Meet Amanda Doherty | SEO & Marketing Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Doherty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As an experienced copywriter, I learned early on that brands who appear first in the Google search results are not necessarily the best in the business — they’re the most effective marketers.

And this is by no means a criticism of these brands. They’re playing the game and they’re playing it well.

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of a marketing strategy is often directly correlated to the size of the marketing budget which means thousands of hidden gems remain unseen.

As someone who always had a heart for the underdog, I knew I had unique insight into how the Google search algorithm works, how to design a website that converts, and how to utilize the power of a good story to allow business owners with smaller marketing budgets to compete effectively in the online marketplace.

Amanda Doherty Press, LLC was created, in short, to help small business owners who have something unique and special to share with the world but lack the understanding of how to do so. By providing SEO-inspired content, coaching services, and a free marketing podcast, I’ve been able to thrust amazing brands into the spotlight and empower business owners to create a marketing strategy that is worthy of their talents.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’ve been described by many local colleagues as the “Cadillac experience” of online marketing.

I do not utilize shortcuts like AI writing programs, stock photos, or empty, thoughtless content to boost search rankings. I’m naturally hardwired to think through the lens of an ideal client or customer and serve her with content that will improve her life and ultimately lead to conversions.

I openly admit to not being the right fit for every website design or SEO strategy. In fact, I’m highly selective of the clients that I decide to take on.

Business owners who aim first and foremost to authentically serve their customers rather than treat them exclusively as a bottom line are the clients I decide to partner with, and so far I’ve been blessed to work alongside some amazing small and growing companies here in northern Colorado.

The greatest challenge I’ve faced since launching this business is regaining the trust that many have lost in this industry. Since there are so many factors that affect whether a client or business succeeds or not, marketers and SEO specialists can easily develop a slimy reputation.

This is often a result of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars invested into a “proven marketing strategy” that results in fewer leads than expected.

I’ll be the first to tell you that in marketing, there are no guarantees.

However, unlike many in my industry, I offer full transparency of my strategy and efforts so my clients understand where their investment is going and gain helpful insights so that they can make informed decisions of which marketing efforts are right for their unique businesses.

This requires me to spend more time and attention on each individual client or project which delivers better results and happier clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Fort Collins is the perfect blend of adventure and luxury. In just an hour’s drive, you can be lacing your hiking boots at the base of Longs Peak and still make it back to Old Town in time to buy a new dress at Sunday Supply so you can sip your favorite cocktails for a girls night out at Social .

That’s not to say that I climb Longs Peak every weekend, but Chasm Lake is certainly a standard day hike I take friends when they visit from out of town. With over 20 craft breweries and some of the nicest bike paths in the country, it’s easy to keep guests entertained here in Fort Collins.

If I want to just hang out and talk with someone, I’ll pack a lunch and head to any of the roadside pull offs surrounding Horsetooth Reservoir or head down the Poudre Canyon to Gateway Natural Area to set up a picnic.

My favorite restaurants to take friends and family to include Cafe Mexicali or Waltzing Kangaroo for takeout, La Buena Vida for a nice, sit down atmosphere, or Union for a family friendly scene.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As cliché as it may sound, my husband, Matt Doherty, is the backbone of my success.

Much of my role in Amanda Doherty Press, LLC is to coach fellow business leaders and startups and one of the most common pitfalls I hear from so many of my clients — especially the ladies — is a deep sense of loneliness and lack of support.

Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey. It forces you to live in a constant state of growth and learning which can at times leave you feeling less than qualified.

It has been my experience that the greatest indicator of follow through and success in a new business owner is the amount of support she receives from her inner circle.

Matt has been that source of support and encouragement for me without fail, never doubting that the investment we placed in this new life would come back void. He even set his own career path aside to become coowner of a business built on my name in an industry he had no intention of pursuing. The joy and laughter he has brought to my team is priceless.

Amanda Doherty Press, LLC would not be the growing and thriving business it is today without the amazing support and giftings of Matt Doherty.

Website: amandadohertypress.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandadohertypress

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/amanda-doherty-press/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandadohertypress

Image Credits
Photography by myself and Ben Westdorp at 76 District