30 Dec 2021 Year Review
It’s hard to believe, that as I sit down and start writing this we are coming to the end of 2021.
For everybody, this year has had its ups and downs. With the Omicron variant of Covid causing havoc for many. It’s easy to get caught up in a moment of negativity.
Yet, when I look back on my 2021. It’s been an awesome year. Let me share why.
Furlough was a blessing in disguise
For many. Being put on furlough. With the uncertainty of career security and whether businesses that employ them will even survive, has been a rollercoaster ride.
At first, in early 2020 being furloughed from my part time employed role saw me on that same rollercoaster ride. I had just been on maternity leave in 2019 and only back in the office a few months before the pandemic kicked in. To come back to work and then be put on furlough. I had mixed emotions. I was grateful that I was being looked after during uncertain times. But equally still worried.
For many women returning to work after maternity it can be hard. It’s hard to pick back up where you left off. It’s hard to fit back in. Especially if you are returning on reduced hours.
After being put on furlough for the second time. I had the time and headspace to properly think about my future. The idea of starting my own freelance SEO business and whether doing my own thing had more certainty than employment.
Fast forward to the end of 2021. I no longer have a part-time employed role. I am now a fully-fledged freelance self-employed human. And I love it.
Putting on my big girl pants
It’s not been an easy journey. Putting on my big girl pants and deciding to pursue my own career has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I haven’t done it alone. I’ve had amazing support from the team at Unlocking Potential. I’ve been on an amazing journey with them through the breakthrough program. If anyone is thinking about starting their own business and lives in Cornwall. GET ON THIS PROGRAMME!! It’s fully funded and absolutely amazing. They have another cohort starting in January 2022. I can not recommend them enough and would say that every new business should take part in this programme.
Although I have worked in the SEO and PPC industry for well over 10 years. I’ve never run a business. I’ve never done public speaking, presenting, sales, pitches, networking or delivering training. This has all been new to me this year.
In May 2021. I held my first webinar training. This discussed the potential of using Facebook for charities and those within the voluntary sector. This was in partnership with Citizens Advice Rutland. It was a great first step into delivering my knowledge and sharing it with others. You can watch the Facebook Training here.
As spring turned into summer. I was super excited to be working with a couple of the biggest SEO agencies in the UK. This gave me the opportunity to feel like I was working within an agency again. With a team of lovely people to work with. I had the ability to pick their brains on SEO while working from home and feeling safe from any Covid threats. Having a toe in with an agency to bounce SEO thoughts and theories with was such a joy after being a solo SEO within an in-house role for so many years.
Personal Development
I’ve previously discussed the Women in Tech SEO group and how amazing and supportive this group is. This group opened even more doors as I was accepted on their mentorship programme. I was paired with the inspirational Izzy Wisniewska who runs her own agency Creatos Media. She gave me weekly 1 to 1 sessions. She covered how she started her business. How she deals with imposter syndrome. And, how she juggles all of this with a toddler in tow.
As autumn arrived, I started to pick up more clients. From one off projects setting up Google analytics & Google search console. To one off audits on both PPC and SEO accounts. Plus some exciting long term projects working together as part of a businesses extended digital marketing team.
Helping other businesses and clients aside. I’ve continued with my own personal development. Completing the INPD digital marketing and social media program. Not to mention also officially becoming Google partner certified.
As the year has continued to be kind to me. I’ve had the pleasure of delivering more SEO training as well as taken part in my first live YouTube webinar. I attended BrightonSEO in person in September and The Peaky Digital S’peaky Meetup in October.
I’ve had an extremely busy past few months and I’m really excited to see what I can achieve in 2022.
What’s in store for 2022?
I’ve got lots of exciting opportunities in the pipeline for the new year. I’m also really looking forward to big SEO events next year like Women In Tech SEO Fest, BrightonSEO and SearchLove London. To continue to stay at the forefront of the SEO world and continue to deliver the most up to date service to my clients.
As I look back on 2021. it’s been an emotional year of ups and downs for my little business. I’ve met some fabulous people and I cannot wait to meet even more next year.
I want to thank every single business that I have worked with this year. I’m looking forward to working with you again in the New Year as well as working with new faces and new businesses. I can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for Amanda White Digital.
Have a happy, successful and prosperous New Year.
Amanda
