When Myles Anderson and Ed Eliot met, they probably didn’t imagine they would turn a small idea into a thriving global operation. From the humble beginnings of a national radio station to spearheading BrightLocal, they’ve seen it all in the realm of local SEO. As we celebrate a decade of BrightLocal, I sat down with these pioneers to delve into the journey, the challenges, and the future of local marketing.
The Genesis of BrightLocal
Myles Anderson, CEO, shares, “We never envisioned it would ever amount to what it amounts to today. The origins are very humble.” Their first project involved purchasing an online directory called “We Love Local,” which laid the groundwork for what BrightLocal has become. It was a clunky start, but Myles dedicated countless hours to build the business while juggling a day job, eventually making the leap to full-time entrepreneurship.
Myles explains, “I had friends in local businesses who struggled with online marketing. I started helping them, and that grew into a mini-agency. We realized we wanted to create a product rather than just service local businesses.”
This entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for BrightLocal’s evolution from an agency to a product-focused company.
The Birth of Tools
The first tool they created, ReviewBiz, was a marketing device aimed at generating backlinks. “When we launched it, my phone was buzzing non-stop with requests to beta test. That’s when I knew we were onto something,” Myles recalls. The shift from agency work to building tools was a game-changer, and by 2012, BrightLocal introduced a suite of offerings that marked a turning point for the company.
Ed Eliot, CTO, adds, “I was heavily involved in developing our Rank Tracker, which has faced many challenges but has grown to handle terabytes of data.” Their dedication to creating user-friendly tools resonated with customers and propelled their growth.
Milestones and Memories
Reflecting on the past decade, Myles recounts pivotal moments, such as landing their first agency client while on vacation. “I worked furiously on a contract while my family enjoyed the sun. That moment gave us the confidence to scale up,” he shares.
For Ed, moving into their first branded office in Brighton marked a significant transition. “It gave us an identity and a sense of pride. We matured as a company, focusing on what it means to work for BrightLocal and fostering a safe and empowering environment for our team,” Ed states.
The Next Decade
So, where do Myles and Ed see BrightLocal in the next ten years? “It all depends on how we adapt to the market. We will always put the customer at the heart of what we do,” Myles states. Ed agrees, emphasizing the importance of being equipped to face future challenges with a skilled and passionate team.
Myles reflects, “I love that we can be a positive force in people’s lives, whether it’s our customers or employees. Seeing us have a positive impact is incredibly satisfying.”
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