Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Many local sellers lack digital marketing knowledge—you fill a gap
• •Small seller community means word-of-mouth spreads your results quickly
• •Platform expertise is portable—no geographic limitation
• •Local businesses benefit from someone who understands both platform and community
• •Seasonal tourism creates optimization opportunities around peak periods

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Study shomby's search algorithm and ranking factors

   • •Platform-specific knowledge is your competitive advantage
   • •Understanding ranking factors enables data-driven optimization
   • •Algorithm knowledge lets you provide measurable results
2. 2
   Develop a standardized listing audit checklist

   • •Checklists ensure consistent, thorough optimization
   • •Standardized processes enable scalable service delivery
   • •Documentation demonstrates value to clients
3. 3
   Create before/after case studies to demonstrate value

   • •Results-based marketing converts skeptical sellers
   • •Case studies prove your expertise tangibly
   • •Documented improvements justify your pricing
4. 4
   Offer package pricing for multiple listings

   • •Volume pricing encourages comprehensive optimization
   • •Packages are easier to sell than hourly rates
   • •Bulk work enables efficient workflows

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with free tools and manual research before paid subscriptions
• •Learn from optimizing your own or friends' listings before charging
• •Use spreadsheets for tracking before investing in analytics software
• •Word-of-mouth marketing before paid advertising

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Per-listing or package pricing provides clear income
• •Collect payment before delivering optimization work
• •Retainer arrangements with growing sellers provide recurring revenue
• •Results-based pricing can command premiums but adds risk

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Set realistic expectations—optimization improves visibility, doesn't guarantee sales
• •Track and document all changes for accountability
• •Focus on measurable improvements you can demonstrate
• •Start with sellers who have enough traffic to measure changes
• •Don't guarantee specific results—too many variables outside your control

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Many local sellers lack digital marketing knowledge—you fill a gap
• •Small seller community means word-of-mouth spreads your results quickly
• •Platform expertise is portable—no geographic limitation
• •Local businesses benefit from someone who understands both platform and community
• •Seasonal tourism creates optimization opportunities around peak periods

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Study shomby's search algorithm and ranking factors

   • •Platform-specific knowledge is your competitive advantage
   • •Understanding ranking factors enables data-driven optimization
   • •Algorithm knowledge lets you provide measurable results
2. 2
   Develop a standardized listing audit checklist

   • •Checklists ensure consistent, thorough optimization
   • •Standardized processes enable scalable service delivery
   • •Documentation demonstrates value to clients
3. 3
   Create before/after case studies to demonstrate value

   • •Results-based marketing converts skeptical sellers
   • •Case studies prove your expertise tangibly
   • •Documented improvements justify your pricing
4. 4
   Offer package pricing for multiple listings

   • •Volume pricing encourages comprehensive optimization
   • •Packages are easier to sell than hourly rates
   • •Bulk work enables efficient workflows

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with free tools and manual research before paid subscriptions
• •Learn from optimizing your own or friends' listings before charging
• •Use spreadsheets for tracking before investing in analytics software
• •Word-of-mouth marketing before paid advertising

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Per-listing or package pricing provides clear income
• •Collect payment before delivering optimization work
• •Retainer arrangements with growing sellers provide recurring revenue
• •Results-based pricing can command premiums but adds risk

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Set realistic expectations—optimization improves visibility, doesn't guarantee sales
• •Track and document all changes for accountability
• •Focus on measurable improvements you can demonstrate
• •Start with sellers who have enough traffic to measure changes
• •Don't guarantee specific results—too many variables outside your control