What I've Learned from 10 Years of SEO
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17-Oct-2014 -
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Transcript of What I've Learned from 10 Years of SEO
What I’ve Learned from 10 years of SEO
About Me
• 2003: Student Placement year doing SEO at a web design agency• 2004: Student + SEO knowledge + .ac.uk web space = beer money!• 2005: Became a web developer for retail company• 2006: Quit job, went to Australia & founded SEOptimise• 2007: Returned to UK & grew SEOptimise as an agency• 2010: First conference speaking gig at SMX London• 2012: Founded Quaturo & joined BlueGlass
Early years of apprentice SEO = invaluable experience
This is actually a website I worked on in 2003!
Even more surprisingly - it still ranks today!
What advice would I give to myself from 10 years ago?
Learn how to get things done & the value of time management
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Qo7vUdKTlhk
Block out distractions to help prioritise what’s important
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/procrastinator/enagjojfhclogmaemicdkkohjghgpodh?hl=en-GB
Read books for inspiration & ideas
Try to make time to relax
“the time to relax is when you don’t have time for it”
Sydney J Harris
Finishing one task is better than starting ten
Figure out what you do best & focus on it
Hire people to do what you’re not good at
A good working environment & culture is important
But a clear company vision is far more powerful
Understand what projects & circumstances your team performs best under & enjoys
Figure out what you want to achieve
Then it’s easier to be selective
Lead by example to get ideas on-board
You can’t always please everyone – but be confident in the choices you make
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/poll/2013/mar/06/nani-red-card-manchester-united-real-madrid
Hiring the right people is hugely important
Figuring out the wrong fit & acting fast is too
Surround yourself with talent
Get everyone involved & celebrate success together
But be prepared to fail along the way
Just make sure you learn from your mistakes
Always keep learning & improving
No-one’s going to be an expert at first – it takes practice & hard work
Public speaking does get easier each time – even if it’s unnatural at first
Analyse what works & do more of it
Figure out what doesn’t work & don’t do it!
Building industry relationships is vital
People trust people - happy clients & word of mouth referrals = stronger relationships
Realistic expectations need to be set early
Accept that not everything will always go to plan – but at least you have one to fall back on
Client/agency relationships need trust & have to be win, win both ways for long-term success
Get to know your team & clients outside of work
Working with a smaller set of close relationship clients is far more rewarding
Honesty & transparency is appreciated even when it’s not what they want to hear
Be surprised, but never shocked – chaos is part of the job!
Find what works best for you – even if it involves tough decisions!
Finally & most importantly…. Enjoy it!