We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophie Kessner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophie below.
Sophie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you manage your own social media?
In the early years of our career from 2015-2019, we ran our own social media accounts and grew our business purely through Instagram and Facebook organic content. But as 2020 rolled around, we were forced to make massive pivots in the way we marketed our business online and ended up moving completely off of platforms like Instagram and Facebook and finding different ways to market that were far less time intensive.
By happen stance, we rolled into SEO Marketing via blogging through our website and started to learn best practices for creating content that ranks on search engines like Google as well as better understanding the incredible value that SEO marketing offers for compounded long term growth and rewards.
We found that blogs we had written 2-3 years prior were continuing to drive traffic to our sites every month for and GROWING in numbers month after month, year after year. We got even more curious about how we could double down on this approach and turn it into the core strategy for how we marketed online.
Today, both myself and previous business partners do not use social media marketing to promote or run or business and instead, have built our entire marketing process around SEO marketing via Google, Blogging, Pinterest and YouTube.
It’s a quieter, less flashy and less busy approach, but one we’re so glad we made.
I share about this often with business owners feeling frustrated with the lack of growth, reach, engagement or even predictability from platforms like Meta and Instagram as a way of helping them see what else is possible.
You do not have to be a personal brand constantly posting on social media to build a healthy and profitable business, you just need to know how to market to people who want to find you on search engines like Google.
The best time to start, is now.
Sophie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Sophie Kessner, an SEO Coach, SaaS Agency Owner, and Trauma Practitioner. My professional path is somewhat unconventional but deeply fulfilling. It’s been a blend of technology, personal development, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact. My goal? To empower every health coaching business, e-commerce, or brick-and-mortar establishment to thrive without being tethered to social media.
My journey didn’t start with a deep knowledge of SEO. Initially, I grew my business to $100k+ solely through social media. However, I soon discovered the limitations of this approach—it felt like running endlessly on a social media hamster wheel. This realization led me to explore Search Engine Optimization (SEO) intensively. Over four years, I dedicated myself to mastering SEO strategies while also completing a 3-year program in trauma resolution and building out the backend of my SaaS agency. This diverse expertise has culminated in creating The Online Business Automator (OBA), a flagship digital product designed to enhance online visibility and operational efficiency for businesses looking to grow without the constant pressure of social media.
What sets me apart in the crowded SEO space is not just my technical knowledge or business acumen. My distinct edge lies in my holistic approach—integrating trauma-informed practices and a deep understanding of personal development into the very fabric of my work. Having navigated the personal challenges of being first-generation Mexican-American and overcoming significant personal hurdles, including a binge eating disorder and body dysmorphia, has imbued me with resilience and a profound empathy for others’ journeys.
My values are at the heart of everything I do. These aren’t just words on a page; they’re the principles that guide my actions and decisions both personally and professionally. I believe in building a business that not only delivers amazing results for clients but does so in a way that’s equitable, accessible, and respects the varied experiences people bring to the table. My dedication to anti-racism and intersectionality isn’t peripheral—it’s central to how I operate, ensuring that my services are inclusive and supportive of diverse communities.
I am immensely proud of the impact my work has had—not just in driving sales or enhancing online visibility for my clients, but in changing their relationship with their businesses. It’s about moving away from unsustainable marketing strategies and towards practices that honor their well-being and values. For those considering working with me or following my work, know that you’re not just investing in SEO or business growth. You’re engaging with someone who sees the bigger picture, who understands that success is multidimensional, and who will champion you every step of the way.
For a deeper insight into my story, my values, and how these influence my work, I warmly invite you to visit [my about page](https://sophiekessner.com/about/) and explore [my intersectional business practices](https://sophiekessner.com/intersectional-business-practices/). Together, we can redefine what it means to succeed in business, fostering growth that is not only profitable but profoundly purposeful and inclusive.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Certainly, reflecting on my experiences and the insights shared in my writings, there’s a pivotal moment that starkly encapsulates my resilience in business and the profound transformation I underwent to overcome it.
In 2020, amidst the global and personal upheavals, I found myself deeply entwined in the coaching industry’s dynamics, where high-ticket pricing and rapid scaling were often the badges of success. It was a time of significant growth, but also of growing discomfort. I had built my business to a commendable scale through social media, yet I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the path I was on was unsustainable and misaligned with my deeper values. This period was marked by a relentless pursuit of higher revenue goals, constant marketing, and the pressure to invest more to “be in integrity to charge more.” However, the cost was not just financial; it was a toll on my well-being, my health, and my sense of self.
