Tips On How To Career Switch To SEO

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SEO Kwentuhan Podcast

Business

Switching careers can feel like exploring uncharted waters, but the beauty of SEO is its accessibility to individuals from diverse backgrounds. In this episode, we will outline essential steps to help you along the way, including acquiring the necessary skills and certifications, as well as networking with professionals in the industry. Additionally, we’ll share inspiring success stories that demonstrate it’s achievable to make this leap—whether you’re pursuing agency roles or freelancing opportunities.


Embarking on a career in SEO not only opens doors to a dynamic and ever-evolving field, but also equips you with invaluable skills that are in high demand across industries. As you explore the world of search engine optimization, you'll discover the importance of staying updated with the latest trends, understanding user intent, and leveraging analytics to drive results. Moreover, the SEO community is known for its collaborative spirit, offering numerous online forums, webinars, and workshops where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Embracing this journey may seem daunting at first, but with determination and the right resources, you'll find yourself navigating this exciting new landscape with confidence and enthusiasm.


So, what are you waiting for, hit play and get ready to take the first step toward your new career!


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Transcript Summary

00:00 - 03:08

Gab: Opens the episode, welcoming listeners to a fresh discussion on the lighter side of SEO, hinting that it will focus on career transitions.

Gelo: Introduces the main theme of the episode—career switching into SEO. He explains that this topic is highly relevant to newcomers in SEO and those considering a career change. He mentions that many people new to SEO often enroll in courses, and this episode will delve into those career transition experiences.

Gelo: Shares his personal interest in career switching, teasing that both he and Gab have valuable insights and experiences to share. He asks Gab about his own career challenges when transitioning into SEO.

Gab: Reflects on his career shift into SEO. Initially, he was focused on web development but had little knowledge of SEO. He describes applying for web development jobs and the challenges he faced in finding a position. He notes that in 2012-2013, job applications were difficult, and he had to travel to Makati to submit his resume in person.

Gab: Further explains his first job in web development, working in a computer shop where he learned practical skills in dealing with clients. He mentions that this experience exposed him to both technical and client-facing roles, even though SEO wasn't part of the initial job.

Gab: Recalls making the jump to an SEO assistant role without fully understanding SEO. He was introduced to SEO internally within his company, where his team lead, Sir Jake, became his mentor. Gab talks about the limited resources available at the time, with much of the learning coming from Moz blogs and internal training. He mentions that his challenges included learning SEO processes and dealing with little structured support.


03:08 - 07:12

Gab: Describes how learning SEO within the company was a trial-and-error process. The main resource was Moz, and training was often self-paced, allowing him to learn by reading articles and watching videos. He emphasizes how, despite limited formal training, the real learning came from hands-on application and the guidance from his mentor.

Gelo: Switches to share his career transition story, noting that he also went through a career switch. He recounts his earlier informal work experiences, which started in computer shops where he spent time playing games like StarCraft and World of Warcraft. Gelo contrasts this with his formal job experience, mentioning how he eventually worked as a server at Hard Rock Café after college.

Gelo: Elaborates on his shift from various service jobs (such as at Hard Rock Café) to a career in SEO. He touches on his time working at a casino and how the pandemic forced him to seek new opportunities. He talks about the challenges of transitioning to SEO without a mentor, focusing on the difficulties of self-learning, finding clients, and gaining experience without a formal portfolio.

Gelo: Continues explaining his career switch from casino work to SEO. He highlights the difficulty of starting in SEO without a mentor or clear guidance. He shares how he followed industry figures like Neil Patel and consumed free resources to learn SEO, despite having little experience and no website to showcase his work. Gelo also mentions the struggles of getting clients due to a lack of proven experience in SEO.

Gelo: Emphasizes the importance of mentorship in his journey and how it was difficult to apply SEO theories without a mentor. He explains how, as he learned SEO, he found it hard to get clients and build a portfolio. His experience mirrors many newcomers to the industry who struggle without tangible work to show.


07:12 - 11:30

Gelo: Dives deeper into the practical challenges of learning SEO on his own. He points out that while he had some understanding of digital marketing, SEO itself was a completely different area that required specialized knowledge. He reflects on how hard it was to transition from digital marketing to SEO without a solid foundation in SEO-specific tasks.

Gelo: Talks about how difficult it was to land clients without a portfolio. He mentions how he offered his services for free in exchange for the opportunity to build a website. This tactic, though not ideal, helped him gain practical experience and improve his SEO skills, despite the low pay.

