But what did I do before SEO? Which of these are NOT true? • I used to be a web designer • I used to sell servers • I used to be tech support • I went to marketing school • I used to run travel sites
• I used to be a web designer • I used to sell servers • I used to be tech support • I went to marketing school • I used to run travel sites But what did I do before SEO? Which of these are NOT true?
All of these have been key to my SEO career • I used to be a web designer • I used to sell servers • I used to be tech support • I used to run travel sites
• web designer • sell servers • tech support • run travel sites • To learn how to build websites and understand implementation challenges • To learn about web management and monetization challenges • To understand how to communicate tech with clients, troubleshoot and look for solutions • To teach me how to sell complex solutions
Although those roles seemed to be disconnected, they gave me skills that are key for my SEO day to day, and allowed me to discover what I liked, was good at, and the job in demand that would be a better fit to pursue.
Looking back I see how each experience allowed me to grow and become what I am today First good fitting role in not ideal company for long term growth Second not so well fitting role at great company Third great fitting role allowing progress at good company but low pay Fourth not so great fitting role with great pay at good company Fifth great fitting role with good pay at good company …. … … Self-employed, remote based professional, with great pay working on great projects with flexibility
Lesson learned: You shouldn’t expect your professional journey to follow a straight-forward path, if you learn from the experiences, they will all allow you to advance towards your goals.
But 2011 Aleyda would have loved someone would have told that to her! Back in 2011 at Mozcation Barcelona with Rand. I had never spoken in English at an international event back then.
Do you really want to be a “link builder” or is just because you’ve heard it pays better? Choose something demanded, but that you also like and are good at. It’s ok to try a few options until you find your “calling”.
2. Remember that success might mean something different for each person, and there isn’t a single path to achieve it. Identify the best based on your goals, what you care about and your circumstances.
For example, becoming a in-house digital marketing director of a big brand or being an agency founder at a big city are not the only ways to earn mid-6 figures, in case this is what you want to earn as a goal.
3. It’s not a competition, so don’t fall into the trap to compare yourself with others. We’ve all started somewhere different and have different skills, preferences, goals and paths.
Others might look to achieve “more” in less time, but how long has it taken them to get there? Is their context the same than yours? Does it really matter? Your path might be different. You do you!
4. Always deliver. Do what you said you were going to do without errors, and do it on time without needing external reminders or being chased by others.
Being a reliable professional is an amazing asset and key differentiator when getting opportunities. Nobody wants to work with unreliable people that make them lose time and money.
SEO stops being a knowledge problem and becomes an execution one rather quickly. Developing your communication, coordination, leadership, resource management skills is fundamental.
6. Treat others professionally and how you wish to be treated. Always assume ignorance first rather than malice. If there’s something wrong, speak out using the relevant channels professionally.
As an SEO, you’ll always need to collaborate with others and frictions can arise. Follow the “golden rule” and look to solve them professionally. You’ll always need others for success. Choose your fights wisely.
7. Over-communication is key to avoid most of misunderstandings and coordination challenges. Always confirm when you’re taking action on something and ask for confirmation when you deliver.
The more specific you can be when communicating, the better. Always validate and leave documented what you’ve agreed to do or requested. Remember that “assumptions are the mother of f*ck ups”.
8. Be a strategic problem solver. You’re paid to solve issues not to identify them. If everything is a problem then nothing is a problem. Learn to prioritize and communicate what truly matters.
Your clients are looking to achieve certain results with SEO. Make sure that you understand those business goals and what you do and deliver is actually impactful towards them.
9. Have a proactive and continuous learn, test and solution seeking mindset. Even if your workplace won’t pay for training or incentivize it. It’s on your own benefit.
You will never stop learning, and the more you learn you’ll realize you know very little. There’s always an update, new competitors, a new project, etc. There’s also misinformation. Keep updated and try things yourself.
10. Be gritty and forget about ego. Expect challenges and don’t give up after negative answers. Instead, ask for feedback, understand what went wrong, learn and do it better or differently next time.
There’s no chance that all of your applications for roles as an employee or projects as a consultant will be always accepted. Don’t be discouraged. Those are opportunities to learn and have a better chance for success next time. Ask for feedback.
11. Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way or validation from others, identify meaningful opportunities that will allow you to grow and go for them.
Opportunities will only come your way when others see you’re already clearly overqualified. Don’t waste your time and go for those opportunities you know you’re ready to contribute to, even if you don’t completely fit to what’s requested.
12. Network and build relationships to grow, to receive and offer support and advice from others, especially who have done what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback.
This is what we’re doing now! Go to events, network online and offline. Exchange experiences. Look for mentorships and guidance of others who have already followed the journey you want to pursue to accelerate your learning process.
Become the “Go to Person” for an SEO scenario, eg. “The Tech SEO for Ecommerce Sites”. Don’t be afraid to be “boxed”, you can evolve or expand over time, but it will allow you to find better fitting roles or projects sooner.
14. Share your journey and findings with the community, and build a personal brand showcasing your USP. It’s never too soon! There’s always someone starting looking to learn. It’s never too soon!
Companies look for expertise and reliability when hiring, and having a personal brand facilitate that. Create your site, share your learnings, contribute in social, blog, speak at events.
Giving back to the community and helping others in their journeys is one of the most rewarding and impactful initiatives you can take. It won’t only help others, it will help you to continue growing too.
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