“Empowering others to take charge of things they don't think they can do, such as website performance, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and marketing, is a top priority and a profound joy.”
As a creative professional and small business owner, I understand the challenges of self-promotion. My journey has taken me from illustrating and writing stories for educational exhibits to monetizing my illustrations and pursuing children's publishing (learn more about my art career). These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the hurdles that small businesses face when promoting their work.
Working in advertising and SEO, I developed a strong understanding of marketing, with my creativity and empathy amplifying its impact and significance. This combination of experiences has allowed me to create a streamlined, user-friendly approach for my clients, enhancing their online presence through easy SEO, ultimately saving them time, money, and frustration.
A Career Built on Connection
Over 35 years ago, my career began in advertising, where I designed for large businesses like casinos, universities, ski resorts, and hospitals. It provided valuable experience, but it didn’t truly reflect who I am. Upon leaving advertising, I sought a different approach—one rooted in down-to-earth connections and collaborations with small businesses and creative professionals. I concentrated on quality design and marketing that genuinely assisted my clients in achieving their goals on their terms.
The Internet Revolution and SEO’s Arrival
As the internet evolved, websites became accessible and powerful marketing tools, and I focused on web design. I helped clients navigate it all, simplifying complex technical details so they could confidently manage their websites or make informed decisions when delegating work. Empowering others became a crucial part of my approach—it wasn’t just about designing websites but about providing my clients with the tools to take charge.
When search engine optimization (SEO) emerged, it was a game-changer. I was stunned as I implemented SEO strategies that reflected client brands and watched their visibility skyrocket. It felt like magic. I loved helping them connect with their ideal audiences—especially in markets where they thought they couldn’t compete. However, even as I helped clients succeed with SEO, I didn’t optimize my own website. I was satisfied with the steady flow of referrals that provided me with a healthy work-life balance and time for my creative pursuits. Instead, I prioritized accessibility over driving traffic.
A New Chapter During the Pandemic
Then, the pandemic hit, and like many small business owners, I had to rethink everything. Projects were canceled, clients retired or shifted their priorities, and my word-of-mouth base was no longer sufficient to sustain my business. It was a harsh wake-up call.
Reflecting on my clients' successes, I decided to optimize my own website to attract a new audience. Going through that in-depth process gave me a fresh perspective on how challenging it can be to see one’s own business through an SEO lens—even for experienced professionals. It made me think about all the small business owners and creatives who attempt their SEO and feel like they’re hitting a wall, turning to paid ads, only to be disappointed by the lack of results. It was disheartening to see business owners give up before they even began.
That’s when I decided to help more small businesses and creative professionals do their SEO by simplifying it, making it less intimidating, and sharing tips and strategies I’ve honed over the years.
Empowering Small Businesses & Creatives With Easy SEO
SEO is an invaluable tool for small businesses and creatives. It drives traffic, helps you stand out, and makes marketing easier. However, you don’t need a huge budget or a large team to make it work. It brings me joy to help people overcome their SEO challenges and grow their businesses. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them thrive with the confidence that comes from understanding what works.
My Clients
Working with large businesses early in my career was good experience, but I quickly learned that I most enjoyed working with people who were small business owners and creative professionals. Among my clients, you'll find photographers, videographers, massage therapists, various small shops & businesses, estheticians, acupuncturists, creative groups, authors, illustrators, fine artists, Reiki practitioners, artisans, entrepreneurs, small publishers, and non-profits. They are truly an inspiring group! Go to my Web Presence Case Studies page for more details about some of their businesses.
What Else Matters to Me?
After I’m done helping clients, I use my storytelling skills to help protect the natural world by creating stories about how humans affect nature. I specialize in making environmental topics accessible, relatable, and specific to what my audiences hold dear—whether kids or adults. My work has been featured in educational exhibits and books for all ages. You can learn more on the following pages: Public Interest Stories, Illustration, Nature Illustration, Children's Illustration, and With Love, From Tahoe.
©2007-2025 KRISTEN SCHWARTZ •
