Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
All posts by Sohrab Vazir
Why you should prioritise inbound SEO?
Inbound SEO is a vast topic, and that also reflects how imperative it is to your online growth. Many marketers make the mistake of neglecting inbound marketing as a whole, and this is also the case with inbound SEO. Personally, when I launched my start-up, StudyFlats, I didn’t have much of a budget to spend on paid SEO, primarily Google Ads and Pay-per-Click (PPC) advertising. However, one skill that I did have was writing. Initially, I mainly focused on academic writing, but with StudyFlats mainly catering to the student market, I had to adjust my writing. StudyFlats was also highly reliant on SEO. We linked international students to private accommodation providers/student halls through our online platform. Therefore, I had to use my writing skills to somehow promote the company’s online presence / SERPs. In the meantime, a competitor also raised over £70m in funding, whilst in the first year I launched and ran the company from Newcastle University’s co-working space and coffee shops with £500 in my bank account (3 years later, we were a team of 5 and operating across 30+ UK cities). It was during this time that I began to realise the magic of inbound SEO. The SEO keywords that we sought to rank for, for instance, “student accommodation” were beyond competitive. Thus, I began brainstorming about other relevant topics for our audience, international students, which may not necessarily be relevant to student accommodation. In other words, I prioritised inbound SEO. This was a key factor in getting traction for the business and helped us not only attract more students but also establish trust in the industry as a whole. These are some of the key reasons why you should prioritise inbound SEO: Suitable for lower marketing budgets Before handling six-figure budgets for StudyFlats, I started it with less than £500 in my bank account, and also as a solo founder. Inbound SEO, as I explained above, was instrumental in getting our foot in the industry and attracting organic website visitors. Thought leadership & industry recognition I made a TikTok video recently about improving your sales skills, especially as a founder. My key point in the video was that trust is a vital factor in sales/business development and success in the aforementioned. Sadly, this is neglected by a lot of founders and companies as they overfocus on meeting sales quotas or their product/service offerings. Inbound SEO enables you, whether as an individual or an organization, to establish thought leadership and trust within your stakeholders and the wider industry. Qualified leads Do you know what I hate? Cold calling, cold emails, basically anything “cold” within a professional context. Yes, I understand that cold sales are a necessary part of business for many/most companies. However, sales lead generation and conversion do come at a cost for founders and companies. This also becomes problematic where there are resource limitations. Inbound SEO helps you accelerate and skip the entire lead generation, as well as parts of the conversion processes. Qualified leads mean that the people visiting your website as a result of your inbound SEO campaigns, are already interested in either what you offer or your sector. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four prior to 2020. Currently, I help founders and businesses increase their online presence through strategy inbound marketing campaigns.
Why immigrant entrepreneurs are important to the UK
As a former international founder in the UK, I have written several articles about immigrant entrepreneurs. In this one, I will look at their importance from a UK perspective. The UK’s political and economic landscape has rapidly shifted in the last decade. Moreover, preserving its benefits for international entrepreneurs is vital to the UK’s future success. Immigrants are much more likely to become entrepreneurs. This is a hypothesis that I examined in several other articles on my blog, most notably: In the context of the UK, the key points covered in my previous research may be applicable. However, identifying the importance of immigrant entrepreneurs to the UK benefits from highlighting the key factors signifying this importance. These are namely: Global challenges We live through a historical period in which the problems facing humanity are, by their nature, global. Examples include international terrorism, climate change and so on. As we are on the topic of climate change, allow me to introduce you to the concept of “climate refugees” For many, the issue of migration and displacement is automatically contextualised as a political one. However, this is an incomplete perspective and ignores the increasing roles of other issues such as climate change. According to a report published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there will be an estimated 25 million to 1 billion displaced people, solely due to climate change, by 2050. Additionally, UNESCO has predicted that displacement will be a primary cause of displacement within the following decades. << Read full report>> By 2050, there will be between 25 million to 1 billion displaced people due to climate conditions. