エピソード

  • How To Hire An Intern For Your SEO Agency

    How To Hire An Intern For Your SEO Agency
    2025/07/26
    Bringing in an intern for your SEO agency? It's not as easy as it sounds. Most agencies rush to hire because they’re overloaded but without a plan, that intern ends up lost, copying AI content, or stuck doing tasks that teach them nothing.In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo get real about the right way to hire interns from knowing when you’re truly ready to bring someone in, to making sure you actually have something worth teaching. They share the hard truths about delegation, the red flags of internship programs gone wrong, and how to create an environment where interns grow and might even turn into future full-time team members.Transcript Summary:00:00 – 01:03Gab & GeloGab introduces the episode's topic: Hiring your first SEO intern.They decide to tackle it from two angles:For agency owners hiring internsFor aspiring interns01:07 – 02:41 GabBefore hiring, ask: Why do you want an intern?Internships help others get hands-on experience.Ensure tasks are clear and manageable.Differentiate freelance interns vs. school-accredited internships (which often have stricter requirements like office presence or business registration).02:43 – 05:12 Gelo & GabGelo asks: Should you hire only when you have repeatable processes?Gab agrees.Gab shares his real estate SEO experience, where SOPs helped with delegating work (e.g., content uploading).Hiring without SOPs leads to confusion and inefficiencies if someone leaves.05:16 – 06:03 GeloGelo suggests creating video SOPs and checklists for guidance.Having accessible tools (even paid ones) signals readiness to hire.06:11 – 07:10GabMost SEO tasks can be delegated if there’s a clear SOP.Avoid giving complex strategies.Interns can do basic audits, suggest meta tags, etc., with proper tools and guidance.07:22 – 08:26 Gelo & GabInterns can help with prospecting and vetting leads.Avoid letting them handle brand-sensitive communication unless they’re trained.08:26 – 09:09Gab & GeloIt depends. Gab prefers handling back-end access himself.If tasks are basic (e.g., updating pages), limited access might be okay.Warns about site breakage risks from unintended clicks or updates.09:42 – 10:03 Gab & GeloOnly assign client-facing roles if the intern has prior experience (e.g., sales).Otherwise, limit them to internal or admin tasks.10:12 – 11:10GabInterns start by setting up their own WordPress site.Depending on their strengths (design, grammar, etc.), they’re assigned to specific SEO areas.Weekly learning stages are implemented before assigning real client tasks.11:14 – 12:14 Gab & GeloInterns are assigned based on their displayed strengths and interest.Gab watches if they’re passionate about their work even if it’s not perfect.12:15 – 13:02 Gelo & GabInterns first observe or do sample tasks (e.g., 10 lead prospects).Only after they show accuracy are they given more responsibility.13:09 – 15:26 Gelo & GabImportant to explain not just the “how,” but the “why” of SEO strategies.Gab includes summaries in SOPs explaining what the task is for (e.g., internal linking = better crawlability).Keyword research is the hardest to teach because it requires understanding business goals and user intent.15:34 – 19:14 Gelo & GabBig concern: interns relying too heavily on ChatGPT and copying templates.Gab emphasizes context and personal thinking when using AI tools.Gelo warns that overreliance damages industry reputation and individual growth.20:18 – 22:03 GabCuriosity and resourcefulness are essential.Communication and time management help when dealing with clients and task prioritization.Interns must manage time well and know when to pause redundant tasks (like excessive lead gen).22:04 – 25:01 Gelo & GabInterns should be open to feedback and admit when they don’t know something.Proactiveness and curiosity help solve more SEO problems.Clients appreciate when SEOs go beyond tasks (e.g., noticing missing reviews on GMB).26:03 – 28:11Gelo & GabYes. Gab has hired interns who showed initiative and consistency.Some interns don’t take it seriously, just aiming for a certificate.Genuine effort stands out and leads to real opportunities.28:15 – 29:30GabGab shares how his internship mindset and enrolling in Glenn Dimandal’s bootcamp shaped his journey.It opened his eyes to agency-level processes and helped him build his own agency.29:39 – 30:14GabMistake: relying too much on one intern.Learning: always build SOPs and have backups.30:23 – 31:28Gab & GeloNot hiring at the moment due to current intern load.Will announce new internship openings in their Facebook groups: SEO Workout & Local SEO Masterclass.Be sure to like and share our community. Let’s grow and succeed together!seoworkout.comtheseodad.orgseokwentuhan.com
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    32 分
  • Impostor Syndrome in SEO

