From Bookkeeper to Seven-Figure SEO Agency Owner
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Beginnings of an SEO Journey
- Learning SEO through Trial and Error
- Starting a Freelance Career
- Ups and Downs of the Freelance Life
- Finding Stability in the Philippines
- Transitioning to Virtual Assistant Work
- Building a Successful SEO Agency
- Self-Taught Success and Continuous Learning
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, I will take you on a journey through my SEO career and how I went from being a bookkeeper to running a successful seven-figure agency. I will share my experiences, challenges, and key learnings along the way, as well as provide insights and tips for aspiring SEO professionals. So, let's dive into the story of how I became an SEO and the lessons I've learned throughout my journey.
The Beginnings of an SEO Journey
Around 20 years ago, I stumbled upon the world of SEO, completely unaware of its existence. At the time, I was a bookkeeper but decided to go back to school and pursue a different path. It was during my time at university that my professor, John Downs, gave us an assignment to build a website. Little did I know that this assignment would mark the beginning of my SEO journey.
Learning SEO through Trial and Error
Building that first website sparked my interest in web design and digital marketing. I started learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, even though the majority of my classmates were not excited about it. While everyone else moved on to using platforms like WordPress, I saw the value in understanding the fundamentals of web development. This knowledge would later prove to be vital in my SEO career.
Starting a Freelance Career
While still attending school, I began taking on clients for web design and SEO. Craigslist became my go-to platform for attracting clients, and although the pay was relatively low, it felt rewarding to earn money while still studying. Little did I know that freelancing would become a major part of my SEO journey in the years to come.
Ups and Downs of the Freelance Life
As my freelance career progressed, I faced both highs and lows. There were moments of success, where I had a steady stream of clients and decent income. However, I also experienced periods of uncertainty and instability. I lost my job and had to live with my parents, bringing my family along. It was a challenging time, but SEO became my fallback, providing some stability during difficult moments.
Finding Stability in the Philippines
Amid personal struggles, I found an opportunity to move to the Philippines with the support of my wife's family. For a while, life in the Philippines was far from luxurious. We lived on bamboo beds, slept on the floor, and had no air conditioning. However, my mother-in-law's wise words reminded me that I didn't have to worry about the bills back in the States. This newfound stability allowed me to focus on growing my SEO skills and exploring new avenues.
Transitioning to Virtual Assistant Work
To supplement our income, I started working as a virtual assistant, taking on remote jobs in the early morning hours. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for virtual assistants and opened my eyes to the world of remote work. It was during this time that I began to think about starting my own SEO agency, leveraging my two decades of experience in the field.
Building a Successful SEO Agency
Despite the challenges and doubts, I took the leap and started taking on clients for my own agency. Through a systematic approach and dedication to scaling the business, I transformed four initial clients into 50 within just three months. Today, I am proud to have built a thriving agency with a talented team of SEO professionals and web designers. Together, we have achieved amazing results for our clients, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this team.
Self-Taught Success and Continuous Learning
Throughout my SEO journey, I have been entirely self-taught. I didn't have access to resources like Chris Palmer, Holly Starks, or Craig Campbell during my early days. However, I never stopped learning and honing my skills. SEO is a fast-paced industry, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and algorithm changes is crucial. I encourage aspiring SEO professionals to start with their own website, practice, and continually seek new knowledge.
Conclusion
My journey as an SEO professional has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. From humble beginnings as a bookkeeper to running a successful agency, I have experienced the power of SEO firsthand. The journey to success was not easy, but through hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning, I was able to overcome obstacles and find my place in the industry. If you're interested in becoming an SEO, remember that perseverance, continuous learning, and adapting to changes are key to achieving your goals.
Highlights
- From bookkeeper to seven-figure agency owner: My journey as an SEO professional.
- Learning SEO through trial and error: Building my first website and self-teaching SEO.
- The ups and downs of freelancing: Finding stability during challenging times.
- Transitioning to virtual assistant work: Balancing remote jobs and expanding skill sets.
- Building a successful SEO agency: Scaling from four clients to 50 in three months.
- Self-taught success and continuous learning: Thriving in a fast-paced industry.
FAQ
Q: How did you get started in SEO?
A: I stumbled upon SEO while attending university and taking on a web design assignment.
Q: Did you have any formal training in SEO?
A: No, I am entirely self-taught and have been continuously learning and adapting to the industry changes.
Q: How did you transition from being a freelancer to starting your own agency?
A: Through systematic approaches, scaling techniques, and leveraging my experience, I was able to grow my client base and establish a successful agency.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring SEO professionals?
A: Start with your own website, practice SEO techniques, stay updated with industry trends, and never stop learning.
Q: How do you stay ahead in such a competitive industry?
A: By continuously learning, adapting to changes, and having a dedicated team of SEO professionals, we are able to stay ahead and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Resources:
