From Bulgaria to Asia, Borislav Tatarov mastered his SEO skills to return to Asia and set up a successful business.
What’s your story?
I was working various marketing related jobs in my home country – Bulgaria. However I really didn’t see myself living there. So in 2012, when I was 25, I decided to quit my job, leave everything and try my luck in Bangkok. I had saved only about $1,000, never been to Asia before, I hadn’t even flown in a plane and I didn’t know anybody there. So it was kind of reckless. In retrospect, I don’t know how I made such huge move, considering I am an introvert and pretty conservative guy.
I liked Bangkok so much that I wanted to stay there forever. I started to figure ways to make money online and SEO got my attention. I read tons of online articles and books on the topic and managed to get my first SEO client. Unfortunately it was only paying me $100 a month. I was running out of money so I had no choice but to come back to Bulgaria after 6 months in Thailand.
When I was back in Bulgaria, I spent 5 months sitting at home and learning everything about SEO. All I needed was a few more clients to provide me with enough money to go back and live in Asia.
Eventually that happened and in April 2013, I was back in Asia, but this time in Cebu, Philippines.
Fast forward to 2017, I have a well established agency and I am still living in Asia.
What excites you most about your industry?
I have been in online marketing for the last 5 years and I am so grateful I got into this industry. Although it might sound too perky, I truly believe this is one of the best industries. The beauty of it is that it can really help any kind of business to be more successful. No matter what industry or size of the company you are in, if the online marketing campaign is done right, it will boost your business to a whole new level.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I have lived and worked here since 2012.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Definitely Bangkok. The reason, business always comes with entertainment. The best business deals I’ve ever made have been whilst networking and there is no better place for this than Bangkok.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
To be an imperfectionist is what can make or break any ideas. Focusing and improving the process is much better compared with being obsessed with the target.
Who inspires you?
There are so many people I truly admire and get an inspiration from, but if I had to choose one, that would be Elon Musk. This guy thinks so big and is a real example that anything is possible.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I recently discovered that a successful business relies mostly on good processes and procedures. It doesn’t matter if you have a brilliant idea or amazing product, if you don’t have the actual plan for your business, you don’t actually have one, just a hobby.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
In my early 20s I was not confident at all. I have been working on a few awesome projects but, eventually I dropped them after I encountered the first problems. I should have been more persuasive and stuck with my ideas. I mean if you are in your 20s, it is the right time to risk and experiment. What can go wrong? No kids, no bills, no responsibilities, you have nothing to lose.
How do you unwind?
Same as probably all the expats who live in Asia. I really enjoy the hot weather and the beach. That’s one of the reasons I live here. For me there is no better relaxation than lying on the beach with my Kindle and a Corona with lime.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
That’s an easy one. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a business or for a vacation, Bangkok would be my ultimate destination in Asia. The food, the people and all the friends I have there. I just love this city.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I truly believe that there are several factors for successful businesses, but I ahve identifed 2 of them which I think are the most important ones:
The first one is “how to get the things done.” An idea without execution is a delusion. The book, “How to be an imperfectionist” by Stephen Guise, will teach you exactly this. How you can easily become more focused and goal oriented.
The second most important thing is how to actually sell your idea and make it appealing to potential customers. No matter if you are a SaaS startup or a new local cafeteria, “Ca$hvertising” by Drew Whitman, will show you how to craft the most amazing angle and value proposition for your business.
Shameless plug for your business:
I am a founder of Purified Marketing, which is a ROI driven SEO agency. What separates us from the thousands of other SEO agencies is that we are not just focusing on increasing the organic traffic and ranking our clients’ websites higher.
The most important thing for us is that, as a result of the SEO, our clients’ get more potential customers and ultimately increase their revenue.
Our optimisation process usually lasts 4 months (and depends on our client’s competition), but even after that, our clients still keep receiving free targeted traffic from Google.
Keeping in mind the increasing cost of paid advertising every year, SEO is becoming one of the best long term strategies for any online business.
How can people connect with you?
The best way is via Skype (btatarov) and Email: ([email protected]). I am online all the day (and night)
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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