    Impostor Syndrome in SEO
    2025/07/23
    In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo get real about the mental side of working in SEO. They share their personal experiences, the struggles that come with learning on the job, and why it’s okay not to have all the answers. Whether you're just starting or already years into your SEO career, this episode will remind you that self-doubt is part of the process and it doesn’t have to hold you back.Impostor syndrome is that inner voice that makes you question if you're really good enough, even when the work says you are. It’s the fear of being “found out,” the pressure to always know everything, and the constant comparison to others in the industry. If you’ve ever felt this in your SEO journey, you are not alone.Transcript Summary00:00 – 00:24 Gab and Gelo kick off the episode by introducing the topic: Impostor Syndrome in SEO. Gelo shares how this topic hits close to home for him and suspects Gab experiences it too. They’ve touched on it before, but this time, they’re diving deeper.00:24 – 01:39They talk about how impostor syndrome isn’t unique to SEO professionals even celebrities like Tom Hanks and Serena Williams have it. But in SEO, it’s particularly common because the industry changes so fast. Missing just a month of updates can make you feel out of the loop.01:39 – 02:46Gab shares that social media plays a role. Seeing peers post wins and case studies can either inspire or make you feel like you're falling behind. This FOMO triggers impostor syndrome making you question your knowledge and skills.02:52 – 04:25Gelo explains how transitioning into new roles (like team lead) can make anyone feel like an impostor. Gab agrees and adds that this feeling is part of growing. Over time, you realize it’s all part of learning and getting better.04:38 – 05:47SEO doesn’t have a fixed rulebook. What works today might not work tomorrow. Gelo calls this the “black box effect”. Because of this uncertainty, it’s easy to feel like you’re faking it even when you're doing everything right.06:07 – 07:48Gab opens up about how even with experience, long campaigns with inconsistent results make him feel unsure. He shares how working across different niches means nothing feels "standard," which adds to the pressure but also helps him grow as a strategist.07:48 – 09:11Gelo asks if it's normal to feel afraid to offer SEO services, especially when you’re still studying. Gab says yes and even praises students who land clients while still learning. It’s harder to learn when you don’t have real-world implementation, so these students are doing it right.09:13 – 11:01They talk about being transparent with clients if you’re still learning. Gelo highlights the importance of managing expectations especially when businesses rely on their websites to make a living. Gab adds that some clients are even supportive, providing learning resources.12:07 – 13:22For those without clients yet, Gelo suggests starting with lower rates and focusing on building case studies. The real goal at this stage is experience and testimonials, not high pay. Being upfront about your skills helps manage expectations and builds trust.13:35 – 15:37Gab shares that it’s okay to offer free or trial-based work to build a portfolio, as long as there’s honesty and mutual respect. It’s not about promoting free labor it’s about learning and building rapport early in your freelancing career.15:39 – 17:07Gelo asks if it's better to niche down when starting. Gab says it depends. If your first exposure is to a certain industry (like real estate), it’s natural to continue there. But for others, it’s about exploring which niche feels most comfortable and enjoyable to optimize.7:11 – 18:07Gelo encourages new SEOs to admit when they don’t know something then figure it out later. Having a learner’s mindset beats pretending to know everything. There’s no shame in saying, “I’ll get back to you.”18:07 – 20:06Even seasoned SEOs like Gab still feel impostor syndrome especially when they're behind on updates or see students sharing more than them. Gelo adds that the feeling evolves over time: from doubting your knowledge to wondering if your methods are still valid.20:17 – 21:11Gelo asks how Gab handles being the point person in SEO discussions. Gab admits it’s tough. You have to sound confident but also know when to say, “I’ll check and get back to you.” It’s important to stay humble and collaborative.21:12 – 23:28Gelo leans heavily on data when making decisions or recommendations. He stresses the importance of having backup resources, especially when facing urgent SEO questions. Meetings can be nerve-wracking, but data helps you stand your ground.23:28 – 25:01Gab reminds listeners to double-check advice before sharing it with clients. Even small changes like uploading a sitemap can have a big impact on high-traffic websites. Always verify before acting especially in SEO ...
