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My Adventure with SEO

49K views 209 replies 65 participants last post by  Aidan Lorse 
#1 ·
Six years ago I stated Tried & True Services. I strongly believed that a company should have a Web presence. However, I never understood why guys spent thousands on their sites and SEO.

I used Service Magic to help get leads before my WOM would be of any use. I didn't understand, nor really wanted to understand, the idea and concept of the ever changing SEO landscape. It seemed that I would have to spend several hours a week just to keep up. I often referred to it as chasing my SEO tail.

So I just let my site represent us on its own. I may have received 5 leads in 5 years.

A year or so ago I met Brian with MyOnlineToolbox. We had a "discussion" about SEO. Brian reached out to me educating me on LGS and encouraged me to look into his introductory SEO course. I did, with a little hesitation.

A weird thing happened. As I was taking each section all I wanted to do was stop the session and fix my site.

By the end of the course I had some work cut it but the instruction and explanation on the videos made it super easy and fairly quick.

I spent about a week in the site getting the basics down and then spent the next few months honing and sharpening each area.

It's been a bit over six months and I have to say the results are amazing. For my target let words I'm first page from third and forth page. Google places shows up on 80-90% of my key words. I'm getting 5-10 leads a week on average from my site.

I can't wait to get some time to take the Advanced course this Fall.

If you are looking at improving your site or just educating yourself on the basics of SEO, you have to check out MyOnlineToolbox.com.

Thanks Brian!
 
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#161 ·
MOTB Follow-up

Just making others aware MOTB did get back to me as promised. He delivered a handful of suggestions such as specifically how to better target the services and locations. Other diverse topics for the cosmetics of my site, getting reviews and how to use Facebook better. Thanks for the feedback and follow up. Much appreciated!
Ginga
 
#162 ·
Update on our journey with SEO and new website

I would like to give others a quick update so you can watch my adventure (which is still in motion). I wasn’t sure when it is appropriate to post since we are a work in process, so I asked MOTB and he said he didn’t care, and to post whenever I had something to say that was applicable. This stuff can seem intimidating at first, but if you take just a moment to learn then you can really position well for a long time out. I did not retain every detail but know enough to be able to support the marketing goals.



I originally posted back in late February when I was just getting started and not sure what direction to take. I first took the classes and then decided to have MOTB create a marketing plan for me. I learned just looking at my website without seeing everything else would short change myself in the long term. I accumulated content from pictures and creating stories for those pictures. I have a talented programmer who is strong from a technical perspective but not from a marketing perspective for this industry. So she too took the classes and has now begun to program a site for me. I can see how it is going to be very personalized to my work and style. I could have gone with a website company dedicated to this industry, but I opted to go with this trusted resource.



I’m rather busy so I am not in a rush to launch a new site and am going through things slowly to cover as many topics we learned and then addressed further in the plan. I will eventually come back here once I can use the final results to explain what I did and perhaps have others besides MOTB make any critique comments. But so far our team has learned a lot and is very specific on our direction.

Todd
 
#163 ·
I have a talented programmer who is strong from a technical perspective but not from a marketing perspective for this industry. So she too took the classes and has now begun to program a site for me. I can see how it is going to be very personalized to my work and style. I could have gone with a website company dedicated to this industry, but I opted to go with this trusted resource.
Hi Todd,
Thanks for the commentary. This is a great example of the different scenarios we are faced with all the time:
- Do It Yourself Website
- Using an individual programmer
- Using a dedicated website company

Either way, a minimal amount of marketing education and appreciation is a good foundation for you as the actual website evolves along with the other topics (facebook, youtube, etc).

Some don't care to know anything and some really knock it out of the park when the understand the basics and its impact. Looking forward to working with your person and see how far they can take it. Will wait to see what she comes up with.
Brian
 
#164 ·
Hi all. Abel of Beck Painting. learned of this website marketing here and from a few other places for some time. had an absolutely terrible website but prefer not focusing on that since I didn’t give it much thought in the beginning. have grown for a long time by word of mouth but knew I should not just rely on that. signed up for the classes 1 year ago and even got a marketing plan too. basically sat on it for almost a ½ year since I just was too busy. decided to make it happen no matter what in 2018 and gave up a little free time to organize my pictures, rename the files, write a little content to support the pictures in my words, go back to some customers to get some reviews for the site, get my facebook social side moving along and even getting the google my business started. my new site that just went live a few weeks ago really represents our business. the site is up for just a week and our first lead just came in too. was waiting for that event before posting here. there is a lot to it but anyone can make it happen if you just give a little focused time and realize it may not be super easy but it is not that hard. any painters here that may be able to comment how we did? https://www.beckpainting.com

