Wow! Where have the last 12 months gone? It’s hard to believe that it was exactly 1 year ago that Grand Cru Digital was born.
If you’re familiar with my story, then you’ll know that owning my own business was never what I aspired to do.
I was ‘encouraged’ down this path due to family circumstances and not wanting to give up my passion for what I do. There are not many SEO & Google Ads opportunities here in country Victoria 😉
I’m not going to lie, there have been some trying times in the last year. For instance, testing out 3 different accounting systems because I just couldn’t ‘get it’. Thank goodness for Elite Bookkeeping!
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However, you know what, I wouldn’t change owning and operating my own business for the world. And here’s why:
Finding clients who click with GCD
My clients are what make my business. They make it enjoyable and successful. Alongside, driving Grand Cru Digital to be better & better.
I am so lucky, as the 12 months I have been in business, I have attracted so many like-minded businesses to work with.
I’ve recently had to turn down numerous people who have approached me about becoming a client. I’ve done this because I’ve reached the point where I’ve got a really happy balance of clients. Therefore instead of taking on anything more at the moment, I want to focus on giving my current clients the best service possible.
While it’s hard to do, I must keep my current clients at the centre of all my business decisions.
When I started Grand Cru Digital, I was determined to work with businesses who are genuine, treat their customers as #1 and who respect my knowledge and skills so I can add the most value as possible to their business.
I have worked with both clients on a one-off basis (who simply needed a starting block to do their own SEO) and on an ongoing basis. In fact, I have worked with 24 amazing businesses over the last 12 months. All of which are as passionate about what they do as I am.
My clients inspire and motivate me to offer an unforgettable service to them. So a big thank you, you know who you are!
From one business owner to another
While working in an SEO agency, I, of course, valued my clients very highly. However, it wasn’t until I started Grand Cru Digital that I really felt I could relate on a business owner level.
To have empathy when sales/leads are lower than normal, to understand about being pushed for time because a business owner wears so many hats and to be aware that your business’s success is what you make it.
I think all business owners know that there are pros and cons of being your own boss. Whether your sole-charge, like myself or you, have staff, there are challenges and a ton of learning curves along the way.
Therefore, what I am getting at here is, the amount I have grown personally and professionally in the last year is immense. Like all life events and experiences, I try to learn the utmost from them so I can better myself and my business.
The more I can do that, the more value I can offer my clients.
The challenges of different websites
One of the things, which really keeps me on my toes is the fact that every business and every website is unique. No two SEO or Google Ads projects are ever completely the same. From different industries to differing business goals to completely different CMS’s (content management systems). I am always challenged!
In fact, over the last 12 months, I have implemented SEO and or Google Ads for the following CMS types:
- WordPress
- Squarespace (check out my Squarespace SEO guide)
- Plexus2
- Drupal
- Volusion
- SilverStripe
- Shopify
- Synergy8
And that’s just been in the last 12 months. I began working in the online marketing industry 7 years ago – so you can imagine how long the full list is!
Generally most CMS’s work in a similar way, therefore it doesn’t take me long to get up to speed with a new one. In fact, I love it when someone approaches me with a different CMS. ‘Never stop learning’ right?
Becoming a national business!
Grand Cru Digital is a national business! That’s right, I work with business all over Australia and I also gave some advice to an American business in the last 12 months too.
My clients can be found in:
- Perth
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Tasmania
- Brisbane
As well as some regional areas, like here in Gippsland, Victoria. The beauty of what I do, means, as long as I have a computer and internet, I can get things done.
Google Ads Partner
If you’re not already aware, Google has a partner program for agencies and freelancers who manage Google Ads accounts. In February I was very excited to find out that Grand Cru Digital received its partner badge!
Here’s to the next year and many more to come
Nothing in business or life is guaranteed. However by surrounding myself with supportive and positive people, Grand Cru Digital is going to be the best it can be.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my clients – you guys seriously rock (if you haven’t already picked up on that from the above!). Thank you to all the people and businesses who have offered support, referred people to me and even just read a blog post or given me a like on social media. Every little bit counts in my eyes. I’ll always be grateful.
Of course, I cannot forget my family and friends. Those who have proofread content for me, who have given me sound business advice and who have just been there. My husband, Morgan, who we hope to transition to the business in the next couple of years has been the best silent business partner I could have hoped for. Right from the beginning, before we had even named the business, he has had no hesitation or doubts that Grand Cru Digital would be a success.
Okay, tears in my eyes now! Let’s wrap this up and crack the Champagne!