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    31 分
  • Multi Skilled Marketer

    Multi Skilled Marketer
    2025/07/12
    In today’s fast-changing digital world, being good at SEO alone isn’t enough. In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo talk about what it really means to become a multi-skilled marketer. They share real experiences, practical tips, and honest insights on how to stay relevant, especially in the age of AI. From content marketing and automation to building mini tools and learning paid ads, this episode is packed with advice for marketers who want to grow their skillset and stay ahead of the curve.Whether you're just starting out in SEO or looking to scale your agency, this conversation will help you figure out what skills to add, how to balance learning while working, and why adapting fast is the key to long-term success.Transcript Summary [00:07 – 00:14]Gab welcomes listeners to a new episode of SEO Kwentuhan, where the hosts explore the more relatable, lighter side of working in SEO.[00:16 – 01:08]Gab shares details from his recent vacation in Surigao City, his second visit to Mindanao. He also attended the Digital Impact Philippines conference and mentioned that future editions might move to more accessible cities like Cebu or Davao due to their strong freelancer communities.[01:30 – 05:49]The hosts dive into the main topic: being a multi-skilled marketer in the age of AI. Gab explains that SEO is still relevant, but visibility now goes beyond Google—it includes forums, job sites, and social platforms. Today’s employers often look for SEO pros with added skills like content creation, web design, or development.[06:15 – 08:37]Gab suggests that once you're about 80% confident in your current skill set, it’s a good time to branch out. He shares his own progression from technical SEO to link building, and then into areas like email and social media marketing.[08:59 – 10:30]Gelo notes how AI has shifted us from simply gathering knowledge to applying it effectively. Gab adds that many agency owners started by getting clients first, then learning along the way—highlighting that adaptability is what separates top performers.[10:56 – 11:32]Gab recommends content marketing as the most valuable skill to pair with SEO. Being able to write and optimize content is highly in demand, especially if you know how to use AI tools to support creation.[12:05 – 15:54]The conversation shifts to the value of tools like Zapier and Make. Gelo and Gab discuss how these tools let marketers build interactive features like calculators or quizzes without coding—enhancing SEO campaigns or even becoming stand-alone products.[15:54 – 18:02]Gelo emphasizes learning tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Gab agrees and adds that data analysis skills remain essential. Even with AI, businesses still need people who can interpret and explain data insights.[18:21 – 20:17]The hosts stress the importance of writing detailed prompts when using AI. Defining tone, structure, and goals can significantly improve output. Gab mentions tools that now build entire workflows from just a single prompt.[20:32 – 25:17]Gab shares how he used to learn while doing client work—studying strategies and applying them immediately. Now, he records what he learns and converts them into SOPs. Gelo adds a practical tip: block 1–2 hours in your calendar for learning and treat it like a non-negotiable meeting.[25:26 – 27:29]Gelo asks how to move beyond SEO into broader digital strategy. Gab advises focusing on social media for local clients and combining SEO with paid ads for global campaigns. He mentions experimenting with Facebook ads for his own brand as a way to learn firsthand.[27:30 – 31:22]Gab shares his 3–5 year vision: expanding the agency while maintaining focus. He wants his team to handle different platforms (e.g., Shopify, Squarespace) and niches but admits that keeping up with constant change is a challenge.[31:52 – 32:53]Gab reflects on advice from a former boss about learning to sell AI. He now understands that growth requires not just tools and skills, but also building a solid team and network. Attending and speaking at conferences boosts visibility and credibility.[32:53 – 34:51]Gelo points out that SOPs are only effective if you understand the work behind them. Being knowledgeable about adjacent areas like email, paid ads, or design allows for better documentation and team coordination. Gab agrees, sharing that he borrows ideas from top experts and customizes them to suit his workflows.[34:51 – 36:01]Gelo wraps up the episode and thanks listeners for tuning in. He invites everyone to join the next episode of SEO Kwentuhan.Don't forget to share and connect with our communities as well. Let's achieve success together!seoworkout.com theseodad.orgseokwentuhan.com
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    34 分
  • Paano Ba Talaga Magtagal Sa Industriya ng SEO?

