Meet Kyle, an SEO guru nestled away on the Orkney Islands but making a massive impact on clients across the UK. Like many, Kyle took the opportunity during covid to expand his skillset and turned that opportunity into a full-time freelancing career, and with great success.
Get to know what makes an Analytics Specialist tick in this week’s Featured Freelancer:
What is your name and what do you do?
Kyle Rushton McGregor and I’m an SEO, PPC and Analytics specialist. My business name is KRM Digital UK and whilst I live in the Orkney islands, I support clients across the UK and further afield.
How long have you been running your business/freelancing and why did you start?
I started doing this in 2020 when I was furloughed and saw it as an opportunity to continue learning whilst I was not working. And wow, how much that has changed my life!
Finding clients is one of the biggest concerns for people starting out working for themselves. Where did you find your very first client or customer? Where do you mostly find them now?
The very first client, I found via LinkedIn – a charity close to my heart that I followed on LinkedIn was looking for a freelancer to support them and I applied, and the rest is history. A lot of the time they now come via referrals, but I’ve found networking to be useful too. Also, aligning yourself with other specialists that don’t have your skill set is a great way to collaborate with other freelancers on projects e.g. a copywriter with an SEO.
Who would you love to have as a dream client and why?
I really want to ensure I’m doing good when I’m working, so I’m not sure if I have a dream client, but I definitely wanted to work for purpose-driven organisations. This way, I can know that as well providing a great service it also means I’m supporting something good as well.
What app or social media platform could you not run your business without, and why?
LinkedIn is great for me for leads and also to keep in the loop with what’s going on in the world of digital marketing. For me, the complete G-suite is really useful – everything is managed via Google Drive.
Is working for yourself what you expected? How do you manage a healthy work-life balance?
I’m not doing a very good job of managing a work-life balance at the moment, but the thing that has really worked for me is structure during the day and the evening. So a walk, or going to the gym signals the end of the working day for example.
It is exactly what I expected it to be though – but every freelancer has their challenges and ensuring a better work-life balance is mine at the moment.
What has been your favourite project to date?
Hmmm, that’s a good question – I think I’m really proud of the work I’ve done with that first client – the relationship is still going and I’m really excited about what can be achieved.
What is your biggest win of the last 12 months?
Getting a new client local to me in the Orkney islands – I’ve always wanted to get clients in Orkney to help them succeed with the tourist season fast approaching.
What is it about running your business/being a freelancer that you most and least enjoy?
I really enjoy the freedom that freelancing can provide and the knowledge that the work you put in, will benefit you, not just some boss or business you’re part of. The least part is the insecurity that it sometimes comes with, and then that bit of the sales process when you have to quote and sell yourself!
If you were given a free £1000 to spend on your business, what would you spend it on?
Branding and tone of voice documents for sure – some consistency in what I say and how I say it.
What is your ONE top tip or piece of advice you would offer to other freelancers/small business owners?
Don’t let doubt or insecurity keep you in a place you don’t want to be.
And finally, is there anything you’d like to shout about right now?
Well GA4 is coming, you need to be prepared. And I’ve spent loads of time getting to know the platform – so shout if anyone needs a helping hand with it.
You can connect with Kyle on LinkedIn and his website krmdigital.uk.
