Fifteen years ago, Chris and I embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of our careers and, hopefully, the futures of our clients. In 2009, we founded Eminent SEO with one clear mission:
To bring a higher standard of quality and ethics to digital marketing.
We envisioned a world where high-quality work, thoughtful strategy, and ethical marketing could elevate brands, create lasting impact, and deliver real, measurable results.
But the journey didn’t start there. Chris and I first crossed paths in 2005 at another agency, where we had the opportunity to work on some of the biggest websites in the world. During those formative years, we saw firsthand the value of strong digital strategies, but we also noticed gaps—gaps in quality, in client communication, and in the overall integrity of the work being done. That’s when we decided it was time to do things differently. And so, Eminent SEO was born.
Our journey has been full of challenges, growth, and learning, and through it all, we’ve stayed true to our commitment to delivering high-quality work, long-term results, and genuine partnerships.
5 Lessons We’ve Learned as Business Owners
Running a successful business for over 15 years has been a journey of constant learning, adaptation, and growth. Along the way, we’ve encountered countless challenges, but each one has taught us something valuable. From building strong relationships to staying flexible in an ever-changing industry, here are five key lessons that have shaped how we approach business and have guided Eminent SEO to where we are today.
1. Adaptability is Key
The digital marketing industry never stands still, and neither can we. From Google algorithm updates to the rise of AI and automation, we’ve seen countless shifts that required us to pivot quickly. Our success has come from always being ready to adjust when necessary—whether that means testing new tools, refining our strategies, or even overhauling an entire campaign to better meet the needs of our clients.
But it’s not just about keeping up with trends—it’s about staying ahead. We’re constantly learning, experimenting, and adapting to ensure that our clients stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape. The businesses that fail to adapt often get left behind, but those who are willing to evolve, like our clients, thrive in the long run.
2. Invest in Relationships, Not Just Transactions
We’ve learned that building long-term, trusting relationships with clients is more valuable than one-off projects. Over the years, we’ve seen the biggest growth with clients who view us as strategic partners rather than just service providers. These relationships allow us to collaborate more deeply, tailor strategies more effectively, and drive better results over time.
Some of our longest-standing clients started with small projects but, through mutual trust and consistent results, those partnerships grew into multi-year collaborations. By focusing on the relationship—not just the task—we’ve helped these clients achieve long-term growth and built a sense of loyalty that has kept us working together for years.
3. Surround Yourself with the Right Team
You can’t build something great alone. From day one, Chris and I understood that to achieve our vision, we needed to surround ourselves with talented, passionate people who share our values and commitment to quality. Over the years, we’ve built a team that isn’t just skilled but aligned with our core mission.
Each team member brings unique skills and perspectives, allowing us to tackle a variety of challenges, from complex SEO projects to innovative website designs. We’ve learned that hiring for culture fit is just as important as hiring for technical skill because a unified team works better together, especially when delivering high-stakes projects.
4. Balance the Big Picture with the Details
As business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks—especially when juggling multiple client projects, team management, and the ongoing evolution of digital marketing. But one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of keeping the bigger picture in focus.
Our vision for the future, long-term goals, and staying in tune with industry trends have been the driving forces behind our steady growth. It’s the balance between ensuring that each detail is perfect and making sure it aligns with our larger vision that has allowed us to consistently deliver high-quality work without losing sight of where we’re headed.
5. Commitment to Quality Will Always Pay Off
We’ve never chased shortcuts or trendy tactics. Instead, we’ve focused on doing things the right way from the start, even when it takes more time or effort. This commitment to quality has been one of the key reasons for our success, and we’ve seen firsthand how it leads to long-term growth, loyal clients, and lasting success.
Over the years, we’ve seen businesses come and go—many of them failed because they focused on short-term wins rather than building a sustainable foundation. Our clients, on the other hand, have succeeded because they, like us, understood that investing in quality work is what creates the real ROI. Whether it’s through technical SEO, beautifully designed websites, or well-crafted content, we’ve seen time and again that quality always wins in the end.
5 Lessons We’ve Learned as SEOs
In the world of SEO, one thing is constant: change. Over the years, we’ve seen search engines evolve, algorithms shift, and new technologies emerge. Through it all, our focus has remained the same—delivering high-quality, user-centered content and strategies that stand the test of time. Here are five key lessons we’ve learned as SEO experts, lessons that have helped us navigate an ever-changing landscape and deliver lasting results for our clients.
1. Market to Users First, Google Second
The key to effective SEO has always been about putting the user experience at the forefront. While many have tried to outsmart search engines by focusing purely on keywords and algorithms, we’ve always focused on delivering value to the audience. Google’s ultimate goal is to rank the content that best answers a searcher’s query, so when we design our SEO strategies, we focus on creating the kind of content that users actually want and need. When you prioritize users, the rankings follow.