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Innovations & new solutions Global challenges require global solutions. Restrictive measures, enacted through policy and other means, pose the risk of harming global innovation. Immigrants, nomads and displaced people are problem-solvers by nature. Their realities are formed by unique events and challenges. The latter are beyond what is interpreted as “ordinary” for most people in the “developed” world. For instance, let us look at an article by Stanford Graduate School of Business. The article examines 880,000 patent registrations between 1990 & 2016. The research found that patents by immigrants outmeasured the native groups both statistically and in terms of quality. Despite comprising only 16% of inventors, immigrants were responsible for 23% of patents issued. This study may be contextually and geographically limited to a specific area/nation. However, it supports the broader argument that innovation and creativity are skills that are highly evident among migrants and displaced people. The succeeding point about immigrant entrepreneurs in the UK will support this hypothesis. Immigrant entrepreneurs behind the UK’s top companies Similar to the US, immigrant entrepreneurs in the UK proportionally outsize the local population. In a research/study conducted by The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN), it was observed that foreign-born founders or co-founders accounted for 39% of the top 100 fastest-growing enterprises in the UK. The UK’s global position The UK’s global standing as an entrepreneurial ecosystem and a business-friendly nation is closely tied to immigrant entrepreneurs. This connection remains significant in the long term. Therefore, the formation and structure of the UK’s visa policy hold critical importance. Immigrants, nomads and displaced people show high tendencies towards entrepreneurship. This is inherently valuable and must be utilised for the betterment of the world. However, the current global visa regime has a long road to adapt to the premise of immigrant entrepreneurship. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme. Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies. References
How I will help you increase your website traffic organically
The internet is full of guides on how to increase your website traffic organically, as one simple Google search will tell you. And some can be quite useful, it can be a DIY project and you may increase your website traffic organically (to some degree). However, long-term measurable results will most likely require an expert: and that’s where I come in. As I said before, my intention is not to slay off DIY guides on increasing website traffic organically. However, this article is for founders and businesses who seek to make early investments in their inbound marketing campaigns. This campaign consists of 25 blog articles, that I will write, following the completion of the steps outlined below. For full details please see here. First, let us look at the skills and activities required to increase your website traffic organically through a planned campaign. These are (in respective order): The combination of these steps, when done correctly, will increase your website traffic organically. Now let’s look at each stage in more detail. 1. Product/service evaluation During our first and second calls, I will get a thorough understanding of what you are offering, and what your key distinguishing attributes are. These will enable us to tailor the next steps based on a customer-centric approach. Moreover, understanding the key issues affecting your target audience is imperative. 2. Keyword research & planning After the first step, I will then begin researching the relevant keywords to your business and industry. In doing so, I will consider a range of factors including: Keyword popularity Your budget and company size Strategic ranking: this involves identifying popular keywords unique to your audience through unconventional methods 3. Website heath check | Technical SEO assessment I will run a general website health check / technical SEO analysis for your website. This step is crucial and one that many SEO copywriters or even agencies will neglect. The reason is this: Adverse technical SEO factors affecting your website’s visibility make all other efforts essentially pointless. Therefore, it is important to identify any major issues such as spammy backlinks, missing meta descriptions and so on. 4. Copywriting In the final step, I will begin writing the 25 articles that this campaign is based on. You may be asking “Why 25 blog articles?” This is based on 8 years of SEO experience and research, which is generally the benchmark for witnessing a 30-100% increase in organic website traffic. At this point, leave the magic to me and sit tight whilst your awesome content is in the process of creation. Increase your organic website traffic with me by 30-100% in 6 months. Get started today! About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four prior to 2020. Currently, I help founders and businesses increase their online presence through strategy inbound marketing campaigns.
