For the next instalment of our Business in Focus series, we talk to Terry Simmonds, managing director of TJS Marketing Ltd. Find out how he turned a passion for SEO into a successful business and how timing is everything when it comes to getting in – and out – of an industry.
Terry was two decades into a career with a building company when he discovered a new hobby: SEO and website building. Armed only with a home PC, Terry taught himself the art of SEO and was soon taking great delight in “battling the Google gods”.
Terry never looked back. He now describes himself as “semi-retired SEO who made hay whilst the sun shone”.
The company runs numerous websites relating to SEO, marketing, advertising, lead generation and affiliate marketing. Sites include UK Small Business Directory, UKSBD, Podline, Sim64 SEO, V1 SEO, and SBVD.
“TJS Marketing provides a very localised SEO service to small businesses within a 10-mile radius of Shipston-on-Stour, as well as an online UK business directory that offers free business advertising and a range of upgrade options,” Terry explained.
Terry didn’t have a business plan at the start of his journey. He had realised the value of high Google rankings, drop shipping and affiliate marketing way ahead of the curve, and simply enjoyed helping businesses to achieve good search engine positions.
“There was no business plan at all, I was just playing and earning money before the business was formed,'' Terry explained.
In one week, he set up a limited company and opened a business account. The costs associated with launching the business were minimal.
“Very little funding was required. I bought a PC for personal use and started working on that. I drew no wages or dividends for the first three or four years as I was still working full-time. When I did give up work, there was a nice pot in the business to buy anything required,” Terry said.
To combat this, many of the business processes have been automated. This frees him up to experiment with new ideas and learn about the latest trends.
Another challenge Terry faces is managing client expectations. At the outset, he is clear that there can be no promises or guarantees, only a pledge to try his best.
“Always expect the bubble to burst, diversify and realise that it is just as important to know when to get out as when to get in,” he explained.
These days, he uses the forum as a social space and a place to share ideas with like-minded people. Terry also shares experience and advice from his own lengthy and successful career.
“I initially joined to ask a very simple business question when I was a lot more naïve. It was originally a place to form relationships, now it’s a place to just chill out more than anything else,” he said.
Find out more about TJS Marketing by following @UKSBD on the forum.
Terry was two decades into a career with a building company when he discovered a new hobby: SEO and website building. Armed only with a home PC, Terry taught himself the art of SEO and was soon taking great delight in “battling the Google gods”.
Starting up part-time
TJS Marketing Ltd was born in 2001. Terry initially worked on the business in his spare time while continuing his day job. But, as demand grew and his earning potential soared, he took the leap and quit to focus on the business.Terry never looked back. He now describes himself as “semi-retired SEO who made hay whilst the sun shone”.
The company runs numerous websites relating to SEO, marketing, advertising, lead generation and affiliate marketing. Sites include UK Small Business Directory, UKSBD, Podline, Sim64 SEO, V1 SEO, and SBVD.
“TJS Marketing provides a very localised SEO service to small businesses within a 10-mile radius of Shipston-on-Stour, as well as an online UK business directory that offers free business advertising and a range of upgrade options,” Terry explained.
Let passion guide the business
Enjoyment has always been the driving force behind TJS Marketing, which started as a passion project. More than 20 years later, Terry still treats SEO as a hobby and only works on projects that interest him.Terry didn’t have a business plan at the start of his journey. He had realised the value of high Google rankings, drop shipping and affiliate marketing way ahead of the curve, and simply enjoyed helping businesses to achieve good search engine positions.
“There was no business plan at all, I was just playing and earning money before the business was formed,'' Terry explained.
In one week, he set up a limited company and opened a business account. The costs associated with launching the business were minimal.
“Very little funding was required. I bought a PC for personal use and started working on that. I drew no wages or dividends for the first three or four years as I was still working full-time. When I did give up work, there was a nice pot in the business to buy anything required,” Terry said.
Business challenges
The biggest day-to-day challenges the business faces are keeping up-to-date with Google algorithm changes and finding the time to keep all sites updated.To combat this, many of the business processes have been automated. This frees him up to experiment with new ideas and learn about the latest trends.
Another challenge Terry faces is managing client expectations. At the outset, he is clear that there can be no promises or guarantees, only a pledge to try his best.
Always expect the bubble to burst
For Terry, it’s important that business owners make hay when the sun shines – but don’t fall into the trap of thinking the sun will shine forever. He advises business owners to diversify and know when it’s time to get out of an industry.“Always expect the bubble to burst, diversify and realise that it is just as important to know when to get out as when to get in,” he explained.
The value of being a trusted UKBF member
Terry (or @UKSBD as he’s known on the forum) is a well-established member of the UKBF community. In the early days, the forums were an important source of information and advice for Terry, as well as a place to form lasting partnerships.These days, he uses the forum as a social space and a place to share ideas with like-minded people. Terry also shares experience and advice from his own lengthy and successful career.
“I initially joined to ask a very simple business question when I was a lot more naïve. It was originally a place to form relationships, now it’s a place to just chill out more than anything else,” he said.
Find out more about TJS Marketing by following @UKSBD on the forum.