Gab: Shifts the conversation to key skills needed for success in SEO. He emphasizes the importance of being a fast learner, as SEO requires continuous learning and adaptability. Gab believes that anyone entering SEO should be resourceful and capable of applying what they’ve learned quickly. He stresses that a key part of becoming successful in SEO is being able to solve problems efficiently, which comes with time and practice.

Gab: Discusses the different specializations within SEO, highlighting how certain individuals might excel at tasks like email outreach or content creation, while others may thrive in analytical roles using tools like Google Analytics. He emphasizes that there is no single path to success in SEO—having a niche skill can be just as valuable as being a generalist.

Gab and Gelo: Talk about how they learned SEO through various resources. Gab explains that learning SEO can take many forms, including reading blogs, taking online courses, and consuming content specific to SEO niches. He mentions how SEO is diverse, and there’s always something new to learn, so staying updated with new resources is essential for growth.

Gab: Talks about how his background in programming helped him later in his SEO career. He shares that learning PHP during his college years gave him a technical edge when working with websites, especially in WordPress. He notes that having a technical skillset, like understanding coding, can be highly beneficial for tackling SEO tasks related to site structure and technical optimizations.

Gelo: Reflects on the journey of transitioning into SEO. He reinforces that while the path may be challenging, the rewards are worth it for those committed to learning and growing in the field. Both speakers encourage anyone looking to switch to SEO to keep pushing forward, continue learning, and not be afraid to seek help or mentorship.


11:30 - 13:49

Gelo: Discusses the importance of understanding syntax, specifically mentioning that syntax is needed to work with variables.

Gab: Agrees, adding that some frameworks make it easier to work with programming, which improves productivity.

Gab: Explains that C++ is still used for more complex software projects, such as calculators and payroll systems, where the focus is on functionality rather than visual design. He mentions that earlier C++ projects were simpler, focusing more on black-and-white code.

Gelo: Comments on the challenges of technical SEO and his struggles with it.

Gab: States that coding isn't necessarily required for technical SEO, as there are many plugins available today. This reduces the need to code manually. He adds that understanding how to manage hosting and domains is useful.

Gelo: Mentions that other IT-related jobs also offer relevant skills.

Gab: Emphasizes the importance of curiosity in career growth, especially when transitioning into new fields like SEO. Being curious helps you learn and experiment with new tools and techniques. He also highlights that successful campaigns often require this curiosity to determine what truly works.

Gelo: Explains that curiosity drives him to try new things, particularly when working on SEO campaigns, as he wants to see what works and what doesn’t.

Gab: Agrees, noting that staying updated with industry knowledge through conferences, blogs, and LinkedIn is essential for growth.

Gelo: Adds that character traits like curiosity and the willingness to experiment are key to succeeding in SEO campaigns.

Gab: Echoes this sentiment, stressing that thinking outside the box is vital in SEO because websites are integral to business success and SEO strategies need to evolve to meet those needs.


14:14 - 17:01

Gelo: Discusses the importance of understanding Google’s recommendations, particularly from figures like John Mueller, but stresses that not everything Google says may be entirely accurate.

Gab: Confirms that, sometimes, experimenting and thinking outside Google’s standard guidelines can yield better results in SEO, as not all of Google’s advice applies universally.

Gelo: Inquires about entry-level opportunities in SEO for newcomers.

Gab: Shares that while many entry-level jobs are listed under digital marketing rather than SEO, there are opportunities for those with the right skills. He suggests that students of marketing or related fields might consider these roles as a starting point. He emphasizes the importance of applying to agencies that specialize in SEO, as they often have better training programs.

Gab: Talks about his own experience, where he didn’t know much about SEO when he first started but got the opportunity to learn on the job. He suggests that agencies are a good place to learn, as they offer structured training and knowledge sharing.

Gab: Discusses the challenges of freelancing for entry-level positions in SEO, such as the need for a strong portfolio and experience. He suggests that starting with an agency might be a more practical approach for those new to the field.

Gelo: Agrees that agencies offer structured workflows and better guidance, making them a good choice for beginners.


17:39 - 20:34

Gelo: Shares an example of a paid internship opportunity that offers hands-on SEO experience, including working with zero prior knowledge. He points out that these internships are rare but valuable.

Gab: Acknowledges that these opportunities are rare but beneficial for learning SEO in a practical environment.

