A few Friday’s back, I sent out a last-minute note saying that I will be holding an impromptu phone chat on the topic of websites, WordPress and search engine optimization (SEO).
I asked for your most pressing questions and was joined on the call that provided wonderful dialogue lasting 45 minutes.
My wife Heather and I gave birth to Danica Irene on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 3:04pm. She entered the world at 6 lbs 15 oz. and 20 inches in length.
I’m quickly discovering that being a good dad requires many of the same qualities and traits as does a good business owner.
I’ve been a pet sitting business owner since 2008, and have run other online businesses since 1999.
And while I’ve only been a dad for 1 week (at the time of this writing), it’s becoming crystal clear that many of the same traits I have had to perfect as a strong business owner also come into play to become an amazing father.
The 5 Things I’ve Learned As A Dad Just 1 Week In.
Where do YOU stand among other pet sitters around you?You know that phrase that says “you can’t please everyone?”
Well, I’m starting to believe that no matter what price you charge, some pet owners will still think it’s too much.
Get this…
We had a call recently from a woman that began like most others.
After spending 20 minutes on the phone it was time to discuss prices based on the needed service (daily dog walking). We quoted our fee for service and this was her reply:
“Wha?? I just spoke with someone who can do it for $12. Thanks very much. [click]”
Prevent SEO from becoming a mystery that never gets solved.
Pet Sitters: I get it.
SEO (search engine optimization) is a big mystery.
On the surface, you might have a firm grasp on exactly what needs to be done, but even if you have done those things, you may not see results.
And we all know how frustrating it could be to put in some work and not see the results you were expecting.
Today’s question may put you in a better direction to make some real progress on your SEO efforts.
(And at the end of the post, you’ll have an opportunity to work directly with me and Bella Vasta on taking SEO by the horns and see results literally within 30 days 🙂
SEO: Where In The World Do I Begin?
This is the question I received:
Josh, with the WordPress SEO plug in, what’s the one (or few) things you would do first to quickly rise in rankings? I realize the algorithms for SEO are complex with many factors involved so there’s no “one” thing but what do you think of first when constructing sites? Blogging? Titles and descriptions? Other?
This is a great question and a very important one.
First, let me clarify that there is no magic bullet to “quickly rise in the rankings.” I understand what you are asking, but I just want to be clear that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint.
No one thing (or no few things) will have you quickly rise in Google or allow you to remain in Google.
Correct SEO is a series of ongoing and consistent efforts. And guess what?
With my pet sitting website system, it’s like I build you the house, and you furnish the inside!Your pet sitting website is most likely an extremely important part of your marketing plan and overall success.
Personally, my own pet sitting business relies exclusively on its website to keep the phone ringing and the food on the table!
Since 2009, I have been dispensing advice here on PetSittingOlogy primarily focusing on ways to enhance your website.
And in December 2011, I began offering pet sitters their own WordPress pet sitting website, completely designed and developed with SEO in mind.
Here is the answer to a common question I receive.
And I received a great question recently from pet sitter Laura Milholland who is just starting up her business.
She writes: Hello, I recently purchased your “Start a petsitting business in 45 days” program. I have had a really hard time finding a domain name that ends in .com. I currently own the domain “DoggonePurrfectPets.net“. Is that going to really hurt my SEO? Should I scrap that name and try to find something else? Any advice would be very much appreciated!
Great question. And plenty of info to discuss on this topic.
So, I fired up the ol’ Web cam and gave my thoughts on the matter.
Every so often, I’ll receive an email from a pet sitter who says something like the following:
“Hi Josh, I’ve made some additions to my website, and I don’t see my site coming up in the search results for my keywords. Help!”
While I’m always happy to help, and while there are plenty of directions to take in this case, I’m always interested to know HOW this person knows where their website ranks for various keywords.
Typically, you will search Google yourself for a handful of keywords that you want to rank for. You may even ask nearby friends, family or other pet sitters to help you in the hunt for your Google rankings.
Every so often, I’ll receive an email from a pet sitter who says something like the following: