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Howdy, my magnificent techno-cubs! It’s your favorite tech guru, TechBear, here for another Tech Tip Tuesday!
Today, we’re doing something different. My human, Jason, runs a computer repair and consulting business—Gymnarctos Studios, and he’s been learning some expensive lessons about online marketing. He doesn’t show up when searching for “computer repair Minneapolis”.
Turns out, having a great Google Business Profile and fast website speed doesn’t automatically bring customers through your digital door. Who knew that “if you build it, they will come” doesn’t apply to websites and social media?
And guess who gets to help clean up this digital reality check? That’s right, me!
You know this feeling, don’t you? You Google your business name and… nothing. You’re invisible online. Maybe you Google your own name, or your hobby blog, or that freelance project you’re proud of – same result.
Or you try to show up for something you do, but Google thinks you’re in the wrong business entirely. Whether you’re running a business, have a personal website, or just want people to find your online presence, Jason knows that feeling well.
He’s great at fixing computers. But getting his own business seen online, that’s where I have to step in and help.
The Good News
We’re on this journey together. Jason is learning alongside you. I’m helping him navigate the tricky digital world.
Today, I’ll share the online mistakes we’re fixing. More importantly, I’ll show you how to avoid them for your own business.
The Myth of the “Tech Expert”
My human, Jason, started Gymnarctos Studios last year. He’s super smart with computers and networks. He can explain why your printer hates you on Mondays better than anyone!
But here’s the thing: knowing how technology works is different from knowing how to market with technology. He thought understanding tech meant getting seen online would be easy. Boy, was he wrong!
We’ve learned expensive lessons about the difference between being technically correct and being visible online.
Oopsie #1: Perfect Content, Invisible Business
Jason writes helpful articles. Things like:
- “Ask TechBear: 4 Recommendations for Home WiFi Network Solutions That Won’t Leave Your Budget Spinning“
- “The Essential Security Update Framework for Small Businesses: TechBear’s Proven 7-Step Guide“
These are exactly what customers search for! We focus on helping with tech headaches, not complicated jargon. So you’d think we’d be easy to find, right?
The Problems We Found
Searching for “TechBear Minneapolis”: Even with “Minneapolis” in the search, I’m still not the first result. What pops up as the second image? Jason’s husband’s business! He shares our posts everywhere, so Google thinks he’s relevant to “TechBear.” Sweet, but confusing for customers!
The Name Game: Jason’s business name is Gymnarctos Studios. It means “naked bear” in Greek. It’s a playful take on “bare-naked tech”—our approach to tech support without jargon. Pretty cool, right? But when someone searches for it, Google asks, “Did you mean gymnastics studios?” Google thinks we’re doing somersaults instead of solving computer problems! (Honey, this old bear’s back doesn’t work like that!)
Missing from “What You Do”: Here’s the biggest problem. When people search for “computer repair Minneapolis” or “tech support near me” – things people actually type when they need help – we’re nowhere to be found.
The Truth About Local Search
Did you know almost half of all Google searches look for local information? If your business doesn’t show up when people search for what you do in your area, you’re missing tons of customers.
Jason has a Google Business Profile. But Google doesn’t automatically know that “Gymnarctos Studios” should pop up when someone searches for computer help. We have to teach it!
The Fix
Speak Google’s Language: We’re making sure our website uses words you would search for. Not just technical terms. Things like “computer repair Minneapolis” and “home network troubleshooting” are super important.
Google Business Profile, Fully Fed: We’re constantly updating our free Google Business Profile. This is like a little online storefront. Make sure it’s completely filled out with:
- Your services
- Your hours
- Photos
- Your service area
Keep it fresh!
Local SEO: We’re telling Google exactly where we are and what we do. This helps us show up when people search for services in Minneapolis or nearby areas.
Oopsie #2: Social Media Silence
Jason posts helpful content on social media. He shares great tips and solutions to common tech problems. But sometimes, it feels like he’s talking to an empty room!
The engagement (likes, comments, shares) isn’t always what he hopes for. He makes sure posts are practical and problem-focused, which is great! But even with great content, it’s hard to get noticed online.
The Fix
Ask for Interaction: We’re asking more questions in our posts to encourage comments. Things like:
- “What’s the weirdest noise your computer has ever made?”
- “What’s your biggest WiFi frustration?”
Get that conversation flowing!
Share More Than Just Articles: While helpful articles are great, we’re mixing in more behind-the-scenes glimpses and quick video tips. Keep things varied and engaging!
Engage Back: When someone comments or shares, Jason replies quickly and keeps the conversation going. It’s about being social, not just posting!
Oopsie #3: Mobile Speed Crawl
This is a big one we’re still fixing! Jason found out his website was loading super slowly on phones. We’re talking seconds – which feels like forever in internet time! Most people look at websites on their phones these days.
If a website takes too long to load, people give up and go somewhere else. Even Google cares about this. Jason got rejected from Google’s AdSense program twice because his site was too slow. Ouch!
The Fix
Mobile-First Thinking: When we change the website, we make sure it looks and works great on phones first, then on bigger screens.
Picture Power (But Not Too Much): We’re making sure pictures on the site are just the right size. Beautiful but not so big they slow everything down. We use tools to “compress” them so they load quickly.
Regular Speed Checks: Jason checks our website’s speed regularly, not just once a year. We use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to see where we can improve.
Oopsie #4: Content That Needed a Spotlight
Jason writes really good, customer-focused articles. But even great content needs help getting seen. The challenge isn’t that the content is wrong. It’s making sure Google knows this great content exists and is relevant to what people search for.
It’s like having a fabulous outfit but no one knows you’re wearing it!
The Fix
Connect the Dots: We’re making sure articles link to each other where it makes sense. Our main website pages point to our blog posts. This helps Google understand how everything on our site is related.
Share Beyond Social Media: Besides regular social posts, we’re looking into other places to share our helpful articles. Things like local online community groups or email newsletters.
Clear Headings and Structure: We’re making sure our articles have clear headings and easy-to-read paragraphs. This isn’t just good for humans. It helps Google understand what each part of the article is about.
My Human’s Journey: Still Learning, Still Positive
I need to be honest with you. Jason isn’t someone who’s conquered digital marketing. He’s someone who’s learned these lessons and applies them every single day.
Right now, if you Google “Gymnarctos Studios,” you’ll find us! If you search for “TechBear Minneapolis,” you’ll find us, but we’re still climbing that results page. And yes, Jason is still trying to get Google to stop suggesting “gymnastics studios” for his tech business!
But here’s what we’ve discovered: being in the middle of solving these problems makes us better guides for you. We’re not speaking from the top of marketing success. We’re speaking from the trenches, with fresh experience and real-time solutions.
This journey taught us something important: we don’t have to be perfect to be helpful. Sometimes the best person to help you navigate a challenge is someone who’s walking that same path, just a few steps ahead.
Your Turn: Take Action This Week
I’ve shared my human’s learning experiences because every one of you has something valuable to offer your community. Whether it’s a business, personal project, or creative work, the tragedy would be if great content like yours stayed invisible because of fixable digital mistakes.
These tips work whether you’re running a business, showcasing your work, or just want your website to actually be found online.
Here’s what I want you to do this week:
1. Google Yourself
Right now, open a new tab and see what shows up. Try searching for:
- Your business name or personal name
- Your website or blog
- “Your service/skill + your city” No excuses!
2. Check Your Mobile Site
Pull out your phone and actually try to use your website or blog. Is it fast? Is it easy to navigate? Be honest!
3. Review Your Social Media
Look at your last five social media posts. Are they sparking conversations? Are you asking questions and replying to comments?
4. Ask Someone
Ask a friend, client, or follower: “How did you find me online?” You might be surprised by the answer. It could give you huge clues for your online strategy!
Don’t make the mistakes my human and I are still working through. Learn from someone who’s figuring this out in real-time.
Your business deserves to be found by the people who need you most. Sometimes the best guide is a helpful bear who’s still finding his own way, but willing to share the map.
What’s YOUR Biggest Digital Marketing Challenge?
Drop a comment below and tell me what online marketing challenge is driving you crazy. I love helping solve these puzzles!
Until next Tech Tip Tuesday, remember: At Gymnarctos Studios, we believe even the most complex technology should feel as approachable as me, TechBear – friendly, helpful, and never intimidating!
About the Authors
TechBear
TechBear is the Fabulous TechnoBeast of Silicon Valley (and occasionally your local coffee shop Wi-Fi). He’s a battle-scarred veteran of countless digital disasters. When not rescuing clients from their own online adventures, he can be found teaching squirrels the basics of network security.
Jason
Jason (he/his) is the founder and Chief Everything Officer at Gymnarctos Studios in the suburbs of Minneapolis (Edina, to be exact). A full-stack developer, tech educator, and sci-fi nerd, Jason blends technical expertise with a uniquely helpful approach.
About Gymnarctos Studios
Gymnarctos Studios provides accessible, jargon-free IT support and consulting to home users and small businesses. We believe technology should empower you, not intimidate you.
Have a Tech Question for TechBear?
Have a tech question that’s making your circuits sizzle? Leave a comment below or email GymnarctosStudiosLLC@gmail.com.
For a response in TechBear’s voice, put ‘Ask TechBear’ in the subject line. You’ll get helpful advice, sass, and good-natured advice about tech decisions.
For serious business inquiries, please also use GymnarctosStudiosLLC@gmail.com, and add an appropriate subject line.