Advisory Programs now LIVE
In today’s dynamic business landscape, personalized guidance and support are invaluable assets on the path to success. Recognizing the diverse needs of individuals and enterprises, my tailored advisory programs are designed to empower migrants, founders, and enterprise alike. Let’s delve into how these programs can unlock potential, foster growth, and drive innovation. Empowering Founders Entrepreneurship is a journey fraught with challenges and opportunities. The programs equip founders with the tools and insights they need. Whether to navigate the complexities of employment or scaling a venture. From refining business models to accessing funding and market expansion strategies, I work hand-in-hand with founders to turn visions into reality. With personalised mentorship and actionable guidance, I empower founders to build resilient and impactful businesses. Empowering Migrants For migrants navigating new territories, my advisory programs offer a roadmap to prosperity. From navigating cultural nuances to accessing opportunities, I provide personalised strategies and mentorship to facilitate integration and success. By harnessing individual strengths and aspirations, I help migrants to thrive in their new environments and contribute meaningfully to society. Empowering Enterprise Innovation lies at the heart of every successful enterprise. The advisory programs offer tailored solutions to drive innovation, growth, and competitive advantage. Whether it’s optimizing operations, exploring new markets, or fostering a culture of innovation, I partner with enterprises to unlock their full potential. Through strategic guidance and implementation support, I enable enterprises to stay ahead of the curve and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving marketplace. At the core of my advisory programs lies a commitment to empowerment, growth, and impact. By tailoring my approach to the unique needs of migrants, founders, and enterprise, I unlock new possibilities and drive sustainable success. Join me on this transformative journey and unlock your full potential today! About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other entrepreneurs start their businesses.
3 tools to help you make more sales
If you’re on the lookout for digital tools to make more sales, this short list is for you. As an entrepreneur for over 8 years, I learnt an important lesson: if you can’t sell, you won’t succeed regardless of what you aim to do. Now, I am not going to go through the soft and personal skills that you need to make more sales (perhaps for another article). However, I want to point out 3 tools that can considerably help you in getting exposure, prospecting and converting your sales leads. Tidio Tidio has got to be one of my favourite tools of all time. Its primary product is AI-assisted chatbots. These chatbots and lead converters are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor your communications with prospective leads. Moreover, the Tidio platform in itself is quite user-friendly, and easy to use whilst also offering more service extensions such as email marketing. Hunter.io Do you know what’s the worst approach to sales? The cold approach. Generic emails with the opening of “Hello there” or “Greetings” will never work. Instead, it’s important to target and create a profile of your ideal customer accurately. But, how do you get to contact them? This is where Hunter.io comes in. Quora Did I just refer to a community platform as a sales tool? Yes Was it by mistake? No. I love Quora. I have used it for over a decade and it has never disappointed me (apart from the tabs opening in new windows all the time!). However, you may be asking why Quora can be used as a sales tool. Here’s the answer: psychology. Quora, along with Reddit, is one of the best platforms for understanding people’s problems, needs and desires, the key ingredients of a successful sales strategy. Use Quora to understand: Your target market, Their pain What bothers them What motivates them Subsequently, centre your sales pitch around the above. These 3 tools will help you boost your sales through better planning and engagement with your leads. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four prior to 2020. Currently, I help other entrepreneurs start their businesses.
Are online courses useful for people starting their own business?
If you are thinking of starting your own business, then you may have considered completing online courses. In recent years, there has been an unprecedented surge in the provision of online courses, especially around starting your own business. However, are they useful? Or simply useless? The answer to the above is: it depends. Online courses can be useful for people who want to start their own business. However, you must use them in the right way and with the right intention. Let me answer this question differently. Generally, with business, you are preoccupied with three key questions: The question is whether an online course would be appropriate for and beneficial in answering those three questions. Online courses are useless for the “Why” There are a myriad of courses on “business mindset”, “growth hacks”, “growth mindset”, “billionaire mindset” and so on. These promise to give you the right mindset to make your billions (and yes, it is most definitely utter BS). I believe that any entrepreneur should start a business out of their instinct. They should not need any person or entity telling them why they should start a business or get into the right mindset of setting one. Entrepreneurship is a journey of evolution Understanding the context of this article demands an understanding of the philosophy of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is inherently defined by risk and uncertainty. It is unconventional. There is a reason why the majority do not pursue this path, despite not necessarily loving their daily jobs. It is about understanding and accepting that you are taking a massive risk. You can do everything right, and it can still fail. Therefore, beginning this journey under a guided course is the wrong way to approach this path. Online courses are good for the “What” and the “How” Now that we have clarified where online courses for starting a business are not helpful, let’s consider the other side. I elaborated on a few points concerning entrepreneurship. Here are an additional 2 that are relevant: skills and knowledge. Implementing, managing and executing a business venture demands certain skills, and it may be specific to each founder and business. This is where online courses “may” be helpful for people starting their businesses. So long as you identify the following: Let’s look at an example below (me): Sohrab wants to start an online consultancy business. His main way of getting clients is online through his website and Google search. Therefore, Sohrab needs to understand Google Analytics to analyse his website’s performance. In this case, an online course on Google Analytics could be helpful for Sohrab. Starting your own business can be daunting. Need help? About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four prior to 2020. Currently, I help other entrepreneurs start their businesses.
