Feb 17 2011

SEO Story: The Old Man Who Doubted SEO

He had a problem. He was not sure if SEO could really change his pottery business’ direction. He said that pottery was not like rock bands and Super Bowl, and nobody was interested in it anymore. Gone were the days when little kids were so subservient to everything just to learn the art of pot making.

He was turning 56 and had known nothing about the internet – never even tried putting a single word on Google’s search bar – or anything about hi-speed computers. He was even so amazed with my Mac, and how my touchscreen cellphone works. He was too old for SEO, he said. But I refused to believe it.

I opened up Google and typed the words pottery in USA. Then I said, while pointing to the millions of Google search results, “On the internet, everything can be Super Bowl and rock stars.” For the very first time, I saw his eyes gape. Then I knew: he would try SEO. He would believe an SEO Reseller like me.

During the start, it was hard to explain the business. Aside from his age, he was a real country man who was never open to new technology and was actually a true blue pottery artist. I even had to simplify my explanation just for him to get my message. But by just considering the fact that he let me come back every day to teach him more about SEO, and that he listened every time I speak, I knew he was more than interested. That time, I was not just focusing on closing a deal or making a profit. I wanted him to learn and experience something wonderful even at that point of his life.

As an SEO Reseller, I can clearly say that that was the turning point of my career. I’ve been rejected before – many times – and I’ve been doubted by hundreds of business owners. The man I’d been talking about just had his 65th birthday last month, and he’s still busy supervising his three new local stores. He also started online community groups and has signed up on Twitter. He even got a WordPress blog to educate people about the art of pot making.

One thing I’ve learned: that this man has never doubted SEO – he only doubted himself.

Warner is interested in everything online that fuels discovery. I find SEO a fascinating puzzle so of course work for an SEO Reseller, Endless Rise

Warner Carter

Warner Carter

13 Responses to “SEO Story: The Old Man Who Doubted SEO”

  1. ogiogi says:
    February 17, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Great story, so inspiring…

  2. Vlad Rascanu says:
    February 17, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Good example of will power. You go “old man”!

  3. Dimitry | Advicegraphics says:
    February 17, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    I’m 40 and I don’t fear to learn a new stuff. It is never too late to start new life.

  4. Warner says:
    February 17, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Learning and discovery has always been a driving force in my life but this is not always true for everyone.

  5. Thomas Abacoa says:
    February 17, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    56 doesn’t seem that old? But I have this same problem over and over. I built my dad a shell of a website. But he is too stubborn to even try his hand at WordPress. I hope I’m not against technology when I get old!

  6. Moosa Hemani says:
    February 17, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    very basic but the idea delivered through story is good! i like it.. keep up the good work.

  7. Warner Carter says:
    February 21, 2011 at 3:07 am

    @Thomas If you enjoy learning and discovery now you probably always will. I think its a good thing you tried with your Dad.
    @Moosa – Thanks for the props

  8. Wasim Ismail says:
    February 21, 2011 at 8:57 am

    :) shows SEO is for everyone, every single business online can benefit from SEO in some form or another, and on the other hand, its never to late, sometimes users think its too late, and they have missed the boat, this is not the case in SEO, you can start any time you like, focuses the earlier you start the better it is, and the quicker you will start to see your fruits.

  9. alrayesweb (Alrayes Web Solution) says:
    February 21, 2011 at 10:55 am

    SEO Story: The Old Man Who Doubted SEO http://tinyurl.com/48rmhqg – Your never to old to do SEO

  10. Kirsty says:
    February 26, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    A inspiring story :D I always believe in SEO and no matter how young or old are you. It won’t matter as long as your interested and persistent to learn everything about SEO. I am sure that you will have an additional income on that :)

  11. penumbuh rambut says:
    March 9, 2011 at 4:34 am

    Learning and discovery has always been a driving force, I hope I’m not against technology when I get old!

  12. Warner Carter says:
    March 9, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    II met an 82 year old man on a bike path and he told me he had a net bike because after he broke his leg, his neighbor, who stored his bike, kept telling him to get rid of the old bike because he will never ride again. He did but as soon as he was ready to ride again he bought the new bike. Seeing courage and grit like that remains a source of inspiration.

  13. Palisades Real Estate says:
    November 24, 2011 at 8:49 am

    What an interesting and inspiring story. I am sure the man now even wonders why he doubted search engine optimization in the first place. With everything going digital it is always important not to be left behind whether you are old or young.