attract attention. Margaret’s priority is delivering high-quality designs that meet the client’s exact specifications, on time and without fuss.

When she’s not at work, you can find her gaming, cooking, baking, or spending time with her chihuahua, Crunchy.

Chris Smart

Digital Ads Expert

Chris Smart is a distinguished expert in paid ads marketing. As an official Google Premier Partner he holds certifications in Google Search Ads, Google Analytics 4, and is well trained in Google Tag Manager, along with a Digital Marketing Science certification from UNLV. His expertise extends across a wide spectrum of marketing domains, honed through years of experience working with businesses ranging from small mom-and-pop storefronts to Fortune 500 companies and successfully managing Google Ads accounts for businesses in almost every industry with budgets of all size.

Sierra Laskowski

Marketing & Social Media Manager

With 10 years of experience in graphic design, marketing, video editing, and social media strategy, Sierra is your go-to creative for all things digital. She’s passionate about helping businesses bring their brands to life with fresh, on-trend visuals, connect with their audience and spark community engagement. Whether she’s crafting scroll-stopping content or keeping up with the latest digital trends, Sierra is committed to helping Swell’s clients stay current and compelling.

When she’s not behind a screen, you’ll likely find her sipping on an iced coffee or out for a run—probably brainstorming her next big idea along the way!

Jennifer Irwin

Founder & Manager

Jennifer Irwin has always had a passion for business development, in 2008 she began working in marketing and promotions learning how to give businesses a voice and brand identity. Since then, Jenn has worked with businesses across industries, helping to guide their marketing strategy through organic and paid advertising. From real estate to county-wide health clinics to outdoor power equipment and award-winning medical aesthetic practices, Jennifer understands how to implement marketing strategies that will capture market share for her clients.

Her background in mass media, social media, digital advertising, creative writing, art, event and production management, and even cause-related marketing, have made her a valuable resource for all who have taken advantage of the opportunity to work with her.