Gelo: Talks about the competitive nature of the SEO industry, noting how many people are vying for similar positions. Despite the competition, he stresses the importance of continual learning and adapting.

Gab: Adds that the key to success in the SEO field is not just about following the textbook but applying the knowledge creatively to see results.

Gelo: Stresses that entry-level employees should continue learning, ask questions, and engage in further training to build their expertise. He mentions that while some people may not know everything, hard work and showing initiative will help them succeed.

Gab: Suggests that anyone in an entry-level SEO position should continue to ask questions, take courses, and prove their capabilities through their work.

Gab: Acknowledges that although entry-level workers might not have all the fundamentals down, many are making strides by taking courses and gaining real-world experience. He also highlights the importance of proving yourself, whether you're working with clients or in a freelance capacity.

Gelo: Reinforces that showing initiative and continuous improvement will ensure success, regardless of whether you're working in an agency or as a freelancer.


20:34 - 30:46

Gab: Reflects on the uncertainty of the results in his current work. He shares that sometimes it's hard to predict the outcome of certain actions, but he keeps trying.

Gelo: Affirms that others are not always sure of the results either, but they are still learning and improving.

Gab: Talks about the value of taking initiative in projects. He believes that when someone actively seeks out guidance and follows through on it, the outcome is more rewarding. He suggests that sometimes people should not wait for someone to spoon-feed them; instead, they should take ownership.

Gelo: Agrees with Gab, pointing out that curiosity and self-motivation are key to success. He mentions that it's rewarding when someone truly learns and grows from following a guide or tutorial.

Gab: Reflects on a past career decision. He mentions considering switching back to web development, potentially to offer a service in his business. He also talks about a plan to move to Canada, where learning software development could open more opportunities.

Gelo: Encourages him, saying that it’s important to always be open to new learning paths, even if it’s challenging. He talks about how sometimes the tasks can feel overwhelming.

Gab: Brings up the idea of career shifts, mentioning someone who switched careers at 75 years old to become an app programmer in Japan. He shares that it's never too late to make a change.

Gelo: Laughs, saying that it’s amazing how people can shift careers even in their later years. Gab and Gelo discuss how learning new skills or taking on new projects can feel intimidating but also rewarding.

Gab: Talks about his motivation for pursuing different career paths. He mentions that when you pursue something you’re passionate about, it leads to greater fulfillment. He shares how he finds satisfaction in helping others through courses or training, with the ultimate goal of making a positive impact.

Gelo: Agrees, explaining that while rewards don’t always come immediately, the journey itself can be fulfilling. He mentions that even without immediate rewards, the growth that comes from career changes or transitions is valuable.

Gelo: Discusses delayed gratification, emphasizing that when transitioning into a new career or skill set, it may take time to see the results. He talks about how it can be discouraging at first, but the hard work pays off in the long run.

Gab: Shares his personal experience of delayed gratification and how the results from his efforts weren’t immediate but have started to show up over time.

Gelo: Points out that not everyone experiences the same timeline for success. Some may see rewards within a year, while others might take several years to notice their achievements. He advises people to be patient during their career transitions.

Gab: Talks about how his background in technical SEO has given him an edge in his career. He mentions that while technical skills are essential, soft skills such as handling challenges and problem-solving are equally important in navigating his career.

Gelo: Agrees, highlighting that his role involves managing a small team, which has developed his leadership and communication skills. He discusses how soft skills are increasingly becoming crucial as he advances in his career, especially in managing people and teams.

Gelo: Shares his thoughts on continuing to learn and improve. He talks about how he now focuses more on managing his team and leveraging his soft skills, but also remains interested in continually learning new technical skills.

Gab: Encourages Gelo and others to keep evolving and refining both technical and soft skills, as the balance of the two can create a more successful career path.


30:46 - 39:48

Gab: Begins by asking about the technical side of SEO and the market demand for it. He mentions the possibility of focusing on the "casino" niche for SEO purposes.

Gelo: Acknowledges the possibility of working in the casino niche, but clarifies the focus is primarily on SEO, particularly the marketing side.

Gab: Shares that while SEO is important, it isn’t his area of expertise, and he has experience on the marketing side of things.

Gelo: Asks about the demand for SEO specialists, emphasizing the differences in demand between countries, especially between first-world nations (like the US, Canada, and Australia) versus the Philippines.

