My name is Mary, and when my husband Ed and I became the new owners of Simplified SEO Consulting just eight months ago, I stepped into a role that was equal parts exhilarating and intimidating. In less than a year, we’ve kept every member of our original team, added talented new SEO Specialists, launched in-demand services like comprehensive Social Media Management, and expanded beyond our core niche of therapists to serve a wider range of helping professionals and medical private practices. We’ve stayed ahead of fast-moving SEO and AI trends, attended our first conference, and built an even stronger, more connected team. This is the story of what it’s really been like to lead and grow an agency I love
College started as Healthcare Administration, but I wanted to be closer to people’s care and stories, so I pivoted and earned a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Health. That led to work as a Mental Health Case Manager, where I learned how to guide people through complicated systems, remove barriers, and problem-solve under pressure. Those experiences shaped the way I lead today.
I went on to earn a Master’s in Psychology—not without a major plot twist: a brain tumor that I had to overcome. Amazingly, I finished that degree in 2022, and in 2024, I earned a second Master’s in Digital Marketing. However, I could never have predicted how seamlessly those fields—psychology and marketing—would intersect. Understanding people, their motivations, and how they make decisions is at the heart of great SEO.
I joined Simplified SEO Consulting as an SEO Specialist and quickly fell in love with the mission: improving the visibility of therapists and other helping professionals so they can connect with the clients who need them most. It felt meaningful and practical all at once.
In January 2024, I left to return to my mental-health roots as a QMHP Supervisor. It was a bittersweet move—I loved the work at Simplified—but I believed leadership in mental health was my next right step. Then I learned Simplified was for sale. My husband, Ed and I saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine my strengths in psychology, marketing, and team leadership with a business I already knew and cared about. We couldn’t let it pass.
Those early days were a whirlwind: system access, accounting, LLC transfers, operational docs—every day brought a new challenge. Ed and I reassured the team: there wouldn’t be drastic changes, and employee well-being would be a top priority. We were here to build, not bulldoze.
And we kept our promise. We maintained our original staff and soon hired two additional SEO Specialists to handle increased caseloads and new services. We’ve kept up with raises to remain competitive. I meant it when I said our people mattered.
Culture-wise, we leaned in to what works for us: a family-first attitude and transparency. We don’t have infighting, backbiting, or drama. We actually like each other. Once a month, we host a Water Cooler Hour on Zoom—after hours, cameras on, work-talk off. We chat, laugh, and just enjoy being together. It sounds small; it isn’t. It keeps us human.
Our team has grown closer than ever. We work better together, supporting one another daily. Every team meeting begins not with, “How much did you get done this week?” but with, “How are you? What can we do to help you?” That shift matters. Our team feels like family, and I’ve learned that in business, you truly get what you give. When you offer support, authenticity, and trust, you get it back tenfold—in loyalty, in work ethic, in job satisfaction, and in honesty. Our employees know they can be open with us, and some of our best ideas—like Social Media Management and Technical SEO—have come directly from their input, because we take the time to ask and listen.
I’ve never been one to put myself out there much, but I’ve learned that being a leader means stepping into the spotlight for the sake of the business. While I truly believe our team is the real face of the brand, as the owner, I have a responsibility to represent what we do and who we are. So, I do the work. I write the LinkedIn posts, record the videos, create the blogs, and show up. Now, I put myself out there far more than I used to—not because it’s comfortable, but because it matters. Leading by example means demonstrating investment in the company and showing that I’m actively part of what happens here every single day.
One of the biggest commitments my husband and I made early on was to diversify our services so we could help clients in more ways without losing the depth of our SEO expertise. We’ve done just that.
We successfully rolled out Standalone Copywriting, Technical SEO Services, and Local SEO Services. These aren’t just add-ons; they’ve become core parts of what we offer. Standalone Copywriting meets the needs of clients who have solid websites but struggle to create conversion-focused, optimized content. Technical SEO digs deep into site health, performance, and structure—often unlocking opportunities clients didn’t know they had. Local SEO has been a game-changer for private practices that rely on local traffic, putting them on the map—literally and figuratively.
The launch of our comprehensive Social Media Management package has also been a huge success. I know firsthand how overwhelming social media can be for helping professionals already juggling heavy workloads. This service takes the stress off their plate, delivering a consistent, strategic, SEO-informed social presence that works in tandem with their website to boost visibility.
SEO is not static—it evolves daily. And in the age of AI and GEO-based search signals, staying ahead isn’t optional; it’s survival. We’ve invested heavily in training and research to keep our strategies on the cutting edge. We test and refine our approaches, adapt our content structures, and optimize internal linking so clients show up not just in traditional search results, but in AI-driven search experiences.
Our focus on E‑E‑A‑T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) hasn’t wavered. But now we’re blending those fundamentals with tactical adjustments to better position clients for where search is going, not just where it’s been.
Attending our first conference in Kentucky was both a milestone and a reality check. Winnie and I learned a lot—what to do, what not to do, and how to better prepare for the next one. It pushed us out of our comfort zones and reminded us that growth happens when you show up.
In September, we’ll be at the MGMA Leaders Conference—our first major event outside the therapy niche—connecting with medical private practice owners. This is part of our long-term strategy to diversify our client base while still serving therapists at the highest level.
Therapists remain central to our work, but our vision has always included helping a wider range of professionals: doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, holistic healers, and functional medicine providers. These fields face unique challenges when it comes to marketing, and our team has been intentional about tailoring our services to meet their needs. We’ve already welcomed clients from these sectors and seen encouraging results.
We have big plans ahead, but we’re approaching them with purpose. We’ll be reintroducing our Done-With-You Training Program Series, refreshing our DIY SEO video library, attending more medical industry conferences, and exploring web design as a potential future service.
The guiding principle is pacing ourselves—testing, refining, and making sure every decision serves both our clients and our team. Because growth for the sake of growth isn’t the goal. Sustainable, intentional growth is.
Eight months into ownership, I can see just how much this experience has shaped me. Boundaries remain my biggest challenge. Working 12–14-hour days, including weekends, isn’t sustainable—and Winnie helps keep me accountable to take breaks.
I’ve learned to trust my instincts but back them up with solid research. Additionally, I’ve learned that transparency and a people-first culture aren’t just nice ideas—they’re what keep a team strong, happy, and collaborative.
I’ve also learned that self-care and taking time for myself in ways that are meaningful to me are not a luxury—they are a necessity. And I’ve learned that my team needs that same ability to take care of themselves, which means creating an environment that allows for rest, balance, and flexibility.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that this work—supporting our clients, supporting our team, and building something with intention—is worth every bump in the road.
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It’s good to catch up with changes at your company. I appreciate this heart filled note. I’m enjoying working with consultant Cary Faircloth and I have to say I’m already seeing improved business. She’s an excellent coach and keeps me on track. John