Life & Work with Connie Rietdyk of Santa Ana, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Rietdyk.

Hi Connie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been building websites and working in SEO for over 20 years, but my journey into entrepreneurship really took shape during COVID.

At the time, I was working a traditional 9–5 while raising my son, who is on the autism spectrum. There were moments where I would be on a work call while also trying to keep an eye on him, and it got to a point where I felt like I was constantly being pulled in two directions. It wasn’t just stressful—it started to impact his safety and my ability to be fully present as a mom.

I remember thinking, “I can’t keep doing both like this.”

So I made the decision to leave my job, even though I didn’t have everything figured out. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. There were times we struggled financially, and I had to get creative just to make ends meet. I was taking on whatever work I could, sometimes working out of hotels, just trying to build something stable for us.

But that season forced me to fully lean into my skills.

I started applying my background in SEO to short-form video, and that’s when everything shifted. I realized that most small businesses weren’t struggling because of their product—they just weren’t being found. That insight changed the way I approached content completely.

I began developing a search-first strategy, especially on platforms like TikTok, where I focused on helping content rank instead of just go viral. Over time, I’ve helped more than 50 small businesses rank within their niche, and I’ve documented many of those results publicly so other business owners can see what’s possible.

At the same time, I started creating autism-friendly travel content based on my own experiences. Travel can feel overwhelming for families like mine, and I wanted to show what it actually looks like in real life—not just the highlight version, but the real moments that help other parents feel prepared and confident.

More recently, I’ve also leaned into creative campaigns, including documenting my own wedding sponsorship outreach, where I combined storytelling, SEO, and real-life experiences to connect with brands in a different way.

Today, my work combines visibility and storytelling. I help businesses get found through SEO-driven content, while also using my platform to advocate for more inclusive, accessible experiences for families like mine.

Looking back, what started as a difficult decision rooted in necessity turned into something much bigger—a way to create both freedom for my family and opportunity for others.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road at all. There have definitely been a lot of challenges along the way, especially in the beginning.

Leaving my 9–5 without a clear safety net was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. I went from having a steady income to having to figure things out in real time, all while raising my son, who has autism. There were moments where finances were really tight, and I had to be extremely resourceful just to keep things going. There were times I didn’t know exactly how everything would come together—I just knew I had to keep going.

At the same time, I was learning how to navigate entrepreneurship on my own. Even though I had years of experience in SEO and website development, building a business for myself was completely different. I had to figure out how to position my services, find clients, and adapt to new platforms like TikTok, which was a whole new learning curve.

I also struggled with imposter syndrome in the beginning. Even with my background, there were moments where I questioned whether I was charging too much or if I was truly “qualified” to position myself as an expert. Pricing my services felt uncomfortable at first, and I had to learn how to confidently stand behind the value I was providing.

There was also the emotional side of it—balancing being fully present as a mom while trying to grow a business from scratch. Some days felt overwhelming, and there was a lot of uncertainty in the early stages.

But those challenges really shaped the way I work today. They pushed me to become more strategic, more resilient, and more focused on creating systems that actually work long-term. That’s a big part of why I lean so heavily into SEO-driven content now—because I know how important it is to have visibility that continues to work for you, especially when you don’t have the time or capacity to constantly be online.

Looking back, I wouldn’t describe it as smooth, but I would say it’s been purposeful. Every challenge forced me to refine what I do, and ultimately helped me build something that supports both my family and the businesses I work with.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I do is combine SEO with content creation in a way that actually helps businesses get found.

I specialize in working with service-based businesses and travel brands, and my focus is always on search. A lot of creators focus on going viral, but I focus on creating content that ranks—so it continues to bring in visibility long after it’s posted.

When it comes to travel content, I don’t just film what a place looks like, I try to capture what it feels like to actually be there. Whether it’s a hotel stay, a family trip, or an experience, I want people to be able to see it and picture themselves in that moment. That’s what turns content into something that drives real bookings, not just views.

On the service-based side, I apply that same strategy to help businesses show up when people are searching for what they offer. For example, I’ve helped a local limo company rank on TikTok for “wedding limo in Orange County,” which directly impacts their inquiries. Overall, I’ve worked with more than 50 small businesses to improve their visibility using this approach.

What I’m most proud of is being able to take something like SEO—which can feel overwhelming—and break it down into something that actually works for real business owners. Especially for small businesses, being found online can completely change everything.

What sets me apart is that I understand both sides—the technical side of how people search, and the creative side of what makes someone stop and connect with content. I’m not just creating for aesthetics, I’m creating with intention so it actually leads to results.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I was the kind of kid who was always creating something or finding ways to make money—whether it was making custom shoes, building websites, or even creating graduation leis. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was already learning how to turn ideas into something tangible.

Personality-wise, I’ve always been very optimistic. My family would probably describe me as a “Pollyanna”—I tend to stay positive and find the good in situations, even when things aren’t going perfectly. That mindset has definitely carried into my adult life and helped me push through challenges.

I was also really drawn to creativity and performance. I used to tell my mom that my dream was to be a backup dancer for Janet Jackson. I loved dance, music, and anything expressive. I went to auditions, had a few tough experiences, and over time life took me in a different direction—I got married, had a baby, and my dreams started to evolve.

Even though I didn’t pursue dance professionally, that creative side never really left. I still love dance, musicals, and even something as simple as carpool karaoke. I think that part of me shows up now in the way I create content—I’m still telling stories and creating experiences, just in a different way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stan.store/conniegooglequeen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connieautismtravel/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@conniegooglequeen

Image Credits
Karen Salinas