The turning point came when I began to question the very foundations of what I had been taught and what I was teaching others. The realization hit hard that the model I was part of and promoting was not in alignment with my core beliefs, particularly around inclusivity, equity, and sustainability. It dawned on me that the practices I had adopted were contributing to a system I fundamentally disagreed with. This period of introspection was challenging; it involved confronting uncomfortable truths about the industry, my role within it, and the impact of these on my clients and community.
Braving through this storm involved a profound process of unlearning and relearning. I took nearly eight months off from marketing or selling anything, letting go of clients, programs, and offers that no longer resonated with me. This wasn’t just about business restructuring; it was about redefining who I was as a business owner, mentor, and individual. It required dismantling deeply ingrained beliefs and practices, and courageously building from a place of authenticity and integrity.
This process was not a solitary endeavor. I sought out communities and mentors who shared my values, those who understood that success wasn’t merely financial but was fundamentally about impact, sustainability, and aligning with one’s truth. This network, along with deep personal work, helped guide my rebuilding process.
Today, I stand firm in running a business that is not only successful but does so on terms that resonate with my core values. My agency, The Online Business Automator, and my SaaS business are embodiments of this transformation. They represent a commitment to sustainable scaling, equity-centered practices, and trauma-informed principles. This story of resilience is not just about overcoming a business challenge; it’s about a radical realignment with my values and the courageous steps taken to live and work authentically.
This experience has imbued me with a resilience that goes beyond business. It has taught me the power of introspection, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of leading with integrity. It’s a testament to the fact that true success encompasses well-being, alignment, and the courage to forge a path that honors one’s deepest truths.
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
Drawing inspiration from my own experiences and reflecting on the situations outlined in my writings, there’s a particular story that vividly encapsulates the essence of taking risks in marketing and achieving success against all odds. This story, deeply personal and profoundly impactful, involves navigating the murky waters of the coaching industry, where I encountered manipulative practices and the daunting challenge of rebuilding my brand’s trust and integrity.
The backdrop of this story is set in a period when I was striving to expand my coaching business, eager to make a positive impact and genuinely help others grow. However, I found myself entangled in an industry segment rife with dubious promises and high-pressure sales tactics. It was a challenging time, marked by a pervasive sense of disillusionment as I witnessed firsthand the predatory practices that preyed on vulnerability and ambition. The realization hit me hard – I was part of an ecosystem that didn’t align with my core values or the ethical standards I held dear.
Feeling both disheartened and determined, I made the bold decision to pivot my marketing strategy entirely. It was a risk that felt akin to walking a tightrope without a safety net. I chose to distance myself from the prevailing norms of aggressive sales pitches and instead, focus on transparency, authenticity, and genuine connections. This approach was unconventional and, to many, seemed counterintuitive in a landscape dominated by flashy success stories and high-ticket offers.
I began sharing my insights, experiences, and the lessons learned from navigating these challenges through my blog and social media channels and moved away from the traditional lifestyle marketing I had previously been steeped in. It was a form of catharsis but also a deliberate effort to shed light on the less-discussed aspects of the industry. This transparency was risky; it exposed my vulnerabilities and opened me up to criticism. Yet, it resonated deeply with my audience, who were yearning for honesty and relatability in a sea of curated perfection.
The response was overwhelming and heartening. Messages poured in from individuals who had faced similar struggles, expressing gratitude for bringing these issues to light and offering support for my stand against unethical practices. This outpouring of support galvanized me, transforming my initial apprehension into a profound sense of purpose and connection.
This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point, not just in my marketing strategy, but in how I viewed success and engagement. By choosing authenticity over allure and integrity over immediacy, I was able to rebuild trust with my audience and lay the foundation for a brand that stood for something greater than profits. It was an affirmation that ethical marketing is not only possible but can be profoundly effective in forging meaningful relationships and fostering genuine growth.
Looking back on this experience, the emotions are still palpable – the initial trepidation, the resolve to take a stand, and the gratifying realization that honesty and transparency can triumph. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we dare to defy the norm, stay true to our values, and lead with authenticity. It’s a testament to the fact that even in the face of daunting odds, ethically grounded marketing can pave the way for lasting success and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sophiekessner.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sassandseo
- Other: https://onlinebusinessautomator.com