Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zoe Ashbridge, Co-Founder of Forank, located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with my best friend and co-founder, Leigh Buttrey. We are Search Engine Marketers. Leigh works on PPC, and I manage SEO strategies for clients. Our clients range from B2C eCommerce clients to B2B businesses and editorial publications. There’s never a dull day!
Tell us about yourself
I started my business out of curiosity; I wanted to see if I could work remotely. At the time, it felt like a dream, something that wasn’t available to me. Looking back now, that is so nonsensical. Within 12 weeks of trying to freelance, I was earning enough that I could go full-time. Within two years, I co-founded forank, and since I’ve been working on global client accounts.
What motivates me is actually people more than the job/tasks themselves. I do love the doing, and I love SEO, but mostly I like putting my mind to good work, thinking creatively, and coming up with a strategy that moves the needle for businesses. I like to do ‘soulful SEO,’ and by this, I mean creating content with love! I like thinking properly about the end user or reader and providing the best possible experience for them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working with clients like HubSpot and Search Engine Land. Also, growing my personal brand on LinkedIn and meeting some really special people!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Probably how much more difficult it is to put the laptop down! I do love work, but as a business owner, the buck stops with me. I have a really high standard, and I’ll always work hard to make sure it’s achieved.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start this is so obvious, but people rarely just start. I started with a freelance profile on Upwork, and I’d encourage others to do the same.
- Build a personal brand on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. Share knowledge and expertise.
- Know your worth, believe that you can do this, and remember to charge the rates you believe. I started on low rates, and I do advocate for that, but when the time is right, you must put your rates up.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.forank.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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