Tim Yow Speaker Interview

Bio

Tim Yow

While Tim actually owns 3 businesses, including a coffee / ice cream shop in Franklin Village, he still manages to dedicate nearly all of his available hours to YowSeo, an online marketing firm he started in early 2012. YowSeo was created with the intention of staying specialized, building on Tim’s many years of experience in the field of SEO, and avoiding the temptation of taking on more to become a “one stop web shop” like most companies offering SEO today.

Tim will be presenting “The Traffic Data that Matters in Google Analytics”.

Why do you use WordPress?

I started using WordPress because I was impressed with the user-friendly dashboard. I kept using it when I saw how the WordPress sites I optimized performed in Google compared to sites built from scratch or on other content management systems.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I began experimenting with it for my own sites in 2009 and, by late 2010, I was convincing clients and others I knew to go with WordPress and helping several with installation and set up.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

If you understand the importance of a strong web presence for your business, I know you’ll find that building in WordPress is the best way to set the stage for success. It is an ideal platform for updating, maintaining and optimizing your web pages and has the best community for support. You’ll see what I what I’m talking about the moment you attend your first WordCamp.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

My first time presenting in 2012. I was just sure I’d have a heckler who ruined the session. Instead I spoke to a packed room and got a lot of positive feedback afterwards.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

The one that has been getting my attention recently is MichiganMarketer.com.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

Meeting such a diverse group of people with diverse goals behind why they are on the World Wide Web.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Embrace excessive content and provide more information than you think your site visitor wants. When they’ve had enough, they’ll stop reading or begin skimming. On the other hand, if they find your site is informative and valuable, they’ll come back and return visitors are usually the ones who become customers or subscribers.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I just became a grandfather in June.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Michael Torbert, the creator of the All In One SEO Pack

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Coordinating and conducting “Web Workbench for Non-Profits”, a full day workshop to train how to build a WordPress website, optimize it for search and implement social media with contribution from volunteers representing 5 other companies.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

Incredible connections. Great new friends. Invaluable insight. An entire drawer full of WP shirts. Need I go on?

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Want Google traffic.

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

Find a way to click around Google Analytics, even if you have to access a friend’s account. Learn the definition of “bounce rate” while you are online.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

WordPress.org

Where can we find you online?

Twitter: @yowseo
Facebook: /yowseo.online.marketing
Websites: http://yowseo.com and http://michiganmarketer.com