Search Engine Optimization

Jade Pruett originally launched her company, HelloSEO, to bring in some extra income. But as she grew in the SEO space, she realized there was a big gap going unserved: Small businesses. Founders told Pruett that they often felt like they were being misled by SEO analysts – they didn’t quite understand what the services they were paying for actually did. Pruett wanted to ease their frustration. Since starting-up in 2020, the Columbia, South Carolina-based founder has worked to provide top-notch SEO advice that is not only effective, but also honest, transparent and genuinely beneficial to the businesses she serves. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? Women are still the minority in my field. Many of my clients, especially woman-owned businesses, find it refreshing to work with a woman in SEO. But no matter who I’m serving, my priority is always the same: Making sure they fully understand what’s happening, the value of the work I’m doing, and exactly how it’s moving the needle for them month to month. Tell us about your biggest success so far. When I finally matched the income from my old full-time job in the semiconductor industry. When I realized I could quit that work and fully support my family through my business’ income alone, was monumental for me both personally and professionally. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? I’m a textbook high-performer. I love to fill every second of every day with “productive work.” But this is something I’ve really struggled with over time, especially now that I have a family. I’ve had to learn how to slow down and prioritize a work-life balance. I’ve also discovered that I’m not the best trainer — I find it challenging to translate my expertise to others. Luckily, I’ve been able to lean on people with different strengths who can help bridge that gap. Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions? Having a baby was a huge shift in my life, both personally and professionally. Overnight, the stakes felt so much higher as the sole breadwinner for my family. It was definitely challenging, but one of the biggest reasons I started my business in the first place was to have the flexibility and financial stability to support a family. While the early days were tough, it has been incredibly rewarding. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Get a good business advisor as soon as possible. For me, everything clicked into place once I met mine. That’s when I finally saw that taking the leap of quitting my job and building the life I truly wanted was actually possible. You don’t have to do it all on your own — and you shouldn’t. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? I have an incredible husband who patiently listens to me process everything — business, life, all of it — on repeat. It helps so much. And, it might sound a little unconventional, but I also have an amazing hypnotherapist who has been a game-changer, especially when it comes to imposter syndrome. Lastly, when I start to feel overwhelmed, I revisit podcasts I was on back in 2020 — when I was thrilled to be making $1,500 a month. It’s the perfect reminder of just how far I’ve come. What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? I really love listening to the “Waitress” soundtrack. I was a theater kid in college. (Don't tell anyone.) Who is your most important role model? There are several successful and generous people in both my family and my husband's family whom I look up to. The people I admire most in this world, generally speaking, are those who have built success while pursuing their dreams — and still make time for their families. That balance is something I aspire to. ◾ Website: helloseo.com Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

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