    Paano Ba Talaga Magtagal Sa Industriya ng SEO?
    2025/06/14
    Staying in the SEO industry for the long haul takes more than just technical skills. It requires adaptability, a strong mindset, and a willingness to keep learning even when things get tough. In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo get real about what it actually takes to build a lasting career in SEO. They talk about personal experiences, early career struggles, client challenges, and how they managed to stay motivated despite burnout and self-doubt.If you’ve ever questioned whether SEO is for you, this episode is worth a listen. Gab shares how showing up even when he wanted to quit helped him build confidence and consistency. Gelo opens up about the value of soft skills, being part of a supportive community, and solving real business problems. Together, they highlight the importance of staying grounded in fundamentals like technical SEO and keyword research, while also embracing change and exploring your own path, whether that means freelancing, going full time, or building an agency.Transcript Summary 00:00 – 02:02 Gab opens the episode by welcoming listeners. Gelo reminisces about their early episodes and highlights how far the podcast has come. They introduce the main topic: How to last in the SEO industry, especially in the age of AI. Both observe that some SEO beginners are losing motivation, and that this topic is timely for those still exploring or entering the industry.02:02 – 05:01 Gelo asks Gab about the most important mindset for SEO longevity.Gab answers that adaptability is key. He shares an analogy from a video by Russ Yuson: if someone offered you $10 million to learn piano by December, you’d find a way. That’s the kind of mindset you need—willingness to learn and adapt, especially in a field where algorithm updates and new tools are constant.Gab also clarifies the difference between fundamental practices (like title tags) and outdated methods (like low-quality guest posting), emphasizing that openness to change is essential.05:02 – 07:04Gelo expands on Gab’s point by encouraging a "student forever" mindset. He stresses that SEO should be treated as a craft, not just a technical skill you master once. With continuous changes in tools and algorithms, you need to keep refining your knowledge. He also points out that going for shortcuts isn't sustainable—consistency matters more.07:15 – 14:38 Gelo asks Gab if he ever wanted to give up.Gab shares three major points in his career:Early freelancing daysWhen he became an SEO managerWhen he started his agencyAt each stage, self-doubt crept in. But he kept showing up. Over time, tasks that once felt overwhelming became easier through repetition and practice.Gelo adds his own struggles—failed campaigns, client churn, burnout—and how he overcame them by focusing on soft skills, joining a community, and staying accountable. Having support from others, like Gab, helped him stay in the game.They both agree: showing up and being part of a positive, welcoming SEO community makes all the difference.14:38 – 15:22Gab and Gelo talk about professionalism when clients offboard.Gab suggests giving clients extra value even when they’re leaving, like a 6-month strategy.Gelo shares that some clients who left still referred others to him later. The key takeaway: do good work, maintain good relationships, and you might see rewards later on.15:22 – 18:39Gab emphasizes fundamentals as the core SEO skills that don’t go away—especially technical SEO and understanding Google’s documentation (Search Central). He reassures listeners that SEO is still in demand and worth pursuing.Gelo adds keyword research and content structuring to the list. Tools evolve, but foundational skills in solving searcher intent and writing effective content remain essential.18:39 – 21:32Gelo asks: do you need to be a jack-of-all-trades in SEO?Gab says it depends on your goals. If you’re freelancing, it’s fine to specialize. But if you’re building an agency, it’s good to know a bit of everything so you can delegate effectively. You don’t need 100% mastery—just enough to understand how each area works.Gelo shares how he started broad, then specialized. His strength turned out to be strategy. He now builds playbooks and hires specialists for execution. He encourages others to start wide, then go deep into what fits them best.21:32 – 29:11Gab advises beginners to build their own site to safely test SEO strategies instead of experimenting on client websites. He also talks about building a personal brand—sharing consistently about a topic like AI or automation helps establish authority and trust, even with Google.Gelo reflects on his early approach to content—he focused on solving customer problems. He got ideas by asking customer support teams about common client questions and then answered those in blog posts. This helped boost rankings while making content genuinely useful.29:11 – 33:50Gab says that hitting a milestone (SEO ...