Abel
 
#165 ·
basically sat on it for almost a ½ year since I just was too busy. decided to make it happen no matter what in 2018 and gave up a little free time to organize my pictures, rename the files, write a little content to support the pictures in my words, go back to some customers to get some reviews for the site, get my facebook social side moving along and even getting the google my business started. my new site that just went live a few weeks ago really represents our business. the site is up for just a week and our first lead just came in too. was waiting for that event before posting here.
So glad to finally see the transformation for you. Seems like just yesterday we joked about waiting for a new site and eventually getting your first online lead. I didn't think it would take that long, but better late than never. :laughing: Congrats for finally making it happen.

Also, remember to hyperlink your email communications so people get introduced to your Residential and Commercial services. I will send you an email reminder so you know what to do. Good luck and have a great summer season.
MOTB
 
#166 ·
Hi folks,

Took MOTB’s Basic & Advanced classes & marketing plan back in November. Finally getting around to doing my first video. It’s not a customer testimonial – it’s more of a meet-the-owner type of thing. I’m sure I’ll do testimonial videos as I get customers who are willing. So far I haven’t had any takers, but I continue to ask.

Anyway, the video is on my homepage – here’s a link: https://www.simplyrenewedspaces.com.

Would love to get your feedback.

One thing I’ll share for those working on their websites: if you’re using a web design theme (e.g. Wordpress’s Divi theme), the video modules you’d use to insert the video may not allow you to disable YouTube’s “Show suggested videos when the video finishes” feature. So if someone goes to your website and plays your video, after it finishes, YouTube will show whatever random collection of videos it thinks they should watch next. That could be anything from the highest trending video of the day to a competitor’s video – either of which could be considered offensive for one reason or another! ;). (Keep in mind they're still on your website.)

I’m using Wordpress’s Divi theme, and found a good tutorial for fixing this. If anyone wants it, just give a holler & I'll send a link.

Anyways, thanks – and have a good one!

Steve
 
#168 ·
Hey thanks, Tinstaafl - I really appreciate that!

Here's a link to the YouTube tutorial that helped me make sure that singing cats or 80's TV bloopers - or something much worse! - didn't show up after my "Here's-how-trustworthy-my-company-is" video:

;)



Keep in mind it's specific to Wordpress's Divi theme, but I'm guessing the approach will apply to other themes as well.

Also keep in mind that this only controls what happens when the video is viewed on your website. If someone views it directly on YouTube or some other platform, you may get the singing cats or 80's bloopers. But at least it (somewhat) preserves the integrity/believe-ability of your website.


Thanks!

Steve
 
#169 ·
Really good Steve,
Not just the video, which is done rather well, but also the Title and descriptions. I am assuming you also put some Tags on this. I can see you embraced the education well. Your technical comments are good. Perhaps you place an abbreviated post in the forum subject "YouTube Vs Facebook Vs Vimeo Related To Video & SEO". Your post info is applicable. Really nice, and I like you building on the Light Remodeling and Handyman topic to add more perceived value as a Handyman. Good work. I will reference it in my education to others.
MOTB
 
#170 ·
Thanks, MOTB - I really appreciate that!

The video took a bit of planning, but all things considered it wasn't that difficult. I just had to put the time in. Anyone with the patience could do the same.

And I didn't have to buy a bunch of expensive gear or software. I mention this in case anyone feels that doing a video themselves is out of reach. It's not.

Yes, I did include tags in the YouTube Upload, as you mentioned in your classes. Thanks for the heads-up on that.

I will have to check out the other forum post you mentioned. I haven't seen it yet.

Have a good one!

