As a dad who's spent over 20,000 hours building and ranking websites, running SEO and SEM campaigns, and managing digital marketing for various clients, I recently had a moment of clarity. A family friend called me, excited to start a business selling bags and needed help building a website and ranking it on Google. This conversation struck a chord with me. It reminded me why I got into this field first: the desire to create something meaningful and be free.
The Phone Call That Sparked a Change
The call started with a simple question: "What kind of keywords do we want to rank for?" My friend suggested "women's bags," but this broad term made me realize how easy it is to get lost in the competition. It's not just about having a website and targeting a generic keyword. It would help if you had a clear, focused strategy.
As a dad, I've always wanted to set an example for my kids, showing them the value of pursuing what they love. This was my chance to do just that. So, I guided my friend through a more thoughtful approach, which I decided to apply to my own journey.
Finding Your Niche
The key to success is specificity. Instead of just "women's bags," we needed to identify who these bags were for. Are they for pet owners, moms, or artists? The more specific we could be, the better our chances of ranking and connecting with the right audience.
This meant reflecting on what kind of products I wanted to create. It was about more than just the product and solving a real problem. This is where the idea of artist bags came from—bags with compartments for pencils, crayons, and other supplies. It was a niche that wasn't overly saturated and had a clear audience.
Building a Solid Foundation
Starting from scratch can be intimidating, but laying a strong foundation is essential. Here's how I advised my friend and how I approached my venture:
- Social Media Presence: Set up accounts on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Share content that showcases your passion and expertise. This meant creating videos and posts about designing and making the bags.
- Local Engagement: Join local Facebook groups and participate in physical marketplaces. Engaging with the community helps build word-of-mouth and local support.
- Content Creation: Consistently produce valuable content. This could be behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, or customer testimonials. The goal is to create a connection with your audience.
Solving Real Problems
Your product needs to solve a real problem to stand out. During our brainstorming, we identified that our bags could be designed for artists, with specific compartments for their tools. This unique angle set us apart and made our marketing more targeted and effective
Starting Small and Scaling Up
Initially, focus on building your brand and customer base through organic means. Social media and local engagement are crucial. As your brand gains traction, you can invest in digital marketing campaigns.
I recalled how I helped a startup that sold socks for nurses. We started small, focusing on social media marketing and gradually built a loyal customer base. Years later, the brand became well-known for its niche product.
Embracing the Journey
The journey to building a successful business is filled with learning and adaptation. As a dad, I want to show my kids that taking risks and pursuing what you love is okay. It's about more than just financial success; it's about creating something meaningful and having the freedom to enjoy life on your terms.