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    40 分
  • Google AI Mode

    Google AI Mode
    2025/05/31
    Google just changed the game again and SEOs everywhere are paying attention. In the latest episode of SEOKwentuhan, Gab and Gelo break down what Google’s new AI Mode means for search results, rankings, and how people use the internet.This is not another "SEO is dead" conversation. It is a practical look at how AI generated answers, closed loop search experiences, and changes in user behavior are reshaping the way we work. The episode tackles real questions like what happens to organic traffic, how to adapt your content, and which metrics to focus on now.If you are an SEO, marketer, or content creator trying to stay ahead, this episode is worth your time. Here is a quick breakdown of the key takeaways from the conversation.Transcript Summary00:00 – 01:17Gab: Hello and welcome to a new episode of SEO Kwentuhan where we talk about the lighter side of SEO. And this is a hot topic that we're going to talk about today. Nice. Our topic is always hot but this is hotter than the previous ones.Gab: Our topic today is about the AI mode that Google released. How many days ago was that? I think it was 1 or 2 days ago. This is really new.00:30 – 01:17Gelo: And just a disclaimer, this is just an opinion on what might happen. Because this is not yet available in other countries, right? It's only in the US. It's only in the US, I think, this beta test.Gelo: So, it's just there. So, we're guessing now. But our guess has backup data. The ones that are said to be even better than us.01:17 – 03:07Gab: Open AI. Yes, that's it. The one that had an emergency with Google. They launched a Search Lab.Gab: It's like a test. You'll sign up first to use it. I signed up there before and I'm using the AI Overview on my account. If you'll notice, on your other accounts before, on Google, the AI Overview doesn't show up.Gab: So you need to sign up for Search Labs. But now, Google automatically rolled out an AI Overview especially in the U.S. So they already have a tab. If you search on Google, there are images, videos, news. Next to that, there's an AI mode.Gelo: That's my observation now. Even if it's on VPN, sir, you won't see this? Or if you're on VPN, you'll see this? I haven't tried it yet, but I think if you have VPN, you have a chance.Gab: Because it says, any US-based search, they will come up with something. That's what I read. So it's like what happens in AI mode, it's like you're inside... For example, you have a question and it's like you're in a closed loop, you're just there, you're not going out.Gelo: Is that right?Gab: Correct, correct. That's right.Gab: So Google is automatically answering you. So it's summarizing everything, right? If you'll notice, when you're talking to ChatGPT, he'll remember what you talked about before. Even if you don't say your name, sometimes you'll be prompted to include your name, he'll recognize you when you search for another new query.03:07 – 03:31 Gab: So that's the same with AI mode. You'll have personalized. How big is this server? I mean, Google, of course, but for this AI mode, it's probably separate.Gelo: It's a bigger data center. That's what I'm thinking, maybe a whole barangay.03:31 – 04:39Gelo: Anyway, how do you think this AI mode will affect our SEO strategies? How can we recalibrate?Gelo: Alright. Well, I have to admit that the AI mode has a huge effect. fully rolled out. Because SEOs are starting to panic about what they can do after.Gab: Because from the traditional type where you'll put keywords on your page, you'll target a topic, then you'll be in the top 100, right? Then in the top 10, you'll have a chance to click. Now, in AI mode, it's really... It's even harder now because we don't know what the ranking factors are yet.Gab: Unlike before, we now have a clue of what the ranking factors are so we can get out of the traditional search. That's why we practice our SEO skills so we can learn how to help our clients. But in AI Overview, it's like a new method or optimization that we need to do, and maybe more advanced or more enhanced processes than what we were doing before. So that's what I think can happen here.04:39 – 05:12Gab: As much as