You know those people who make what they do look so easy and effortless, but you know it actually takes a shit ton of work? And I mean this as a huge compliment. Hannah Swiggard is one of those people.
Hannah Swiggard is a creative brand strategist and marketer and her company Swiggard Creative is a full service social media and digital marketing agency.
And she’s realllllly good at what she does.
Her company as a brand is so well defined and executed. From her website to her Instagram feed to her office, it’s all cohesive in terms of design, messaging, and beyond. She knows exactly what her company is and it shows.
And if you look at her clients’ accounts, the same holds true.
So, basically, anything Hannah touches turns to digital marketing gold.
In our interview below you’ll learn what Hannah did before starting her own business, advice for someone starting their own business, her top tips for growing your social media audience, and much more. I especially love her answer to my question about what motto or quote she tries to lives by daily.
Enjoy!
When did you launch your company Swiggard Creative and what inspired you to do so?
It’s hard to believe, but I launched Swiggard Creative a little over two years ago. Although the idea of starting a “business” seemed way over my head, I was passionate about creating content and marketing in the digital space. After landing my first few clients, I decided I wanted to really develop the business and build my client base.
What did you do leading up to SC and what made you decide to go out and start your own business?
Of all things, I was a fashion editor for PaperCity Magazine! I was very passionate about my work there, but there was something inside of me that itched to get out and create something of my own. I grew up watching my dad build, operate and run his business so I think it’s in my blood and it was only a matter of time.
Have you always been interested in digital marketing or when did you decide this is what you were meant to do?
To be honest, I thought I would spend my career in fashion. While at the magazine I spent a lot of time covering Houston’s social events and that gave me the opportunity to meet and get to know many local business owners and found that many would ask me for advice on marketing their business online and sharing their message in the of-the-moment way they wish they could but struggled to execute. The idea of starting my own business was born from there.
What is your favorite part about your job? Least favorite? Most challenging?
There are a lot of things to love about my job. For one, I have really great clients that make what I do very rewarding and fun. I love that I have created something here that allows me to do exactly what I love doing and that I get to help businesses succeed.
I’d say my least favorite thing is the personal time and weekends I have to give up to dedicate myself to my work and making sure everything is taken care of on a daily basis.
Most challenging would be building the right team and learning how to run a business (contracts, taxes, payroll, etc).
What does a day in your life look like?
First things first: check Instagram! I typically check my clients’ accounts to make sure nothing urgent needs attention. Then I’ll have a cup of coffee and get ready for the day. Once I get to the office I’ll check in with my team and tend to e-mails and make sure content is going out as planned. I enjoy having a full day at my desk, but many days I’ll either have a client visit or content shoot mid-morning. For lunch, I’ll either run by Snap Kitchen for their Greek Salad or I’ll go for a Think Thin bar because it’s quick while I’m on the go! Afternoons are usually spent at the computer or meeting with prospective clients looking to hire us for their social media and digital marketing needs. At the end of the day, I like to run through a list of everything accomplished that day and have a game plan for how the following day will go. Staying organized has been crucial for me – I write everything down and go over my lists like a crazy person!
What has been your biggest ‘pinch me moment’ of your career, thus far?
Sponsoring PaperCity’s Texas Design Week this year was really big for me. It’s where my career started and a magazine that I have a lot of respect for so to partner with them for that was big for me. There have also been a few clients that have come to me and hired me for projects that I would have never guessed I could land. I’m very grateful!
What inspires you on a daily basis?
The future. I’m beyond excited for what is to come.
You recently moved into a new office space (and it looks gorgeous!) – what made you decide to do that as opposed to working from home or a co working space?
Thank you so much! Around the time I discovered my office space, I was at a point where I was turning down business because I couldn’t take on all the work on my own. I had envisioned myself building the business up and expanding the team, but didn’t think it was necessarily the time. When I found the office availability at the cottages, I sat on it for a week or so and decided to go for it, knowing that if I made this move that would allow me to serve more clients and take those next steps to accomplishing what I had envisioned.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business, specifically in the digital marketing arena?
It’s okay to begin before you have all the answers! If I had waited until I knew everything I’d still be waiting. Things take time and you’re better off starting with what you have and moving forward step-by-step than waiting for the perfect office, the best equipment, or whatever it is that could hold you back from getting started.
What tips would you give to someone trying to grow their social media presence?
DO:
Show up for your followers! Share bits of your day on InstaStories that give your audience a chance to know you better than the curated images on your feed.
Be consistent. Devote time every day to creating and sharing content.
Be authentic to you. Your followers will appreciate and follow you for you, not the person you think you need to be.
DON’T:
Don’t be afraid to ask your community what content they would like to see. This will allow you to better serve THEM and attract the audience you’re hoping to attract.
Don’t compare your page to others or try to mimic other accounts.
Don’t confuse your message. Example: if you are trying to build your following as a fashion blogger, share fashion and style content – too much unrelated content can cause your message to become unclear and your audience to drop off.
What motto / quote do you always try to live by?
I wouldn’t say I have any in particular that I follow. I think too many people spend time reading and thinking about inspirational quotes, but then have a hard time taking any real action or showing any grit to achieve what they are wanting. I have this vision of what I would like my life and business to be and become and I try to live by that.
Best piece of business advice?
Believe in yourself, stay focused and work your ass off.
Thanks so much, Hannah!
Follow Swiggard Creative on Instagram @swiggardcreative and at www.swiggardcreative.com.