Steve
 
#171 ·
We need a Boost

Hi MyOnlineToolbox,

I am very similar to the gentleman from simplyrenewedspaces. I built my own site and then hired someone to help me make some final changes and optimize it before we launched. My website is https://www.aleighconstruction.com/ We have gotten very few leads since we went live. So, I am sure there we are missing some things that are important to SEO and how it relates to the construction industry. I would like to review our marketing plan in addition to your classes. We were initially introduced to your brand through Remodeler's Advantage and more recently from Micheal Stone's awesome Markup and Profit course. We are ready to make some changes! Please shoot me an email if you think you can help us bring in more quality leads. I look forward to hearing from you.

Amanda
 
#172 · (Edited)
Hi MyOnlineToolbox,

I am very similar to the gentleman from simplyrenewedspaces. I built my own site and then hired someone to help me make some final changes and optimize it before we launched. My website is https://www.aleighconstruction.com/ We have gotten very few leads since we went live. So, I am sure there we are missing some things that are important to SEO and how it relates to the construction industry. I would like to review our marketing plan in addition to your classes. We were initially introduced to your brand through Remodeler's Advantage and more recently from Micheal Stone's awesome Markup and Profit course. We are ready to make some changes! Please shoot me an email if you think you can help us bring in more quality leads. I look forward to hearing from you.

Amanda
You dont get any leads because your menu on pc covers the whole screen even when scrolling.

There must be a collapsable menu you can use...


EDIT, I had my zoom on because I cant see words anymore lol!


A summary of whats preventing your site from pulling leads its a lack of on page and local seo elements .


You dont have any locations mentioned in your copy, you dont have your address and im assuming you dont have your address in markup either. Google doesnt know where you do work, put it in your copy.
 
#176 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi JBM and MOTB,
Despite a busy 4th quarter, I still made it a point to address some concerns with our website. I have identified all of my key services and now have a dedicated page such as Kitchen Remodeling. Now I am working on dedicated location pages. I sill have some cosmetic items to address, but I am pleased that I finished the service pages before the new year.

Thanks for your support.
Happy New Year.
Amanda
 
#177 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm glad I was of help. You may be about where I was seo wise when I had Carl do my site, and well past me as far as website construction goes.

Now that you can see what good seo looks like, even if you struggle to replicate it, you can identify it, right?

My final piece of advice is to take what you've learned and apply it by hiring the best website and seo guy you can afford. Carl is hands down exceptional.

We can be, but it's not practical, we can be as good as a pro web guy, but why would we want to be? We do construction, they do websites, mechanics fix cars, doctors fix people. Dont cross the streams, it's not efficient.

You have gained alot of insight. Lots, probably 80% of people hire bad web guys hoping for good returns. They dont get it because they dont know anything.

Look at my amazing site Carl made
Jbmohlermasonry.com, I bang on rocks he bangs out websites lol!
 
#181 ·
And you will see from my comments, you are now appearing in various places, even already on Page 2 and 3 in certain permutations, and that is when you made spelling mistakes in the Title Tags. :laughing: Easy fixes, but at least you can see the efforts paying off before the busy season kicks in. Very nice to see how receptive and responsive you are. You will do just fine.
 
#182 ·
Hi everyone,

We have been building our new home construction and remodeling business, mostly word of mouth. We built our own website and we know it is nowhere near where it is supposed to be. We have some technical resources allocated to build the new website but figured we would learn a little before diving into the actual programming. Went to a few different places to learn and saw the same company name referenced as a starting point. Then found this post when we then jumped in to purchase the classes. During the process of learning our competition we realized the original poster is one of our competitors. So we came back to say thanks for the confirmation and glad to see someone knows what they are doing since their company name is on the two handfuls we were comparing to as we are making all of our decisions to redo the entire site. We will eventually come back to let you know how we are doing catching up with TNT. Great starting point to follow.

-Josh
http://www.1builders.com
 
#183 ·
So we came back to say thanks for the confirmation and glad to see someone knows what they are doing since their company name is on the two handfuls we were comparing to as we are making all of our decisions to redo the entire site. We will eventually come back to let you know how we are doing catching up with TNT. Great starting point to follow. -Josh
Hi Josh, TNT is a good guy and I have known him for years. Perhaps one day you will bump into him in the field for potential networking too. Glad to be working with you, and just know TNT will beat you in any forum debates, so be cautious bragging about catching up to him until you are ready. I will be in contact with you soon to focus on the other fingers of competitors (minus TNT) :laughing:
 
#184 ·
I can second this recommendation!

