Swello Marketing – Out of Business

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the sales & digital transformation Director of Creative Home. We sell Home Textile like Rugs, Bathrobes, Towels, etc...

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swello Marketing, and what were your goals?

We hired Swello to improve our current Digital Marketing efforts on Google Ads and Facebook Ads. The goal was to scale our current campaigns and reproduce a better ROAS.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We decided to work with this agency because of the positive initial communication we had with the owner, the offer he made and the reviews we've found about them.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

We wanted to work with expert PPC and Paid Social Ads manager to set us on target for Q4. The KPIs we'd like to meet were clearly explained to the team members managing the project within the 3 months of partnership ending at the beginning of Q4. They were based on Ad Spend and ROAS. However, due to the direction we were taking during our partnership, those KPIs were lowered to much more. The tools used were mostly Google Ads and Facebook Ads with a third party white labeled reporting software.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with 5 members (with one that left the agency during the partnership):

• Blake the owner of the agency that deals with the customers and with whom we had our first initial call
• Theo (who left) the Graphic Designer
• Brett our initial Facebook Ads Manager
• Mckenzie our Google PPC Manager
• Donald our final Facebook Ads Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

They took our Google Ads account from 1.85 ROAS to a 0.83 ROAS in 3 months. Even our Google Branding campaign went from a 5 all time ROAS to a 0.8 average monthly. Our Facebook Ads account from a 2.12 ROAS to a 1.3 overall within 3 months.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They didn't respect any deadline set by themselves, business was running slow and the communication was always slow as well. Even when results started to get dangerously bad, they took a lot of time to react.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We found their lack of expertise and the false advertising they make uniquely impressive. They promised Google Ads Experts (as ex-Google workers) and Facebook Ads Experts but after having our Ad Accounts checked by third party Experts for audits, they revealed beginner mistakes made by their staff.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

We truly believe that this agency would be better off business because the areas of improvement they need to cover is too large. It is a business that hurts other businesses with malpractice, lack of professionalism, lack of know-how and care about their customers.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Marketing at a retail tea and coffee company. I oversee all marketing and e-commerce sales. We have five employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swello Marketing?

We hired Swello Marketing to help with website development and redesign, as well as paid PPC and social advertising.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase revenue and improve advertising ROAS, as well as improve the customer experience and messaging on our website as well as increase conversion.

SOLUTION

How did you select Swello Marketing?

Swello reached out to us first, but it took a while before we decided to work with them. We were simply done with agencies, having had multiple unsatisfactory experiences. But, their persistence and willingness to be flexible paid off. Swello is the first agency we've worked with that both acted like an extension of our team and truly tailored their services to our actual needs. That flexibility is what made us decide to work with them and give working with agencies another shot.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Swello was initially tasked with redesigning our website, providing ongoing maintenance and managing our Google Ads advertising channel. They did a great job with Google Ads, so we turned over our entire paid social budget and advertising to them as well. That's saying quite a lot since our paid social budget is about four times our Google Ads budget.

What was the team composition?

We worked with four members of the Swello team - the owner and founder, as well as a member for each of the three areas of service they covered. This was another plus for our relationship with Swello. Having a dedicated agent to speak with for each area was extremely helpful, rather than having to speak with one "client rep" who then relayed information back to other people. Being able to speak and collaborate with the person in charge of ads is tremendously helpful.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We set benchmarks early on for advertising, and Swello continued to look to those benchmarks with regard to strategy, planning and discussing results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely effective. We set up a Slack channel so we could discuss ideas, strategy and results as needed. We also set up monthly or as-needed meetings to discuss challenges, tests and ideas at a deeper level. Being able to turn to them at a moment's notice and not have to wait days for implementation was what made the relationship work.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their willingness to work with us on specific areas of need only. They didn't constantly try to sell us new services we didn't think we needed, and they kept to all our initial agreements. This took away one pain point of working with an agency - always feeling like they're just waiting for the next opportunity to upsell.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None to suggest - they have already discovered the art of politely reminding very busy directors of small businesses and small teams who must wear many hats when they need follow-up, even if they've already asked before.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of an online automotive retail parts company. We serve the Harley Davidson community, as well as cater to the customized needs of shops. We’ve been in business for about five years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Swello Marketing?

We were looking for help with marketing and strategy to draw new audiences outside our niche market.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They strategize for our online marketing. They handle all of our online marketing platforms and do creatives for our brand. They manage our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels. The team also oversees our Facebook and Google app store presences. They do short videos for our creative content and handle newsletters.

What is the team composition?

We work with 5–6 people, including a project manager. They have a person in charge of each aspect, such as blogging, Facebook, etc.

How did you come to work with Swello Marketing?

