Search Engine Optimization is an ongoing learning process. Even with several years of experience on a wide variety of client sites, I still haven’t encountered every possible optimization challenge, technical implementation, or competitive environment. The internet is too large and diverse to be mastered by any single person.
Benefits of Side Projects
Side projects are one way for SEO practitioners to gain experience, experiment with different tactics, and refine your approach. Plus, there’s no risk to client sites and building a separate site can be a welcome diversion from demanding client work. In some cases, it can even provide supplemental income or good karma if you’re into helping local nonprofits.
I know there are others that feel the same way, so I asked a couple friends to comment on their side projects, share some results, and explain how it helps them in their “day job.”
Casey Henry – Grand Rapids Web Designs
Casey and I share the distinction of being one of the few SEO’s in Michigan. His company, Grand Rapids Web Designs, designs, builds, and optimizes websites for a wide variety of local and regional clients.
Do you work on side projects outside of your “day job”?
I work on a few side projects mostly for myself and sometimes for family members. Most of my side projects are related to testing some of my SEO theory’s or things I want to try and use on clients site. I also have a partnership with a local management business to maintain their website and they referrer all their business to my company.
What types of side projects do you work on?
As previously stated most of the projects are to test SEO theory’s that I’ve read on the web or think might work but are too risk to try on my own or a clients site. Some are just personal projects I’m working on, such as my internal link crawler tool that is due out this month. I decided to work on this because I couldn’t find a tool that did what I wanted.
What motivates you to put in time and energy above and beyond a normal 9-5 job?
Most of my motivations comes from my curiosity to learn about SEO and its effects. Plus running my own business I often have “time” to work on my own projects and set aside my clients work. It brings me back to reality sometimes.
Do you think of side projects differently than your normal job? How so?
I normally think of side projects differently because they usually don’t have time constraints. Most of my other projects have a deadline when they must be operational and functioning, but none of my side projects do.
How many hours a week do you invest on side projects outside of your “day job”?
I’ll spend about 10 to 20 hours a week on my side projects.
Shawn Smith – Optimal Web Works
Shawn and his team of talented, Ann Arbor-based internet marketers are known as Optimal Web Works. They run the gamut of internet marketing strategies and implementation for all types of companies.
Do you work on side projects outside of your “day job”?
My biggest hobby is “side projects outside my day job.” I can’t stop.
What types of side projects do you work on?
My biggest side project is my business OptimalWebworks.com. We started with web development and consulting for clients, which left me little time for my personal projects, which range from video cooking shows (bigfoodlittlekitchen.com) to travel video blogs to a video blog about my adventures (shawnsninja.com) to my online media blog (newmediabytes.com). It’s really tough to push those aside to get real work done. I also occasionally teach at Michigan State University.
What motivates you to put in time and energy above and beyond a normal 9-5 job?
My motivation is three-fold:
1. http://www.hulu.com/watch/56632/saturday-night-live-digital-short-im-on-a-boat
2. World travel. I’ve always wanted to travel, live abroad and write, but never found a good way to support myself while doing it. With an internet-based business, I might be able to achieve that goal. If I don’t put in the work to make it happen, I likely won’t make it.
3. The financial struggles others dealt as I grew older. I don’t want to worry about whether I can afford to help someone out. I don’t want money to make my decisions for me. Want motivation? Read “Think and Grow Rich.” Want more? Read “The e-Myth.”
Do you think of side projects differently than your normal job? How so?
One of the ways I’ve thought about side projects differently is I’ve attached more emotional to extra-curricular projects. When you represent yourself, it can be tough initially to not take personally negative blog comments or client criticism. I’ve had the feeling sometimes that my side projects represent me more than the things I did at my day job. That’s tough because becoming emotionally attached to things in business can skew your judgment on moving forward or ending a project. I’m getting better at it though.
How many hours a week do you invest on side projects outside of your “day job”?
I put in at least 30-35 hours a week, sometimes more, on my side projects. That’s on top of my “day job.” I see the crossover of skills/knowledge I learn in my “off” time helping me improve the things I do at my day job – and that’s a bonus. It may sound like a lot, but I’m running a business. The extra time will be a lot easier to swallow when I’m sailing the open seas.
Thanks Casey and Shawn. Good luck with your side ventures. When you strike it rich, remember your old buddy.
Your Turn
What kinds of side projects do you work on? Do you find that they help you do your day job better? Would you ever leave your day job to pursue your side projects full time?
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