possible, you should be in what they call Position Zero. Before, it was just featured snippets. Now, it's AI Overview. So that's your aim.Gab: Right now, we're still experiencing the AI overview. But this AI mode, it's a featured snippet that's interactive. So, I don't know if we'll have another battle here. The strategy-wise, I don't know if you need to...05:13 – 06:24Gelo: I used to preach this to my students, shoutouts to my students. We will think of it as a marketer. We should really think of it that way.Gelo: For example, some people don't even know about ICP. I don't know everything but there are some. They are focusing on the easy fixes. The easy fixes on websites that AI can fix now, it's easy to do now.Gelo: The metadata, stuff like that. Strategies will have a huge impact. I'm a bit scared so I'm hesitating ...
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    38 分
  • Why Filipino SEO Professionals Are in Demand (Pero Underpaid?)

    Why Filipino SEO Professionals Are in Demand (Pero Underpaid?)
    2025/05/24
    In this episode of SEOKwentuhan, Gab and Gelo tackle a common issue in the freelance and VA world: Filipino SEOs are delivering strong results for clients abroad, yet still face low rates and undervaluation. Filipino SEO professionals are getting noticed across the globe for their skills, work ethic, and adaptability. From freelance gigs to full-time roles with international agencies, more and more Pinoys are helping businesses rank, grow, and compete online. But despite this growing demand, one big issue remains—many are still being paid less than they deserve. If you’ve ever questioned your rates, felt undervalued, or just want to better understand the industry dynamics, this episode gives real talk, useful insights, and advice you can use.Transcript Summary(00:00 - 00:41)Gab welcomes everyone back to the podcast after a long break. He introduces the main topic: Why Filipino SEO professionals are in demand but still underpaid. He notes this is a recurring concern in VA groups and affects other freelance specialties too.(00:50 - 02:14)Gab explains how wage differences between countries (e.g., US vs. PH minimum wage) make outsourcing to Filipinos attractive for Western companies. He shares personal experience about how foreign agencies offer rates only slightly better than local PH agencies, using local benchmarks to justify low offers.(02:15 - 03:45)Gelo cites statistics showing that Filipinos are 70–80% cheaper than their Western counterparts and still deliver quality results. The Philippines ranks #1 globally for virtual assistants, with SEO being a top outsourced skill.(03:46 - 05:10)Gelo explains factors including time zone alignment, cultural compatibility, and strong English communication skills. He points out that many clients require video introductions to gauge fluency, and Filipinos tend to excel here despite being "barok" at times.(05:11 - 07:36)Gab emphasizes traits like strong work ethic, adaptability, clear communication, and resourcefulness (e.g., finding free tools). Filipinos tend to go the extra mile, solve problems quickly, and adjust culturally to clients’ behavior.(07:37 - 08:16)Gab notes how being natural problem solvers and having high English literacy (96%) adds to their appeal. These strengths make communication and implementation smoother in international projects.(08:16 - 09:06)Gab and Gelo discuss the Filipino trait of adjusting to how clients treat them—being patient, resourceful, hardworking, and resilient, similar to OFWs in other industries.(09:16 - 10:50)Gab argues it’s systemic, especially for beginners who think $3/hour is already generous. Many experienced SEOs also stay in comfort zones, refusing to raise rates even with a decade of experience and proven results.(10:51 - 12:00) Gab clarifies that while there may be a lot of SEOs, not all deliver real results. The demand is still strong, but the market includes many task-doers versus true strategists.(12:00 - 13:15)Gab shares a strategy: start with a lower trial rate, show results, then either raise rates or ask for performance-based incentives. He warns that even with results, some clients will undervalue the SEO’s contribution.