Embarking on a journey into the vast digital universe was never in my plans. As a 48-year-old mom of two with no prior IT experience, I found myself at a crossroads after my layoff in February 2023.
Join me as I navigated the complexities of WordPress Web Design and the intricacies of digital marketing, transforming my career and, more importantly, my self-belief.
To my surprise, my YouTube video on Blink by Malcolm Gladwell attracted 73 views from strangers in just 10 days of posting, and my Medium account grew to 46 followers since October 10th, 2023. This growth, surprisingly, came with minimal promotion on my part.
This success led me to ponder: How could I apply these insights to my public notary business? I challenged myself and this was what I learned.
After my layoff in February 2023, I realized having multiple backup income streams would keep my family secure. Navigating through this time of uncertainty, I wanted to find stability in different ways to earn income.
Obtaining my public notary license proved to be a successful step. The first day I posted Lee’s OC Notary on Google Business Profile, I got a call from my first client. It was an incredible feeling! I will forever remember this family, and I hope they will use me for all their notarial needs from here on out. At least that was the impression I hoped I left with them.
If I can get one client, I know I can get my next one, and my next 100. It is a matter of getting more visibility for my business. Excited by this newfound success, I turned my attention to a strong digital presence.
I discovered this personal evolution does mirror broader workforce trends. According to Statista Research Department, experts estimate that by 2027, freelancers will comprise 50.9% of the U.S. workforce. While the rise of freelancing is evident, I have seen a shift in the mortgage industry towards a digital media presence as well.
Don’t get me wrong, if you have read any of my prior articles you know I love mortgage underwriting and anything residential real estate related. I have been a mortgage underwriter for the past 23 years, in fact, I am still actively looking for a job in the mortgage industry. But when you apply for a job and there are over 100 other applicants for that one spot, well, it is quite daunting.
I came across an analogy: the Internet is like the real estate market. In real estate you purchase a plot of land, hire an architect/construction company to build your house, and then pay maintenance fees to maintain your home. For the Internet, you need to purchase a domain name which is your URL (your address) on the Internet, then you need to hire a web designer/developer to build your website (your house), and you need to pay a monthly fee to a hosting company to maintain the site (let’s call it HOA/taxes/Insurance fees). While it may be oversimplifying this complex topic in both real estate and website design, it was encouraging enough to start.
After researching various hosting companies, I chose one (Bluehost) that seemed user-friendly for beginners; however, there are many reputable options available, and I recommend you find one that aligns with your specific needs.
I found Bluehost’s integrated domain feature, and their robust customer support help desk made sense to me. When I first signed into Bluehost, I felt overwhelmed, but here’s how I navigated it. There are a couple of screenshots from my Bluehost webpage below. The simplicity of the website made it easier for me to understand my next steps.
First, you will want to choose a domain name and then purchase it. The day I bought my first domain name ( www.phuonglee.com), I felt like I claimed a little piece of the Internet for myself.
Now starts the challenge of building your website. By taking it one step at a time, I assure you, you will get there.
I found so much information to help me along the way.
- There are many YouTube Videos to help you get started.
- Coursera.org is an online learning platform. I was able to find a free course on how to build a website using WordPress.
- What also worked for me was paying for a subscription through Bluehost Live Pro where I could speak to a customer service agent. In the beginning, I was calling them on a regular basis. The questions became less frequent when I ventured onto building my next website.
- The library was another resource. There are so many books. And it’s free!
- Venturing into the digital world, I quickly learned that creating a website was just the beginning. The real magic lies in making it visible to others. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play. When I launched my first website ( www.phuonglee.com), I realized it was not enough. “Build it and they will come,” is not true here. I am competing in an ocean of online content. My aim? To be among the top 5 companies that pop up when potential clients search, “Notary Near Me”. One resource that became my compass was the book: SEO 2024 by Adam Clarke. Adam Clarke offers a clear step-by-step approach suitable for any business.
- I signed up for ChatGPT 4.0. It is truly my virtual personal assistant. It has been another vital key in helping me build my websites.
Reflecting on where I started, I realize that I’ve achieved more than I could have initially imagined.
Conclusion
From learning SEO to building websites, it has been a journey of learning, and at the core of it, it’s never too late to embrace the hustle culture and create new opportunities. Starting a YouTube Channel or writing articles was not something I planned but it happened along the way.
Since I started, I have finished building 3 websites and am now in the process of building the 4th one for my sister.
I joined the hustle culture, and I am a bit hooked. So can you. It is within your reach if you so choose. Just move towards it and you will get better, little by little. I encourage you to explore and find what works for you. Don’t let the naysayer tell you otherwise.