I found them online and spoke with them even though I wasn’t sure I needed any marketing done at the time. They reached out to us a few months ago, and I liked the solutions they presented, as well as the pricing.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $20,000–$25,000. We have $5,000 per month budgeted.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together around December 2020, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Since we started working with them a few months ago, we have seen more than a huge increase on Facebook and Google, Now, we have consistent new followers and conversions and a good ROI. We have also seen a 30% increase in sales.

How did Swello Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

The project manager works closely with me. I have access to Monday.com, which they use to manage workflows, so I can see everything they work on. We communicate with Zoom meetings, phone, and Facebook Messenger.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They provide a lot for the price. They go out of their way to accomplish things for their clients. For example, they helped us look for bikers in the community when we were doing videos.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They need to grow so that each team member has less responsibility. Of course, that would increase the cost.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure they understand your company culture and how you interact with your customers. Treat them as an extension of your company rather than a third-party vendor to allow for the best possible outcome.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing manager for a technology company that builds portable power solutions. We do off-grid power sources that largely target the camping market, outdoor activities, and emergency relief efforts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Swello Marketing?

We needed help with promotional branding.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re doing a refresh of our Shopify website. They’re also targeting some content creation and SEO work with Google Ads and Google Tag Manager. They lend largely to the creative elements of the branding process.

The team is also helping to manage our social media, as well as our photography and videography. On the social media front, they manage our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Recently, we’ve re-upped services within the contract to add more to their plates, since we’ve been so happy with their services.

What is the team composition?

I’ve dealt with five people from their team.

How did you come to work with Swello Marketing?

We found them online.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $10,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in February 2021, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’ve seen some great conversions on our refreshed website. We’ve gotten a 300% traffic increase as well as a 95% conversion increase. To see numbers like this after an initial launch is fantastic.

How did Swello Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great. We have regular weekly check-ins and monthly report reviews. We communicate via email and video calls. I get to be very hands-off, which is great. They’re an accessible team but they don’t come to me with a thousand questions. It’s been a great relationship.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Swello Marketing delivers quality work at extremely affordable prices.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The team could advocate for themselves a bit more. There were services that we were looking for and didn’t even realize that Swello offered. It would’ve saved us some time if they presented a full scope of what their capabilities were.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come to the table with all of your wants and needs. Bring your wish list to the table and they’ll take it from there. Had we brought our full wish list to the table, they would’ve told us that they could do it all.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a Solar and Home Energy Efficiency company. We have about 20 people on our team and we work in Arizona primary. We work with homeowners and traditionally at low our marketing efforts have been in direct sales.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swello Marketing?

We hired Swello to help us bridge the gap from direct sales only to having a more robust presence and brand online. They also have helped us shift some of our marketing efforts and budget to a digital platform so we could reach a larger audience.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to reach more potential customers through efforts that didn't require hiring more salesman.

We also wanted the customers we were reaching out through our direct contact efforts to have some validation to our customers after they had an in person visit with us.

SOLUTION

How did you select Swello Marketing?

The first thing Swello did was help us get a digital facelift and work on our website to help create a better online experience for those checking us out after we have contacted them in person and or online. Then they worked helped us build our social media contact by posting daily on Facebook and Instagram content that would drive organic traffic to our site and social media pages. Then also helped us build and have managed our social media marketing campaigns.

Describe the project in detail.

Swello rebuilt our entire website, they write and post daily on Facebook and instagram, they manage our Facebook and instagram adds and google SEO work.

What was the team composition?

On our team at Swello we have working with us. A social media Specailist, social media content writer, web designer, SEO specialist and content writer, project manager and designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have sold more solar and installed more energy upgrades as results of the work Swello has done. in the first quarter of 2021 we have seen as a direct result of their efforts an additional $14,000 in sales. That doesn't include the indirect results of the customers who have gone with us as a result of the other efforts they are doing like daily social media posts and website rebuild.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The work flow has been easy and simple. They have accommodated me either through bring their whole team together with mine, and through 1 on 1 communication through email, texts and calls. Communication is one of their best attributes.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I knew very little about online marketing and branding before I started with the Swello team and though I'm no expert now, I feel empowered and confident in our online brand because of Swello. While I didn't do the work they helped me understand how I can bring my expertise to our marketing efforts and they have presented it in a way that is building our brand and bring in customers as a result.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly I couldn't think of any. I would be happy to say if they did have areas to improve on but I've been nothing but wowed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and operator of AZ Paddles, a kayak, PaddleBoard and Boat rental company in the east valley of Phoenix metro. I make all marketing, design, inventory, business decisions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swello Marketing?

