Quick Answer

Sometimes the opportunities that move your business forward don't come from a huge marketing campaign—they come from one small decision.

For me, it was simply choosing not to keep scrolling.

Running a Small Business Means Wearing Every Hat

If you're a small business owner, you probably know this feeling.

You're trying to:

Create products
Answer customer emails
Update your website
Learn SEO
Figure out Google
Post on social media
Create Pinterest content
Keep up with AI
And somehow still run your business.

Some days it feels like you're throwing everything at the wall hoping something sticks.

That was me.

The Facebook Post I Almost Ignored

Yesterday, while scrolling through the Wichita Small Business Facebook group, I noticed a post looking for local businesses to join a brand-new Wichita business directory.

I almost kept scrolling.

Then I stopped.

I remember thinking:

"Wait a minute... being listed in a local business directory really isn't a bad thing."

Interestingly, my first thought wasn't getting customers.

It was...

A backlink.

So I scrolled back up and left a comment.

I had no idea that one comment would completely change what I'd spend the next 24 hours working on.

What Is a Backlink?

If you've never heard the term before, don't worry.

A backlink is simply another website linking back to yours.

Think of it like another business saying:

"Hey... this business is worth checking out."

Search engines use backlinks as one of many signals when understanding how trustworthy and relevant a website is.

Not every backlink carries the same value, but quality backlinks from reputable, relevant websites can strengthen your online presence over time.

As someone who spends a lot of time learning SEO, I immediately recognized the opportunity.

An Unexpected Website Audit

After I commented, the owner of The 316 Directory took the time to give my website a mini audit.

I'll be honest...

It completely made my day.

He complimented:

My purple branding
The Marie Gems identity
My website layout
How clearly my services were explained
The overall organization of my site

After spending countless hours building my website, hearing that from someone outside my own circle was incredibly encouraging.

But then he pointed out something I hadn't been giving enough attention.

My Google Business Profile

While my website looked solid, he explained that improving my Google Business Profile and collecting more Google reviews could significantly strengthen my local SEO.

If SEO sounds intimidating...

It simply means:

Helping search engines understand what your business does so they know when to recommend it.

Then he mentioned something I'd heard before...

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO).

That conversation completely shifted how I think about marketing.

Wait... AI Can Recommend Local Businesses?

This was probably the biggest lightbulb moment.

He shared a story about his wife using ChatGPT while asking questions about remodeling a kitchen.

She wasn't searching for a contractor.

She was simply asking questions.

During the conversation, ChatGPT recommended a local remodeling company.

That really made me stop and think.

People aren't only searching Google anymore.

They're asking:

ChatGPT
Gemini
Claude
Microsoft Copilot

So I started asking myself:

How can I make Marie Gems easier for AI to understand?

That single conversation completely changed the way I looked at my own website.

I'm Self-Taught… and I Love Learning

One thing I shared during our conversation is that I'm completely self-taught when it comes to:

SEO
Pinterest marketing
Website optimization
Most of my digital marketing

I've spent years:

Reading articles
Watching videos
Testing ideas
Breaking things
Fixing them
Learning through trial and error

Because of that, I usually manage my own:

Website
SEO
Google Business Profile
Pinterest strategy

But I also told him something else.

I'd genuinely enjoy sitting down with someone who sees things differently.

Because no matter how much you know...

Someone else always knows something you don't.

And I never want to stop learning.

One Conversation Became Immediate Action

Instead of thinking:

"I should probably do that someday..."

I actually started making changes.

Within the next day I:

Improved my Google Business Profile
Built a Shopify AI Knowledge Base
Added dozens of AI-friendly FAQs
Learned more about Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Started asking customers for Google reviews

Then I realized something.

I'd had my Google Business Profile for years...

But I had almost never asked customers to leave reviews.

So I opened Flodesk—the email marketing platform I use—and sent an email asking past customers if they'd be willing to leave an honest review.

The responses started coming in.

One after another.

Some honestly brought tears to my eyes.

Everything Happened in About 24 Hours

Sometimes it's amazing how quickly momentum builds.

Within one day I:

✅ Joined The 316 Directory
✅ Became a Founding Member
✅ Learned more about AEO
✅ Improved my Google Business Profile
✅ Asked customers for reviews
✅ Built a Shopify AI Knowledge Base
✅ Added AI-friendly FAQs across my website
✅ Received multiple new Google reviews

And then...

Marie Gems was officially featured by The 316 Directory.

Read the feature:
Insert 316 Directory Feature Link

Most Business Growth Isn't Exciting

We often imagine success looks like:

Landing a huge client
Going viral
Making thousands overnight

But most real business growth looks much smaller.

It looks like:

Stopping your scroll.
Leaving one comment.
Sending one email.
Asking for one review.
Writing one blog post.
Creating one Pinterest pin.
Improving one page on your website.

Those tiny actions compound over time.

And eventually...

People notice.

My Advice to Other Small Business Owners

Don't be afraid to:

Join local business groups.
Network with other business owners.
Keep learning.
Ask questions.
Request reviews.
Improve your website.
Learn SEO.
Learn about AI.
Admit when you don't know something.

Because I certainly don't know everything.

I'm learning every single day.

And honestly...

That's one of my favorite parts of being a small business owner.

Connect With Marie Gems

Whether you're looking for:

Shopify website design
Pinterest management
Branding
SEO
Personalized gifts
Custom products

I'd love to help.

🌐 Website
https://mariegems.com

📰 Featured in The 316 Directory
Insert 316 Directory Feature Link

⭐ Leave a Google Review
https://g.page/r/CaSvPk5KsT_aEBI/review

Thank you for following along on this journey.

Every lesson, every client, every review, and every connection helps Marie Gems continue to grow.

I'm excited to see where this journey leads next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this story about?

It's a behind-the-scenes look at how one small decision—choosing not to scroll past a Facebook post—led to meaningful improvements in my business and opened the door to new opportunities.

What is a backlink?

A backlink is a link from another website to your website. Quality backlinks can help search engines better understand your business and may strengthen your visibility over time.

What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) focuses on helping AI assistants and answer engines understand your content so they can provide accurate information when users ask questions.

Why are Google reviews important?

Google reviews can build trust with potential customers, strengthen your local online presence, and provide valuable feedback about your business.

What can other small business owners learn from this?

Growth often comes from consistently taking small, meaningful actions. Staying curious, continuing to learn, building relationships, and improving your business little by little can create momentum over time.

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I Almost Scrolled Past One Facebook Post… and I'm Glad I Didn't