2. Quality Always Wins
Over the years, we’ve watched countless algorithm changes come and go, but the one constant is this: quality always wins. Whether it’s the content on your site or the user experience you provide, SEO success is rooted in delivering high-quality, relevant content that meets the needs of your audience. We’ve seen businesses chase quick wins, but those that focus on building a strong foundation of valuable content and ethical SEO are the ones that last.
3. Google’s Algorithms Change, But the Fundamentals Don’t
SEO is often seen as a fast-paced, unpredictable world where algorithms can change on a whim, but the fundamentals of good SEO have always remained the same. Google’s algorithms may get more sophisticated, but they continue to reward websites that offer relevance, authority, and trustworthiness. By focusing on building these pillars, we’ve helped clients weather the ups and downs of algorithm updates, ensuring that their websites remain resilient.
4. SEO is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Many businesses expect SEO to deliver immediate results, but the truth is, it’s a long-term strategy. We’ve seen the companies that chase quick wins eventually lose out because they’re not thinking about sustainability. Real SEO success comes from consistent effort—ongoing content creation, technical optimization, and backlink building—over months and years. The clients who have trusted the process and stayed committed to long-term growth are the ones who are winning today.
5. Technical SEO is Non-Negotiable
While content is critical, we’ve learned that technical SEO is just as important for success. Proper site structure, fast loading speeds, mobile optimization, and accurate indexing are the foundation of every successful SEO strategy. Without addressing these technical aspects, even the best content can struggle to perform. By prioritizing the technical health of our clients’ websites, we ensure they’re not just visible but also competitive.
5 Lessons We’ve Learned About Longevity in Business
Building a business that thrives for over 15 years takes more than just talent—it requires adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to long-term thinking. We’ve seen companies come and go, and through it all, we’ve stayed focused on growth that lasts. Here are five key lessons we’ve learned about what it takes to build a business that stands the test of time.
1. Think Long-Term
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that longevity requires patience. Many businesses focus on achieving quick wins, but we’ve always known that true success comes from thinking long-term. Whether it’s a marketing strategy, client relationships, or company growth, we make decisions based on sustained impact, not just immediate results. The businesses that chase short-term gains are often the first to fall, but those that invest in long-term growth, like our clients, are the ones still thriving today.
2. Stay Ahead of the Curve
The digital marketing industry is always evolving, and staying stagnant is not an option if you want your business to last. We’ve made it a priority to stay ahead of the curve—whether it’s adopting new technologies, understanding emerging trends, or refining our approach to SEO. Being proactive rather than reactive has allowed us to future-proof our business and keep our clients ahead of their competition.
3. Resilience is Essential
Running a business isn’t easy, and we’ve had our share of challenges over the years—economic downturns, algorithm updates, client shifts. But resilience is what has kept us moving forward. Every obstacle is an opportunity to adapt, learn, and grow. Staying resilient in the face of uncertainty has allowed us to keep pushing, even when times are tough, and to come out stronger on the other side.
4. Continual Improvement is the Key to Longevity
Complacency is the enemy of growth. We’ve learned that to stay relevant and successful, we have to be committed to continual improvement. Whether it’s enhancing our processes, refining our services, or investing in our team, we believe that ongoing evolution is essential to long-term success. That’s why we’re always looking for ways to be better—to deliver more for our clients and to stay at the forefront of our industry.
5. The Clients Who Invest in Their Future Succeed
We’ve seen a clear pattern over the years: the clients who invest in long-term strategies are the ones who achieve the most sustained success. Those who understand the value of building a strong foundation—whether it’s in their SEO, content, or marketing approach—are the ones who continue to grow, year after year. By helping our clients see the bigger picture and commit to their future, we’ve built lasting partnerships that continue to thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Eminent SEO
As we reflect on the past 15 years, one thing is clear: we’re just getting started!
The digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, and we’re more excited than ever about the future. Emerging technologies, like AI and automation, are changing how businesses engage with their customers, and we plan to continue leading the way in helping our clients navigate this new frontier.
Our vision for the future is simple: keep building, keep innovating, and keep delivering results that matter. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, continuing to invest in our team and tools, and helping businesses—both big and small—achieve sustainable growth.
The next chapter for Eminent SEO will be one of innovation, collaboration, and expansion. We plan to deepen our expertise in key industries, explore new opportunities for growth, and continue creating strategies that not only work today but also stand the test of time.
At the end of the day, our mission remains the same as it was 15 years ago: helping businesses thrive online with integrity, quality, and long-term results.
Thank you for being part of our journey, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Eminent SEO and the incredible clients we serve.
Jenny
