A Web Tool Found Me: October 2024 Editorial
An unexpectedly powerful experience with search engine localization and organic SEO; stronger than I imagined.
This editorial is part of the October 2024 edition of The Monthly Ticket.
A Web Tool Found Me!
A Story from 2016–2024
Back in 2016, I built my first professional website — a portfolio on a Squarespace platform. I had already been working in web publishing for years, and I knew how to make a site visible. No problem! 8,000 visitors in the first three months, with just $50 in Facebook ads and a short clip featuring my music playing softly in the background.
The mistake? I wasn’t remotely ready for that level of attention. I wasn’t prepared to handle the communication, production, or mental clarity needed to spot the good opportunities, and avoid the bad ones.
Yes, the tool had found me and was promoting me more than I expected. I had to shut down that beautiful site and go virtually silent for a few months, just to get everything under control. Today, I’ve learned to only launch services that are ready, tested, and aligned with available capacity.
SEO That Works — By the Book
The tool? Google. I wasn’t wealthier or more influential than anyone else. I didn’t have a massive social media reputation or an outstanding ad campaign. I simply created a website and filled in all the technical SEO details.
I didn’t chase fake incentives, or use gimmicky blog networks to “boost” visibility. I didn’t blast press releases to a bunch of media outlets. I just built a clean, solid website of 10 pages total, 5 in French, 5 in English, each one properly structured and interlinked.
That simple site eventually evolved into this magazine and blog. Since January 2024, you’ve been reading The Monthly Ticket.
The e-Mag and website were launched gradually, and I plan to keep writing for a long time. And yes, everything is properly indexed.
Local SEO and Community Reach
One last word about local clients.
When we take our own habits into account, we realize how often our needs are met by businesses close to where we live or work. Choosing a gym, booking appointments, picking up lunch, it’s all shaped by our daily routines, family schedules, and traffic patterns.
Sure, supermarkets and online shopping dominate many aspects of our consumption. But it’s still crucial to save a place in our strategy for the locals, those who’ll walk an extra three blocks just to reach your storefront, because you might allow well-behaved dogs, for example.
Building a strong local presence is another great reason to use business listing tools on search engines. They really do help bring people to your website.
Enjoy your reading — and here’s to a productive month ahead.
Jeff
This editorial is part of the October 2024 edition of The Monthly Ticket.
My name is Jeff. I edit content for existing websites using CMSs, in addition to creating sites with WordPress and Squarespace. I've been producing website content as a webmaster since 1998.
I help businesses get their first website and improve the performance of existing sites.
Yes, I'm Mr. Analytics, and I respond quickly to new developments in digital marketing every day, providing my clients with optional tools and cutting-edge trends.
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