Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alex Ratynski, Founder of Ratynski Digital, LLC., located in Marysville, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Ratynski Digital, we are a digital marketing agency that specializes in local SEO, paid ads, and custom website design. Our mission is to help businesses expand their online presence and attract the right kind of customers with innovative marketing strategies.
We work primarily with businesses that are doing at least a couple million dollars a year and are looking to grow significantly. Our average client hits the primary goals we set together in about six months. Our main focus is on the home service industries, such as plumbing, HVAC, roofing, property management, and more. However, we have worked with a wide range of clients, including lawyers, dentists, jewelry businesses, weight loss clinics, chiropractors, and others.
Our clients come to us because they want to rank higher in search engine results, generate more leads and sales, and establish a strong online presence. We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their goals and stand out from their competitors in their local markets.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Alex Ratynski, the Founder of Ratynski Digital (soon to be rebranded as "Searchable"). I've always been obsessed with marketing and the thrill of helping businesses grow, which led me to start my own agency. My biggest disappointment in life is that I can't live multiple lives and build numerous exciting companies. So I started my agency to give me just a taste of the stuff I enjoy most, helping exceptional brands connect with the right people.
There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a client's website rank higher than their competitors, generating more leads and sales than they thought possible, and taking over the world (well... at least their local market). It's like a shot of adrenaline. But let's not forget the real reason I'm in this game: to keep up with the constantly evolving world of digital marketing. It's like a never-ending puzzle, and I love the challenge of staying ahead of the curve and experimenting with new strategies and techniques without ever forgetting the basic fundamentals that always produce tried and true results.
While helping our clients grow, I get to be the one behind the scenes, pulling the strings and making the magic happen. It's like being a marketing puppeteer, except... you know... without the creepy dolls and way more spreadsheets. But in all seriousness, I believe that by helping businesses succeed, we can make a positive impact on the world. We can create lasting jobs, support local economies, and empower entrepreneurs to follow their dreams. And that's something worth getting out of bed for every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping a business grow from nothing to over 2.5 million dollars in sales in their first year. This wasn't our typical client, as we only work with well-established businesses, but it was still a great experience and something I am extremely proud of accomplishing.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the responsibility that comes with it. When you're running your own business, you're not just responsible for your own success or failure but also for the livelihoods of your employees and the satisfaction & success of your clients. And in a roundabout way, the livelihood of my client's employees. This can be a lot of pressure. When you're faced with setbacks or challenges, it can be tempting to throw in the towel and call it quits. But as a business owner, you have to be resilient and find ways to overcome those obstacles.
Another challenge is the constant need to wear multiple hats. As a business owner, you're not just the CEO but also the accountant, the marketer, the HR department, and everything in between. Thankfully, I really enjoy that challenge. But at the end of the day, being a business owner is incredibly rewarding. It's a chance to build something from scratch, create a vision for the future, and make a real impact in the world. It's not easy, but for those who are willing to put in the work, the rewards can be enormous.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus on your niche: One of the biggest mistakes that new business owners make is trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, focus on a niche and become the go-to expert in your field. This will help you stand out from your competitors and attract the right kind of customers. I can't emphasize this enough. Started out as the biggest fish in a small pond.
- Invest in marketing: No matter how great your product or service is, it won't sell itself. You need to invest in marketing to get the word out and attract new customers. This could include everything from SEO and paid advertising to social media and content marketing. The key is to find the strategies that work best for your business and focus on those. This doesn't always mean you have to invest financially; sometimes, this means investing time and effort. If you ever need help figuring out where to start, feel free to reach out to me (just mention this article), and I'll give any new business owner a free marketing consultation to help point them in the best starting direction (no sales pitch).
- Stay flexible and adaptable: In today's fast-paced business environment, things can change quickly. That's why it's important to stay flexible and adaptable. You will fail. That's okay! Pivot and keep going.
- Bonus tip: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Starting and growing a business is hard work, and no one can do it alone. Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, a talented team, and a supportive community that can help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ratynskidigital.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RatynskiDigital
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexratynski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexratynski/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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