Christina Spaulding, founder of Manzanita Marketing. (Credit: goodpics.org)
She’s Helping Businesses Grow Through Multilingual SEO
Christina Spaulding started Manzanita Marketing to make the web more accessible for non-English speakers.
“Over 50% of the web is in English, but only 20% of the world’s population speaks English,” entrepreneur Christina Spaulding recently told The Story Exchange. “This means that non-English speakers are underserved in information and choices.” Which is how Spaulding got the idea for her latest venture, Manzanita Marketing, an SEO firm that helps small and medium-sized businesses expand into new markets through translation, localization and international search-engine optimization. The Las Vegas-based entrepreneur cites numerous past layoffs as another motivation for starting her own company, “I’ve been laid off seven times in my career,” she says, so two years ago, “I made sure that was the last time I’d be laid off by starting my own agency.” Today, Spaulding is committed to helping make the internet more multilingual and accessible for non-English speakers.
Editor’s Note: Manzanita Marketing has been named to The Story Exchange’s 2025 list of 10 Brilliant Business Ideas.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We specialize in German, French, and Spanish SEO services. Most of the businesses in the United States have their websites available in English only – but 14% of the U.S. speaks Spanish. There is a great opportunity to enter a domestic market that has that kind of purchasing power.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
I’m currently helping a Swiss engineering firm optimize their site in German and English, including eight new pages of content that balances SEO and customer pain points.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Right now, transferring the theoretical into action. I started working with a business coach and that has helped motivate me and keep me accountable to turn those goals into actions.
You mentioned being laid off numerous times. How has that affected your business decisions?
Each layoff makes you question your ability and talent. And each time you worry about where your income will come from next.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Leverage all the free resources you can, like the Small Business Administration , Small Business Development Centers , Prestamos (for those in the Southwest) and other organizations. There’s help, advice, and guidance out there!
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I am a part of a great networking group. So I get in touch with some of my fellow entrepreneurs to get myself back on track.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce.
Who is your most important role model?
My dad. He was an independent business owner. He went through some rough times with his business when I was a kid, but came out on top. He’s always had a good work-life balance (he worked from home before it was cool) and had a fantastic work ethic that I like to think I’ve inherited. ◾
Instagram: @manzanitamktg
Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-up
Watch our latest videos
Subscribe to our podcast