From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Julia Bocchese, offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
I offer SEO, Pinterest, and AI Search services for creative small businesses.
I started a travel photography site in 2015 as a fun creative outlet from a boring corporate job, and I learned lots of marketing skills to help that site grow. I actually wanted to quit my job and freelance to have a flexible schedule to go to grad school and study Viking Age history, so I started doing all kinds of different marketing and content writing work in 2017.
I didn’t know that online businesses were a thing until I accidentally built one while I was in grad school. At the end of my program, I had to decide whether to continue for my PhD or to go all in on my business, and I chose my business and have no regrets. I also realized that I didn’t enjoy social media, but I loved SEO and Pinterest and saw how beneficial they were for my clients, so I shifted my business to only focus on SEO and Pinterest.
What is one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve created or accomplished?
I was the first SEO professor at Drexel University, and I’ve been really proud that I’ve been able to introduce SEO to students at a much younger age than I learned anything about it. Whether or not they end up pursuing a career in SEO, I know that having an understanding of SEO will help them in any marketing or business job they take.
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
I think just starting my business was pretty bold since I didn’t really know what I was doing. I didn’t know anyone who had an online business, so I had to go out and find my community and figure out all the legal parts and taxes without someone guiding me. You don’t know what you don’t know when you start a business, so it’s pretty brave to jump into something without knowing everything about it.
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
AI Search is so new and is changing so fast, which is both scary and exciting. I like a challenge, and I like learning new things, so it has been fun to stay on top of all the trends. I’m experimenting with different types of AI Search services, and I’m excited to see where that takes my business in the next year or two.
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
Always follow your gut, even if the decision doesn’t make sense on paper.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
I love helping small businesses grow. I get so excited when my clients tell me that they got their first clients from Google or Pinterest, and I love that I get to help people find my amazing clients.
