Google, Websites, SEO, and Inside919

I joined Inside919 in late November, but did not become active in the group until January. I have posted articles, gone to networking meetings and learned a few things along the way. One of the first groups I found on Inside919 was a business networking group called Raleigh Business Connections. I checked them out and noticed they badly needed a better website. I thought it would be a good opportunity for me – perhaps they will let me make their website for them? I really wanted to make their website, partly because I wanted more experience making websites and partly because I knew I could make a great website for them that would bring in new members. So, I joined and they agreed to let me make their website. Cool!

It took me about a week to put the website together and after a few tweeks post-launch, I really liked how it looked. After researching other business networking websites, I felt this one was more professional in appearance than almost all others (most business networking group websites are really shabby!) Around this time, I spoke with Pat Howlett, Martin Brossman, and took a SEO class taught by Bob Walton – one of the Inside919 SEO guru’s. I had also been working with Eric Erikson (also an Inside919 member) with Lizardwebs Computer Services. Each of these people spoke with me and gave me tips, advice, and outright instruction regarding SEO. So, I decided to apply everything I learned (and retained) about SEO to the website I made for the networking group.

I launched the website on February 22, 2012, which is just over three weeks from today and I have kept an eye on the search engine ranking in Google. When I launched it, the website the group previously had did not even rank on Google (it ranked below page 20). Two weeks ago, the website I made for them was on page 8. Last week, it was on page 2. This week it is on page 1! It is currently number 7, after the ads at the top, for “business networking groups in Raleigh” and “Raleigh business networking group.” (Inside919 is #1 – no surprise there).

It’s funny. Last fall I looked at a Wordpressfor Dummies book and shelved it because it was over my head (that was the first time I was too dumb for a Dummies book!). Now, I am popping out great looking Wordpress websites that rank high on Google search engine results. And, most importantly, having a lot of fun doing it! It is just so much fun to make websites for businesses that portray them as leaders in their field! I love helping people in this way!

Here's the link to our Inside919 page. It's a great group, so come check us out!

Thanks again to Pat Howlett (especially for launching Inside919 in the first place), Martin Brossman, Eric Eriskson with Lizardwebs Computer Services and Bob Walton! Also a BIG thank you to Colleen Gray with ColleensREVA!

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Comment by Gaynor Fries, 919 Director on March 15, 2012 at 10:45am: Great share, Greg. The thing I find about Inside919 is how willing everyone is to share their knowledge and encourage everyone else to greatness.

Comment by Greg Borchardt - Web Designer on March 15, 2012 at 11:47am: @Gaynor - yes, this really is an awesome group - and it appears to me that it all started with Pat - he seems to have set the tone for this group.

Comment by Gaynor Fries, 919 Director on March 15, 2012 at 11:55am: Agreed. He's not so bad ;-)

Comment by Michelle Gower-WordPress Mentor on March 15, 2012 at 1:35pm: I hate that you shelved the book Greg, but on the other hand, as a WordPress teacher, I know that 'you'll come to it when you are ready to learn it.' The most important part of your post is the word FUN. Glad that you are in a new place with WordPress!!! :)

Comment by Greg Borchardt - Web Designer on March 15, 2012 at 1:40pm: @Michelle Gower - It's funny you say that Michelle. I just pulled that book out last weekend and enjoyed reading it because I understood what I was reading! Most of my learning came from (and still comes from) trial and error - and asking Google for help (how do I..?).

Comment by Pat Howlett on March 15, 2012 at 4:08pm: Very timely post with some new things coming to Inside919 (and appreciated :) the thing I really like about you Greg is that you go about learning... and then you Take Action and are okay with working and stumbling towards for success.

You seek out help, then apply it and now you're helping others - that's the Business "Circle of Life".

It's never the book - tons of people read books and take courses that can make a real difference in their life/business - it's the "Taking Action" part that makes the difference and being comfortable at not knowing it all and still taking action.

Thanks!!

PS. Gower is a WP Muscle Head - if she posts something check it out :)

Comment by Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant on March 15, 2012 at 4:11pm: FABULOUS post Greg!! Yes, 919 is a great platform and there are amazing folks on here. I concur...love this post!! Awesome! Keep up the great work!

Comment by Greg Borchardt - Web Designer on March 16, 2012 at 10:12am: @Pat - thanks Pat. I have to say that the "fun" part of creating websites is what keep me going - that has made all the difference for me with regards to stumbling along the way. I simply like what I do. I also really like the reactions my clients have to the websites I create for them. It's fun to see the look on their faces and hear their reactions! And now, I like seeing a high Google ranking - that's fun too!

Comment by Greg Borchardt - Web Designer on March 16, 2012 at 10:14am: @Angel - thanks Angel - I'm looking forward to meeting you someday. Martin and Colleen have mentioned your name a few times :)

Comment by Bob Walton on June 25, 2012 at 8:40pm: Greg, I found this article on Pat's "InzineArticles" site. How cool! Thanks for the compliments and look forward to future collaborations. Bob