Don’t make this mistake with Business and Startup Visas
Business and startup visas and international entrepreneurs are what and who I deal with on a daily basis. As someone who has embarked on the path of business visas as a foreign entrepreneur, I have learned a few lessons. Disclaimer: none of the content in this article, or website, constitute immigration advice in any shape or form. For professional immigration advice, please refer to a regulated immigration advisor or solicitor. If you are an international entrepreneur considering applying for a business or startup visa, there are quite a few things to consider. This may be one of the biggest challenges with foreign entrepreneurs. Starting a business is always hard work; add it to navigating immigration rules and you are bound to get things wrong. As such, in this article, I seek to prevent foreign entrepreneurs from making ONE fatal mistake, and that is underestimating the requirements of business and startup visas. Business & Startup visas may come with ongoing requirements Remember that under many visa paths such as the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, there are ongoing milestones that founders must meet. In other words, getting a business or startup visa is just the beginning. Where do founders get it wrong? With the above in mind, founders usually underestimate startup and business visa requirements by either: These two mistakes can end up costing you money, time, energy and your health. It is vital that founders who consider startup and business visas are aware of this reality. Startup and business visas are not the means to obtain long-term residency/citizenship. It may be in certain countries, but it certainly is not the case with the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa. Remember to assess everything from a “business” perspective, rather than a “residency/immigration” one. What if residency is your goal? Entrepreneurship is not everyone’s forté, and I am not judging you for that. Perhaps you do wish to invest in commercial projects whilst obtaining an additional residency or citizenship. In these cases, it is better to consider residency or citizenship by investment programs offered by several countries across the world. Do not pursue a business or startup visa if your main priority is residency. Running a business has many uncertainties, and it should always be done for the purpose of generating profit unless we are speaking of non-profits. Any other goal is foundationally wrong for doing so. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme. Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.
Choosing a business bank account: what to consider?
One of the questions that most business owners will ask themselves is how to choose a business bank account. Choosing a bank account should always be thought through, especially for business purposes. There are plenty of business bank account options available these days. And like scarcity, abundance can also make things complicated. This is particularly the case with the emergence of digital “challenger” banks such as Starling & Monzo. As a business owner for almost a decade, I have learnt a thing or two about business bank accounts, and I want to share them with you today. Your business structure This is mainly a case of being self-employed or running a company/partnership. If you’re self-employed, a simple personal account may suffice, so long as your expenses/income is clear, so perhaps a separate personal account would be most suitable. However, when it comes to companies /partnerships (regardless of the type), you must get a business bank account. Business transactions Your business transactions are important when choosing a bank account. Specifically, consider the following concerning your (anticipated) transactions: -Average value -Frequency -Location(s) involved in your transactions -Charges by the bank Depending on your answers to the first two aforementioned points, certain banks may appeal to different customers. Therefore, it’s important to get an overview of your forecasted transactions and compare them against the offers available. Your rights upon possible account restrictions Every bank will have its own policies regarding account restrictions. This is a common occurrence and can happen for a variety of reasons, including compliance and investigations. For example, this has been a common issue among digital nomads because many do not have a fixed address. Hence, it’s important to understand the account’s terms and conditions regarding such scenarios. Business support Check to see if the business bank account offers additional support. You may not necessarily need it, but it can be helpful for some. Tide is an example of such an account, offering services such as company incorporation, support in accessing funding and so on. These are 4 things to consider when choosing a business bank account. Make sure you research your options carefully to avoid any regrets down the line. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size across several domains. For my credentials, please see here.
