From Bookkeeper to Seven-Figure SEO Expert: My Journey to Success
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- How I Became an SEO
- Getting Started with SEO
- Discovering SEO through Web Design
- Taking Clients via Craigslist
- Ups and Downs in the SEO Journey
- Losing Job and Moving Back with Parents
- Picking Up More Clients and Facing Setbacks
- The Turning Point: Six Years of SEO Experience
- Life Changes and Challenges
- Bariatric Surgery and Working from Home
- Moving to West Virginia and Finding Stability
- Facing Adversity in the Philippines
- Starting a Laundry Shop and Becoming a Virtual Assistant
- From Virtual Assistant to Agency Owner
- Scaling the Agency and Achieving Success
- Conclusion
How I Became an SEO: My Journey to Success (🚀)
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how some people become successful in the SEO industry? Well, in this article, I am going to share my personal journey of how I became an SEO expert and built a seven-figure agency. From humble beginnings and facing numerous challenges, I will take you through the ups and downs of my career, including the pivotal moments that shaped my success. So, let's dive in and explore the story of how I went from being a bookkeeper to a renowned SEO professional.
How I Became an SEO
My journey into the world of SEO began around 20 years ago. At that time, I had been working as a bookkeeper for a long time and never considered web design or digital marketing as a career. I was introduced to web design during my time at Kaiser University, where my professor, John Downs, assigned us the task of building a website. Little did I know that this assignment would spark my interest in the world of SEO.
After building my first website, I received payment for my work, which opened my eyes to the potential of earning through web design and SEO. I began taking on clients through platforms like Craigslist, offering my services for a modest fee. While I was still in school, I managed to earn around $18,000, which was a significant boost to my income at the time.
Ups and Downs in the SEO Journey
Like many entrepreneurs, my journey as an SEO expert was filled with both successes and setbacks. I faced a significant setback when I lost my job and had to move back in with my parents, with my family in tow. During this challenging period, I continued picking up clients and kept my passion for SEO alive. Despite the constant ups and downs, SEO became my fallback, providing stability during difficult times like going through a divorce.
One of the turning points in my career was when I acquired a specific client in the medical field. This client became the catalyst for gaining six years of valuable SEO experience. Although I had to accept a pay cut due to their financial difficulties, the steady income I received allowed me to weather the storm during those turbulent times.
Life Changes and Challenges
Life took a turn when I decided to have bariatric surgery to improve my health. This decision not only transformed my physical well-being but also had a significant impact on my career as an SEO expert. With the procedure behind me, I started working from home, attracting clients through platforms like Craigslist. While it was challenging to find clients willing to pay, I managed to make ends meet with smaller projects.
As life moved forward, I found myself moving to West Virginia, where I had two of my highest-paying clients. Things were going great, and I even dabbled in auction sales, considering becoming an auctioneer at one point. I enjoyed the thrill of auctions and used the proceeds to support my business.
However, just when everything seemed to be falling into place, I faced a major setback. I lost my two highest-paying clients, which resulted in financial struggles and a deep sense of despair. Facing the prospect of providing for my family and paying numerous bills, it felt like everything was falling apart.
Facing Adversity in the Philippines
In the midst of these challenges, I found solace in the Philippines, where my wife's family resided. Despite the difficult living conditions, we made the best of our situation, living on a bamboo bed and doing whatever we could to get by. This humbling experience made me appreciate the importance of resilience and determination.
During our time in the Philippines, my daughter met a Filipino man who eventually became her husband. Through his support, we managed to start a small laundry shop, which brought in an extra $600 per month. Additionally, I became a virtual assistant, working remotely for clients during nighttime hours. This allowed me to earn a steady income while gaining valuable experience in the virtual assistant industry.
From Virtual Assistant to Agency Owner
As I continued my journey as a virtual assistant, the idea of starting my own SEO agency began to take hold. Although I was initially hesitant, a colleague encouraged me to leverage my 20 years of SEO experience and launch my agency. Reluctantly, I took on three or four clients, using the same system that I now teach others to grow my agency to 50 clients within just three months.
Building my agency from scratch was no easy feat. It required dedication, hard work, and the ability to acquire and retain clients. Despite the challenges that come with running a business, I persevered and surrounded myself with a skilled team of SEO experts and web designers.
Scaling the Agency and Achieving Success
Over time, my agency grew exponentially, generating seven-figure revenue and enabling me to provide for my family and team. The journey from struggling to find clients to being on the top of the SEO industry was far from easy. However, through self-teaching and constantly improving my skills, I managed to carve a successful path for myself.
Today, I take pride in the accomplishments of my agency and the close-knit team I have built. We work together, supporting one another, and I consider them not just my employees but also my extended family. To celebrate the agency's success and express my gratitude to the team, we are planning a paid vacation to Kai Gayan in the Philippines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey as an SEO expert has been a roller coaster ride filled with various challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. From starting as a self-taught SEO enthusiast to building a successful agency, I have learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous self-improvement. If you are considering a career in SEO, it all starts with taking that first step and honing your skills. Remember, success is not achieved overnight but through dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
If you have any questions about SEO or how to get started as an SEO professional, please feel free to drop them in the comments below. I will be more than happy to answer your queries and provide guidance. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on the notification bell for more insightful content. Until next time, stay blessed!
🔥 Highlights 🔥
- From bookkeeper to seven-figure agency owner: The journey of an SEO expert
- Discovering SEO through web design and self-teaching
- Overcoming setbacks and financial hardships in the SEO industry
- How one client provided six years of invaluable SEO experience
- Life changes and challenges: Bariatric surgery and working from home
- Finding stability in West Virginia and dabbling in auction sales
- The resilience and humility gained from facing adversity in the Philippines
- Transitioning from a virtual assistant to a successful agency owner
- Scaling the agency and achieving seven-figure success
- Celebrating success and the importance of a supportive team
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 🙋♂️
Q: How did you get started in SEO?
A: I stumbled upon SEO while studying web design. I took on clients through platforms like Craigslist and self-taught myself SEO techniques.
Q: What were the challenges you faced during your journey?
A: I faced numerous setbacks, including losing my job, financial struggles, and losing my highest-paying clients. However, these challenges ultimately shaped my success.
Q: How did you scale your agency from a few clients to 50?
A: I utilized the same system that I now teach others, focusing on acquiring and retaining clients through effective SEO strategies and excellent service.
Q: What advice do you have for someone starting in SEO?
A: Start with your own website and practice SEO techniques. Develop a system that works for you and continuously learn and improve your skills.
Q: How did you overcome the hardships and achieve seven-figure success?
A: Perseverance, adaptability, and constantly honing my skills were key factors in overcoming challenges and achieving success in the SEO industry.