Figured this is a good place to make a first post since I mostly just browse topics to learn. We took their classes in late 2018 and then went back and forth with the company about our content.

Our new website went live almost two months ago. We used to get maybe a lead every two months through our old website. I received 3 over the weekend!

We are now to the point of starting video marketing. Our plan is to create a lot of videos to then embed them into the site. We are learning how to load them to YouTube with a focus on SEO and then the programmers will just have to place them wherever we need them.

Check out our site or videos (by going to the YouTube channel) at https://www.gannageconstruction.com/.

Thanks to myonline toolbox for being patient with us. Wasn’t easy on our time since we were already busy, but we didn’t want to wait for the economy to change to then think about these things. I do not regret any of the hardwork as I can see it paying off already and I know that these things only work better as time goes on.
 
#186 ·
A GC with a huge selection of services got 3 leads in a weekend... Congrats!

Hi JBM,

They took a very strategic approach with me. They have a handful of competitors that were already ahead, and pretty decent competitors too. What I did was guide them to have unique content optimized, and also be ready to go in many directions as soon as they went live. And while I tend to beat the same war drum on the marketing topics, I can not force someone to do something. Gannage happens to just be doing everything correctly, and of course they are being rewarded for the efforts. Sure, I will always take credit for leading the way with education and planning but I always like to ensure the contractor gets credit for learning and doing. Too many simply get a new website live, and kind of just sit back and do nothing else. Things like customer reviews, fresh job content or videos all help support the efforts. Gannage has been rather easy for me in the sense that they ask for guidance, quickly ask me to clarify when they are not clear on the details, and then "just do it". Nothing supernatural other than having a good plan and executing it.

Thanks for the motivational comment too!

MOTB
 
#187 ·
Hello again!

I started with MyOnlineToolbox a few months ago to get a new site and other marketing going. We are aways in :thumbsup: and I thought I would share that things are going well...In the process of making my first website changes (just finished a nice addition on a hill and organizing the pictures and story).

I wanted to pop on here and mention that I saw MyOnlineToolbox was awarded #6 in the Top 100 products & services in the industry. :thumbup:

https://www.proremodeler.com/top-100-products-2019-tools-equipment

I feel really lucky to have been working with Brian as now I am sure he will get slammed with potential new clients.:clap:

I will come back to show off the New Addition after I organize it.

Have a nice Labor Day to everyone.
 
#188 ·
Thanks Gannage,

You stole my thunder .... :thumbsup:

I was a little backlogged with the Hurricane in my backyard so I could not focus on that award. I had no idea about it until getting a nice amount of Congrats from different directions.

Definitely pretty cool being associated with companies like associated with companies such as Ram, 3M, Ford and Harbor Freight Tools.

For any viewers here who happened to vote for us .... Thank you for giving us some great exposure in the industry!

MyOnlineToolbox
 
#190 ·
I just signed up to learn. My site https://friendlyhandyman.ca was put together without any real goal. I learned of this here and will come back after I take the classes and tell you what I think.

Premices
Hi Premices,
I saw the sign up. Look forward to having you go through everything and give some feedback. Perhaps you did not know, but we just updated the screens to be reflective of 2020 and also have double the content based on previous feedback. Any comments will be appreciative.
MOTB
 
#191 · (Edited)
Working on my roofing companies (4 Square Roofing) SEO/Marketing/Branding

Hey Guys!
I am in the process of working on my roofing companies based out of Gallatin, TN 37066 (4 Square Roofing) Online Branding, Marketing, Google Ranking, ETC. I signed up on contractortalk.com in hopes of networking with various people interested in swapping links. I know its a VERY important of making your websites relevancy to google

I will post a few links below to our Google - Website - Articles - ETC and any input you have on how we can better utilize what content we have or if you're interested in networking with us for a WIN-WIN online marketing relationship... IM IN!

https://4squareroofing.org

https://g.page/4squareroofing

https://lightning100.com/localbusiness/4-square-roofing-local-business-spotlight/

https://4squareroofing.blogspot.com/
 

Attachments

#192 ·
Hey Guys!
I signed up in hopes of networking with various people interested in swapping links. I know its a VERY important of making your websites relevancy to google
I can see this is your first post, and my suggestion is to open a new thread topic when you jump from forum to forum doing the same. I can tell the linking education did not come from our classes, so my instinct is telling me someone (or something you read) is mistakenly guiding you to attempt to get links all over the place to your site by spamming forums in different directions.