What moving abroad alone as a 17-year-old immigrant taught me
I will always consider myself an “immigrant”, partly because I refuse any negative connotation in relation to this term; I was born and raised in Iran. At the age of 17, I packed my entire life and got on a plane to the UK in pursuit of further education, all alone. Well, every story starts somewhere, and my immigration story began shortly after I finished High School in Iran. Initially, I moved to Manchester on a student visa to attend college/pre-university preparation. My educational journey came to an end when I was 22 and obtained my master’s degree in law from Newcastle University. Shortly after, I developed a business idea based on my experience with renting accommodation as an international student, which later became StudyFlats. This idea was supported by Newcastle University and got me a 1-year visa as a graduate international entrepreneur. Subsequently, I obtained a three-year visa (which led to my settlement after it ended). During this period, I scaled StudyFlats to over 30 UK cities, hired a team of four and managed a global client base across property sites around the UK. Going through the business immigration journey was one of the most difficult journeys that I could embark on. It profoundly changed my worldview, self-perspective and professional skill set. There are some big lessons that I learnt along the way. My hope is for these to resonate with others experiencing the same hardships or learning curve, and to raise awareness of the immigration narrative from an entrepreneurial and personal perspective. You are at a disadvantage, in many things… Yes, this is a fact, nor is this some “woke/snowflake” rant. Racism, discrimination and prejudice exist in the UK. They can be witnessed within many fabrics of the society, such as: -Housing -Employment -Healthcare -Media Of course, each person’s experience is unique. One individual may only encounter discrimination and racism in one area but not necessarily in another. The argument is that discrimination exists and it can become a professional and personal barrier. Personally, I may have been lucky or privileged to not experience many of these. However, the journey of being an immigrant certainly taught me about what discrimination looks like. You think more about the world One side effect of a multinational and global personal perspective is that it forces you to think more. You compare different nations and question how and why they come to differ. This will lead to even more questions. How did they come to differ? What differentiates the two societies and the way they are administered? These are examples of questions that you may have, and it’s a good thing. These questions, and comparative outlook, will contribute to your growth and level of knowledge. The question of “identity” This is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of being an immigrant, or you could also say a “global citizen”. Once you spend long enough in another country/ your new “home”, you will undergo a series of changes. After a while, it just seems like you don’t fully belong anywhere. Your identity is now a reflection of different, and sometimes contrasting, viewpoints. Whilst inconvenient, such experiences will either make or break you. These are some of the things that I learnt as an immigrant who moved to the UK alone at the age of 17…Now I help other aspiring global citizens start their businesses abroad. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size across several domains. For my credentials, please see here.
The general costs of running a limited company in the UK
If you want to start a business in the UK, one of the most common ways is through incorporating a limited company. There are various business structures in the UK that one may start a business through. The most common ways are: It is ultimately up to you to decide which structure fits you best. Each has its own tax implications and regulatory requirements. However, assuming that you wish to start a limited company in the UK, below are some of the costs that you will incur. Accounting Limited companies require the director(s) to submit annual accounts. Preparing and filing a limited company’s accounts, in most cases, will require an accountant’s assistance. The costs of an accountant can vary based on: Generally, you can expect to pay your accountant anywhere between ÂŁ500-ÂŁ2000 per year. These are broad estimates, and you may even have to pay more in certain circumstances. Registered address UK limited companies require a registered address. If you have an office, then that address will suffice. However, if you do not have an office, there are two options: Confirmation statement Limited companies are required to file a Confirmation Statement every year, which costs ÂŁ13. On many occasions, this fee will be covered by your accountant as part of their services. Company incorporation Depending on how you incorporate your company, there is an incorporation fee. The cost can range from ÂŁ10 to ÂŁ40. Corporation tax This will depend on whether your UK limited company makes a profit. Currently, the UK’s corporation tax rate is per below: 19% : for limited companies with profits between 0-ÂŁ50,000 25%: for limited companies with profits above ÂŁ250,000 For full information, please refer to the UK Government’s website. These are some of the general costs of running a UK limited company. If you are planning to start a business in the UK and need help, get in touch with me to start your journey today. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size across several domains. For my credentials, please see here.