We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Raulf a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
Google’s June 30, 2021, core algorithm update hit our website like a ton of bricks! As a search engine optimization agency that helps its customers climb the rankings in Google and other search engines, we do as we say. Our SEO agency exclusively focuses on inbound lead generation strategies. In other words: New customers find us on Google through organic, non-paid searches.
We were so focused on our customers that we should have paid more attention to our website’s SEO. We went from being inundated with leads to having them dry up completely. Our website lost 80% of its organic search traffic overnight. It was initially devastating, but in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise.
The wake-up call prompted us to re-evaluate our SEO strategy. Shortly after getting hit by this Google algorithm update, we devised a new proprietary methodology called Micro-SEO Strategies℠. This approach was a game-changer and yielded almost immediate results for us. We launched two Micro-SEO Strategy℠ pages in the first three months after getting hit by this update. Within three to four weeks of launching these pages, they became our top-performing pages on our site, outpacing even our home page!
Because of what happened to us, we now do SEO differently than most agencies. We now offer hyper-focused SEO services that usually produce impressive results within three to four months. Our new SEO methodology is so effective we can outrank massive websites such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey into the world of search engine optimization (SEO) began in the late 90s when Yahoo! Search and AltaVista ruled the digital realm, and Google was just a fledgling startup.
At the time, I was working for a financial corporation in Zurich, Switzerland, creating content for their German-language website. However, the US-based web design team would hard-code the German pages and publish them as images, making them invisible to search engine crawlers. This was my lightbulb moment.
I realized that the internet was a global gateway, and every business would eventually need a website. And for a website to appear at the top of search engines, the site would have to be properly optimized for online searches. I knew I had found my calling and was determined to help businesses reach the top of search engines.
In the early 2000s, I returned to the United States and founded Boulder SEO Marketing in 2009. I was done with corporate America and ready to be my own boss. And thanks to my SEO expertise and a bit of good fortune, the company turned a profit just four months in.
Since then, it’s been exhilarating, helping businesses worldwide get the visibility they need to succeed in today’s digital age. Every day brings a new challenge, and I love every minute. The internet may have evolved since the late 90s, but my passion for SEO remains stronger than ever.
At Boulder SEO Marketing, we believe that more than one-size-fits-all approaches to SEO are needed. That’s why we offer hyper-focused SEO solutions tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
Our team of experienced professionals specializes in various services, including search engine optimization, content marketing, graphic design, web design, and social media. These services are part of our proprietary search engine optimization methodology, Micro-SEO Strategies℠.
We understand that each of these areas plays a crucial role in creating a successful online presence, and we work closely with our clients to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses all of their needs.
Ultimately, our hyper-focused approach to SEO helps businesses improve their search engine rankings, increase their website traffic, and generate more leads and conversions.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Although we recently experienced a devastating loss in the Marshall Fire on December 30, 2021, I emerged from the experience as a more decisive business leader.
My stepdaughter Keeley and I narrowly escaped a raging inferno, with only minutes to gather our two beloved cats and evacuate our home. Sadly, we lost everything we owned in the blaze, but the most important thing was that we were able to save our pets’ lives.
While losing our possessions was undoubtedly challenging to accept, this experience reminded me of the profound value of human connections.
Losing our home in the fire was undoubtedly challenging, but it also taught me to appreciate the incredible support system I have in my wife, children, family, and friends. Through this experience, I became a stronger business leader, with a deeper understanding of prioritizing relationships and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I love the book “It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the founders of Basecamp, a well-known project management software company.
The book challenges the notion that work has to be hectic and stressful to be productive and instead advocates for a calm and sustainable work environment.
The authors share their experiences running Basecamp and how they have implemented shorter workweeks, no mandatory meetings, and no strict deadlines to create a more relaxed and focused work culture. They also discuss the harmful effects of overworking and how it can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
One of the reasons I admire this book is that it presents a refreshing and counterintuitive approach to work that is different from the traditional “hustle” mentality. It provides practical advice and examples for creating a more productive and fulfilling work environment and encourages a healthier work-life balance. Overall, “It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work” is compelling for business leaders looking to improve their company’s work culture and achieve more sustainable success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boulderseomarketing.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoulderSEOMarketing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seo-consulting-and-training/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/swisschris
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bsmseo
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boulder-seo-marketing-boulder
- Other: Subscribe to Chris’ e-newsletter on LinkedIn, and receive weekly SEO tips: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/seo-6879929063943802880/