Tea & Chat Interview with Andy from Amplified SEO

Hello! Great to have you here, the kettle’s just boiled – what would you like to drink?

Hey! I’d love an americano, black, no sugar thank you!

So, tell us a bit about yourself and your business.

My names Andy, by day (and some nights) I’m a firefighter that puts out fires and of course saves cats from trees! But on my time off I’m also the owner of Amplified SEO, a small independent marketing agency based in Rochester. We specialise in providing SEO services for small business websites in Kent – Basically we help get websites to the top of Googles search results!

What inspired you to start your creative business? How did it all begin?

I found my way in to the world of SEO (search engine optimisation) over 15 years ago when I started working for a small family run business in Paddock Wood called ‘Stand and Deliver’ (They sold TV stands and delivered them!).
I then moved on to working for a digital marketing agency where I became the head of the SEO department. After quite a few years there, I decided to join the Fire Brigade but carried on working in SEO as a freelancer during my time off.
However, I have now decided the time is right to start my own agency that specialises in helping small businesses in Kent.

How has your business changed and developed since it started?

Well It has really only just started, although I have been working in SEO for over 15 years, I have launched my own agency this month, so it’s a very exciting (and nerve wracking) time

So, where does all this takes place? What’s your workspace like?

I’m currently working from my office at home in Rochester, but hoping to find an open office space somewhere in Kent soon.

What are the best and worst bits of running your business?

So far I am very much enjoying getting to speak to business owners about their websites and the potential of being able to help them. The worst part I guess is that I’m just starting out and trying to establish myself. There are a lot of SEO agencies in Kent so I need to make sure I stand out from the crowd, which is challenging but also fun.

What are your hopes, plans or ambitions for the future?

My dream is to start out slow but one day grow the business in to a position where we can open our own office somewhere in Kent and hopefully employ some staff. I have always lived in Kent so it would be fantastic to give back and build a successful business here that is able to employ people as well.

Since your business is based in Kent, do you have a favourite part of Kent, anything you’d like to recommend to our readers?

This is a tough question as I love so many places in Kent! I have a working cocker spaniel that is full of energy, so I am often taking here on walks across the Kent Country side. My favourite is probably the Wye downs walk.

I also love the sea, so I go to Whitstable whenever the sun is shining!