Gab: Agrees, noting that SEO is more sought after in developed countries, and shares an experience with a potential client who was seeking help for SEO in addition to social media marketing.

Gab: Continues discussing the high demand for SEO, particularly in first-world countries. He mentions a client who was interested in SEO even though their primary focus was on social media.

Gelo: Elaborates on the complexity of SEO, explaining that SEO includes many facets like on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. He stresses the importance of both strategy and implementation.

Gab: Agrees, emphasizing that SEO demand is still strong, especially with tools available to help automate aspects of SEO, and he projects this demand will only grow due to Google’s continual evolution.

Gelo: Reflects on the challenges of finding qualified SEO professionals in the Philippines, particularly those with strong skills in the areas of link-building, technical SEO, and other advanced aspects.

Gab: Shares his experience of clients’ dissatisfaction with Filipino SEO professionals, especially regarding the lack of professionalism and inability to meet certain expectations, such as attending meetings on time.

Gelo: Discusses the importance of finding the right people to fill SEO roles. He encourages not to worry if one feels inadequate—opportunities will come to those who deserve them.

Gab: Concurs, highlighting that many business owners prefer hiring Filipino SEO professionals because of their solid experiences and skill sets. However, he also mentions that sometimes expectations don’t align with actual performance.

Gelo: Offers advice on how freelancers can attract clients. He suggests creating a personal website to showcase skills and to make it easy for potential clients to find and contact you.

Gab: Agrees, citing an example where an affiliate website he’s seen generated impressive traffic and sales. He emphasizes the potential for success with a properly built website, even for beginners in SEO.

Gab: Stresses that the best way to get into SEO is to build your own website, even if it’s an affiliate site. He explains that while working on SEO for your own site, you can learn how to optimize content and generate traffic.

Gelo: Agrees and adds that working for an agency is a great way to learn the ropes of SEO in a more structured environment before branching out on your own. He points out that there are many pathways to success in SEO, but the practical route through an agency is a solid choice.

Gelo: Suggests using LinkedIn to start your SEO journey. He recommends sharing your struggles and progress with SEO to connect with others in the industry. Building connections with CEOs, heads of marketing, and other stakeholders in SEO can lead to new opportunities.

Gab: Adds that networking through LinkedIn can help you get noticed, especially if you are transparent about your learning process and share the challenges you’ve faced. Over time, this will lead to interactions with recruiters and hiring managers looking for fresh talent.

Gelo: Advises joining local SEO groups (e.g., SEO Tutorial Philippines, SEO Workout) and sharing your experiences there. Engaging with these communities is a great way to expand your network and make connections that might lead to job opportunities.

Gab: Concurs and emphasizes the importance of not staying anonymous in these groups. Being active and visible allows you to stand out, and some SEO agencies might take notice and offer you a position or collaboration.

Gelo: Mentions that SEO professionals can find opportunities not just through job boards, but also through networking. He stresses the importance of continuous learning and visibility within the SEO community to discover new opportunities.

Gab: Agrees, reiterating that personal growth in SEO comes from actively sharing your progress, connecting with others, and staying consistent with your work and outreach efforts.


39:48 - 46:52

Gelo: Discusses the challenges of freelancing, particularly in SEO, noting that the market is crowded with people transitioning into SEO from various fields, like virtual assistants (VAs). He mentions that many people are applying for the same job positions, so standing out becomes crucial.

Gelo: Emphasizes the importance of having a unique angle to stand out in the competitive market. He asks Speaker 1 (Gab) about the qualities that make someone a successful SEO professional.

Gab: Shares that he follows seasoned SEO professionals who have built strong personal brands and agencies. He notes that many successful career-switchers found their success within SEO, even without leaving their home countries. He emphasizes that there’s potential for success in SEO even for those in the Philippines or other developing countries.

Gab: Explains that the essential qualities for success in SEO include communication skills (especially with clients), curiosity, and continuous learning. He shares that while he wasn’t initially skilled in communication, he worked on improving these abilities as he built his agency.

Gab: Expands on the importance of communication skills, especially for client-facing roles. He also emphasizes the value of constant learning and adaptation in SEO, even for those with significant experience. Successful SEO professionals are always evolving and improving their skills in areas like data analytics, programming, and digital marketing.

Gelo: Talks about the challenge of time management, particularly for freelancers who are switching to SEO from another career. He notes that balancing SEO work with other responsibilities, like a full-time job or family commitments, can be difficult but is crucial to success in the field.