To enhance and expand our digital footprint. They are a one stop shop to get your business the look, feel and experience needed online. We’re leveraging the Swello team for logos, graphic design, marketing material, web design, digital web based advertising, social media content and awareness, photography and video production, and all around marketing advice.

What were your goals for this project?

To create a trusted brand in the outdoor adventure space. To drive traffic to our website and improve click to sale conversion rates.

SOLUTION

How did you select Swello Marketing?

I’ve seen their work with other local business and it stood struck a chord with me. I want my brand to appeal to a younger hip audience but also not alienate the senior generation. Swello caught my vision and kept things edgy but classy and they joined me in making the rental process for my customers simple and hassle free.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We had just an idea. And we sat down with the team at Swello and they brought this infant idea to life! Brand creation was key for us as we want to be known as the go to shop for outdoor gear rental and equipment.

Once a color pallet and design were agreed upon, they helped fill in the logistics of inventory management, reservation/booking systems...etc. Then website creation and launch was super quick! We’re now creating apparel and trying to stand out from our competition!

What was the team composition?

Owner was engaged with us from the beginning. We’ve worked with their photo/video people. Graphics people. Google Ads people. And look forward to expanding. Everyone we talk to at Swello understands our objectives and we don’t have to rehash the vision, they’re all in with us!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Business is booming! Since hiring Swello, we’ve grown our inventory by 200%. We are having a hard time keeping up with the demand! We get great feedback from our customers of the ease of use, the visibility and transparency of how we operate! It’s been great!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

If I got out of their way, we’d be further down the road then we are now!!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The people! Theirs a fun energetic culture at Swello that just makes us want to smile and work with them more and more! They produce results. They over-deliver every time!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything has been great, no complaints.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of Ayd Heathcare, a mobile healthcare company that comes to the patient in the comfort of their own home. We provide acute care needs anything from the common cold to mild to moderate wound repair.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swello Marketing?

We approached Swello to assist with us with social media marketing and website development and design. We also had plenty of discussions on logo and branding design.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase accessibility and ease for our clients to schedule and understand our services. We also had goals to increase sales with social media marketing.

SOLUTION

How did you select Swello Marketing?

I search and do business with companies that communicate. Swello does that exceptionally well. They are flexible and accessible at all levels.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Web design, branding, and even photograph sessions were scheduled. The photos were edited and uploaded to shared file storage and were used in social media marketing as well as the website design.

After the site was up and running and design was set the manager and I had another meeting to discuss strategy and I felt at ease with the suggestions he made. But at the same time he was able to listen well to my concerns and questions and was able to answer them concisely.

What was the team composition?

After our initial meeting, I was assigned a team. This consisted of a brand/design expert, a marketing specialist, and project manager. I was supervised how fast and efficient the plan was put into effect.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Since partnering with Swello our sales have more than doubled. Visits to our site have seen more than 3x increase.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication is key with workflow. Swello was able to respond to my questions in a quick and concise manner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Results. Swello gives you results. FFrom a great web design to effective communication and teamwork, Swello Marketing was overall impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Follow up contact has been great and understandably it is hard to meet during the COVID 19 pandemic but an in person meeting would be great in the future.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Managing Partner at a Real Estate Investment Firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swello Marketing, and what were your goals?

Web Development. Expand our online presence

SOLUTION

How did you select Swello Marketing and what were the deciding factors?

Recommended by a friend. They provided the best service for the best price and accommodated our every need.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We had a kick-off meeting to discuss project details. They took my ideas and recommendations to heart and used their expertise to develop our online site and portal we use in our everyday business.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Project manager, developer, and designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

After launching our site we are able to operate much more efficiently as a company, allowed our partners to access vital information more easily and kept our records more organized.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

At the kick off meeting, they laid out an aggressive timeline that they kept themselves to to complete the project and were responsive to every question and concern.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They work with you. They listen to your needs and accommodate accordingly. So many companies come to a roadblock and give up. Swello finds a way around it to accomplish your goal.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I was very happy with the entire process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner/President of our Real Estate investment and management company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Swello Marketing?

I have engaged Swello to help us with our online presence and to help engage customers and receive positive reviews.

What were your goals for this project?

Improve our online presence and reviews

SOLUTION

How did you select Swello Marketing?

Swello was recommended to my by other satisfied clients

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We met and discussed our needs in great detail. They gave us a great sense of importance and displayed a desire to help us meet our goals. I knew from my first interaction with them that they were very knowledgable and ready to help

What was the team composition?

I worked with one of the owners and was able to access him at any time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

My google reviews increased in number and quality with many more positive results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective between our companies.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was very impressed with their knowledge of the marketplace and how to best improve our image.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of any areas of improvement, they were totally professional