The linking topic is a little more complex than what you are doing, so ensure to learn how to do it strategically as opposed to just going anywhere that seems popular and inserting a post like this.

And worse, other forums may immediately ban you, and delete your posts, so you then lose more long term. Best wishes.
 
#193 ·
To Brian on this thread

Hey there,
You gave a presentation in my area a year or two ago. Got your card somewhere and for the life of me cant find it. Never did a forum post before so figured now is the best time to try while sitting here just trying to figure out my next steps with the business. My site is https://www.buildmaverick.com/ and it is terrible . I just want help to be ready for the recovery. Got some other problems too with this online stuff and have too many thoughts. What can you do to help?.
Larry
 
#194 ·
Hi Larry,
You are referring to the Jan 2019 event where I was a speaker. I found your card, and forgive me since I do not recall you specifically, but my notes indicate that you did not return my event follow up emails or my message. I know, I know, you were busy but I still did not get a reply to the follow ups :whistling ... Not looking to offend but I have to set the stage to ensure we are on equal communication footings since time is critical now.

Anyhow, I will go back to square one but I prefer to review your account with a call and will reach out shortly. I anticipate all sorts of questions but at the same time I already asked many organized questions and haven't got a reply. I see nothing has changed on your end so the questions still stand. Forgive the directness, but before I do call, please look at the email I am re-sending so you can have the answers to my questions ready. The area code is 954 so please pick up the phone when I call later, after the Read Reply is acknowledged. :laughing:
 
#195 ·
OK, the tool box guy called me like promised on sunday.Im going all in and signed up for classes and marketing plan. will take his advice and going to drink lots of coffee to get through what he wants me to organize.There is a lot to do so will come back after I know what im talking about.I think I am in the right direction.little challenging will let you know what others would be in for.
 
#197 ·
I finished the basic class (didnt take the advance yet so I cant speak for that). Nothing hard, it is just a LOT of little things that all connect to each other. I am not good enough to create my own site so I got a marketing plan late last week too. Spent the weekend organizing and labeling all my photos (pretty much the hardest thing I had to do since pix on all over the phone and computer). The class really pointed out good topics to know to make it easier for me. Class seems good to know, or even programmers who want to learn about our industry since all examples reference construction topics. First time I feel I have a clue what everyone is talking about with websites and seo. Next I started to create my stories for the landing pages using the images. The toolbox folk gave examples of live sites to help me decide what is best for me. I sent all my write ups to them late yesterday and now am just waiting for their comments and edits and will let you know when there is more to share.
 
#198 ·
Next I started to create my stories for the landing pages using the images.
He did a rather good job. He did take the basic class and went through all the short quizzes. I went to the folders and I was able to clearly see the best of his images as well as the stories to promote them on the landing pages. File naming was pretty good too and I never got confused. I will let him tell you all what he had to do next since I already replied for his next steps. So far he is racing along and hopefully he doesn't slow down. Keeping fingers crossed.
 
#200 ·
I finished write ups for my services. took me a little to get one service really good then it was much easier to correct the other ones. Once I finished the services I then went back and forth with the toolbox folk to create my write ups for locations. Locations was harder since some had more pictures available than others. I decided on my best home page photos. Now I am going to get some stuff organized to talk about the company and finish my portfolios. almost ready to build my site. thats it for now.
 
#201 ·
Now I am going to get some stuff organized to talk about the company and finish my portfolios. almost ready to build my site. thats it for now.
It took him a little longer than I hoped for, but he did get distracted with a Logo change too and making additional changes with that. Anyhow, he selected a website company, and we have reviewed all the specifics related to the inbound marketing. The programmers indicated that we can have a draft to review in weeks, and I am sure we will be able to flip the switch and share soon. Stay healthy all!
 
#202 ·
OK everyone. I finally got the site live https://www.buildmaverick.com/. There are some cosmetics I am going to have corrected as well as some minor items such as updating the About Page. I have been swamped and MyOnlineToolbox was really working with me in off hours to ensure we had this propagating before the end of Q2. They did not wanting me to wait just to wait since I have dragged this out way too long. Go easy on me with any comments since I was pressured to ensure I got this done. Not bad, huh?
 
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