Gelo: Continues by explaining that freelancers transitioning into SEO need strong commitment to their craft. He warns against distractions (e.g., binge-watching Netflix) and stresses that consistent effort is required, especially for those with full-time jobs or other obligations. He reflects on the struggles of balancing personal life and career goals.

Gelo: Shares his experience of checking his SEO progress and learning from the struggles he encountered. He discusses the process of switching to SEO and how it can be challenging, particularly when people have financial or family responsibilities. Despite these challenges, he encourages persistence, highlighting that it’s possible to transition into SEO with hard work.

Gab: Shares his thoughts on the qualities that contribute to SEO success. He emphasizes that curiosity and communication are crucial for effective SEO work. He also notes the importance of learning from others, whether it’s data analytics, content writing, or other relevant skills. SEO professionals should continuously seek to expand their skill set and knowledge base.

Gab: Underscores that SEO professionals, regardless of their experience, should continue learning and adapting. He uses his own experiences as an example, explaining that even experienced professionals like him continue to learn new techniques to stay on top of SEO trends.

Gab: Shares practical advice for those just starting in SEO. He advises that aspiring professionals focus on building a website, learning the basics, and gaining hands-on experience. He also stresses the importance of knowing when to delegate tasks or use automation tools to save time and improve efficiency.

Gelo: Discusses the challenge of balancing SEO freelancing with other job responsibilities. He emphasizes that for those switching to SEO, time management is crucial. If someone has a full-time job, it can be harder to dedicate the necessary hours to SEO, but with commitment and the right mindset, success is still possible.


46:52 - 51:58

Gelo: Encourages listeners to think about the experience of seasoned professionals (OGs) who have been in SEO for years. He points out the importance of understanding how successful SEO professionals manage to stand out, and suggests that this could be explored in future episodes. Gelo then asks Gab for advice for someone who wants to transition into SEO.

Gelo: Asks Gab if he has any advice for someone interested in SEO. Gab responds by saying that if you are not ready to invest the time and effort, SEO might not be for you. He emphasizes that SEO requires dedication, especially in areas like creativity and strategy.

Gab: Provides a reality check, explaining that while SEO may seem easy from the outside, it is actually challenging. He mentions that many experts in the industry initially struggle but eventually succeed through persistence and continuous learning. Gab also highlights the competitiveness of the industry, where some businesses have bigger SEO budgets, making it harder for newcomers with smaller budgets.

Gelo: Reflects on the opportunities for small brands to make a big impact in SEO. He explains that while small brands might face challenges due to their limited resources, they can still succeed by focusing on SEO and outshining larger companies in their niche. For small businesses, ranking well in SEO can be a significant achievement, especially when competing with large corporations with bigger budgets.

Gelo: Continues by discussing how small businesses can benefit from a "badge of honor" if they manage to rank well in SEO, despite having a smaller budget. He emphasizes that success in SEO for small businesses can lead to greater recognition, even among larger companies. Gelo encourages people to consider the potential success they can achieve with SEO, no matter their starting point.

Gelo: Advises that before diving into SEO, individuals should first assess whether SEO is the right career path for them. He suggests that people should watch videos and read up on SEO to fully understand what they’re getting into. He stresses the importance of self-assessment, asking, "Are you up for the challenge?" Gelo warns that SEO may seem easy at first but requires consistent hard work to master.

Gelo: Elaborates that it’s important for aspiring SEO professionals to not just get caught up in the idea of the field being "easy" or glamorous. Instead, they should ask themselves if they have the drive to stick with the challenges SEO presents. He suggests reflecting on whether they truly want to pursue SEO, as it can be a difficult but rewarding path.

Gelo: Promotes joining the SEO community to learn from others. He recommends enrolling in courses, such as those offered by SEO Work Out and the SEO Tutorial Philippines group. He encourages new SEO professionals to leverage these resources, which provide structured learning and support from the community.

Gab: Promotes his own SEO courses, mentioning his offerings in Technical SEO and SEO Sprint. He invites listeners to visit his website to find more information and sign up. Gab also introduces his SEO Community, where people can find resources and even network with others in the SEO field.

Gelo: Wraps up the episode by wishing listeners a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He notes that they don’t know when the episode will be posted but still shares holiday cheer. He thanks the audience for listening and invites them to tune in to the next episode.