The period of time that followed was one of the most confusing points in my life. I was lost. I had financial obligations and no means of financing them.
But I knew photography had to work for me. I would make it work. I sat around brainstorming other strategies and solutions. I was determined to make this happen.
I had remembered a while back hearing that sometimes brides would go online and discuss things in forums. They would discuss the quality of services of vendors. I was curious to see if I made it into any of these forums.
This was the first step in searching for myself…
I opened up good old Google and typed myself in. I had made a website a while back (this was the one I used when registering with TheKnot) and was wondering where my website would appear in a Google search. I knew it had to be pretty far down the list because I wasn’t getting inquiries anyway.
The results were devastating. I was not page 1…or 10…or 100 for that matter. I found myself on page 210. Two-hundred-freaken-ten! And yes, to answer the question you’re probably thinking, I did click that far. I was going to stop on page 215, anyway.
What bride was going to click that far to find me?
This got me thinking. How did the people who appeared on the first page of Google get there? We were all in a pool of search results. How did they get to be on page 1 while I was on page 215? This didn’t seem fair.
Needless to say my next goal was to be on page 1. This became the story of my life for the next two years.
How do you think I tackled search engine optimization?
- I overthrew Google with my Lego army
- A magical cat whispered all of the secret answers to me
- I am secretly the creator of Google
The answer – none of the above. At first, I knew of no other way but to get a book on search engine optimization. I devoured the book in a day and attempted to apply all of the strategies, but found that while there were some great ideas, this was just skimming the surface of SEO…I needed more.
This was followed by many attempts, struggles and studies of Google’s search engine patterns. It wasn’t until 6 months later that I saw some results. I became so engrossed with SEO that I decided to get into coding. And that’s when things really started to make a lot of sense.
With my newfound success in SEO, what took me 6 months to achieve before could be attained in a matter of days. I felt like I finally conquered the world of SEO when I appeared not only on page 1 of Google, but as the #1 listing right at the top. YES!!!!!
This was the epitome of locations that brides would click, as would any search engine user, and I had gotten there. I had finally gotten there.
P.S. This is for the most part the introduction to how I got started. If you have enjoyed the story please let me know and I will try to continue writing.
Now that you have heard my story, I would love to hear yours. When I return from my vacation, I am thinking about visiting a number of cities in the U.S. Hopefully you can come out and have a cup of coffee on me! Stay tuned for details… Add yourself to the mailing list for instructions on how to get your cup of joe.
P.P.S. I enjoy Italy’s cappuccino’s most. For updates on my European trip, follow @tofurious
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me likey.
you keep writing
me likey.
you keep writing
YES, please continue writing and please come visit SLC!!!
YES, please continue writing and please come visit SLC!!!
KEEP WRITING!!!! we love reading your episodes:) heehee=) it was surprising how the SEO was really the answer… i mean, does that mean that ANYONE can do it? or can i just pay you to do it for me? haha:) ok well we hope to see more! ciao!
KEEP WRITING!!!! we love reading your episodes:) heehee=) it was surprising how the SEO was really the answer… i mean, does that mean that ANYONE can do it? or can i just pay you to do it for me? haha:) ok well we hope to see more! ciao!
lovin the stories! Keep ‘em coming!
lovin the stories! Keep ‘em coming!
Uhh…..yes, please?
Uhh…..yes, please?
I love the stories, keep them coming!
I love the stories, keep them coming!
Please keep going…it’s not only entertaining, it’s helpful as well (esp. to a newb like me).
Please keep going…it’s not only entertaining, it’s helpful as well (esp. to a newb like me).
I LOVE these stories! I’d love to hear more about your adventures. And I want to know more about your findings in SEO! Come visit Salt Lake City one of these days!
I LOVE these stories! I’d love to hear more about your adventures. And I want to know more about your findings in SEO! Come visit Salt Lake City one of these days!
i would love some more insights into the adventures in SEO.
i would love some more insights into the adventures in SEO.
Dear God please keep writting. I stumbled accrossed your blog and as I am reading this, I find that its my story…I hope mine follows your map to sucess.
PS, we have great coffee in Toledo, Ohio !
Dear God please keep writting. I stumbled accrossed your blog and as I am reading this, I find that its my story…I hope mine follows your map to sucess.
PS, we have great coffee in Toledo, Ohio !
I love to hear your adventures. I am just starting out so I am devouring up everything.
I love to hear your adventures. I am just starting out so I am devouring up everything.
I love it. I am at a place where I need to figure out what to do. I won’t give you my sob story, but I will tell you that you’ve been an encouragement.
I love it. I am at a place where I need to figure out what to do. I won’t give you my sob story, but I will tell you that you’ve been an encouragement.
I enjoyed reading your story so much that I kept checking for any updates even when I was not in front of the PC (with a cell phone). Please, keep writing, Lawrence! I`d love to read further! Greetings from Bulgaria!
I enjoyed reading your story so much that I kept checking for any updates even when I was not in front of the PC (with a cell phone). Please, keep writing, Lawrence! I`d love to read further! Greetings from Bulgaria!
I love this story. Please keep writing, it makes my struggles feel ‘normal’!
I love this story. Please keep writing, it makes my struggles feel ‘normal’!
Here is my vote…YES !!! keep writing. I have been on the fence about purchasing your SEO vid’s, etc. as I want to be sure I can truly benefit from them and get to #1 page ! for my market area as well. Being a former/current software developer turned Pro Photographer I am very eager to put my skills to the test in this uncharted territory know as SEO…you almost have me hooked
Here is my vote…YES !!! keep writing. I have been on the fence about purchasing your SEO vid’s, etc. as I want to be sure I can truly benefit from them and get to #1 page ! for my market area as well. Being a former/current software developer turned Pro Photographer I am very eager to put my skills to the test in this uncharted territory know as SEO…you almost have me hooked
I love your personal stories!! It’s very nice of you to share this to everyone. – Thanks!
I love your personal stories!! It’s very nice of you to share this to everyone. – Thanks!
I like hearing Your story…keep on going!
Come to Portland, OR!
I like hearing Your story…keep on going!
Come to Portland, OR!
Love the story! Very inspiring.
Love the story! Very inspiring.
more please.
more please.
yeh right.. great post, Thank You
yeh right.. great post, Thank You
YES keep writing…i know im late, but im catching up
hope to meet you one day too.
-Nelz
YES keep writing…i know im late, but im catching up
hope to meet you one day too.
-Nelz
i love your story. thank you so much for your honesty! it’s was such a pleasure to read.