(13:16 - 14:33) Determine your rate by looking at peers with similar years of experience and skills. Client-facing communication and negotiation are crucial if you want to increase your value and income.(14:34 - 15:45) New SEOs often lack negotiation skills. Gab emphasizes the need to stand your ground, prove your worth through past results, and avoid underpricing if you’re delivering value.(15:46 - 17:33) Gab explains this fear stems from the uncertainty of consistent results and the lack of confidence. Solution: create packages per client type, understand client budget ranges, and study your niche deeply.(17:34 - 20:35) Filipino SEOs often underprice because they fear sounding incompetent in discovery calls. Gab encourages practicing communication and owning your SEO identity. If you’re doing the job, you are not an impostor.(20:36 - 24:44) Gab shares how foreign clients value SEO more than local clients. In PH, SEO is often undervalued or bundled with web development or social media, especially for SMEs. Foreign clients look for results and ROI.(24:45 - 28:03) Gab urges a culture of integrity and skill-sharing. Communities like theirs aim to educate and uplift Filipino SEOs, discourage dishonest practices, and build a professional reputation globally.(28:04 - 29:10) Gab explains that their podcast and community events real-talk issues to prevent others from repeating mistakes. Sharing case studies, strategies, and lessons helps everyone grow, even if others are more skilled.(29:11 - 30:30) Gab says: Don’t rush pricing high. Upskill continuously. Add new knowledge in AI, analytics, and other areas. Build your value before demanding high rates.(30:31 - 32:19) Gab advocates for outcome-based pricing over hourly billing. SEOs should see themselves as partners, ...
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    38 分
  • SEO in PH vs SEO International

    SEO in PH vs SEO International
    2025/04/21
    Ever wondered if doing SEO for local clients is really that different from working with international ones? In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gelo and Gab unpack the real differences between doing SEO for Philippine-based clients versus international ones. From client expectations and pay gaps to search behaviors and strategy, they dig into what it really feels like to work on both sides. This episode is honest, relatable, and especially useful if you’re a Filipino freelancer or SEO specialist trying to navigate both local and global markets.What becomes clear as the conversation unfolds? It's not just about money—although yes, international rates are much higher. It’s also about how clients approach SEO. Foreign businesses often already understand the value of SEO and come with solid processes, while many PH clients still rely heavily on social media and need more guidance on SEO basics. Whether you're dealing with long-tail keywords for a local tire shop or international hreflang tags for a global brand, this episode covers the mindset shifts and tactical differences you need to know.Transcript Summary00:00 - 00:31Gab: Welcomes listeners to SEO Kwentuhan, a podcast on SEO and freelancing.Gelo: Introduces the topic: “SEO in the Philippines vs Abroad”, questioning whether SEO standards are really different.00:32 - 01:25Gelo: Shares his experience, mostly with foreign clients, though his past agency was PH-based but catered to global clients.Gab: Adds that while some PH clients target global markets, their business operations and SEO demands vary.01:25 - 03:11Gelo: Emphasizes the payment difference, estimating PH rates are less than 30% of foreign rates.Gab and Gelo: Agree that foreign clients are more SEO-knowledgeable, while PH clients often need more education on processes and metrics.Foreign clients often provide the SEO process; PH clients rely on the SEO specialist to lead.03:18 - 04:13Gab: Notes that popular marketing channels differ: PH leans toward social media, while foreign businesses prioritize organic search more.PH companies often come from traditional marketing, slowly transitioning to digital.04:21 - 06:21Gab: Clarifies that local SEO dominates PH due to limited geography.International SEO involves more research, language variations, and different user behavior.Strategies like hreflang are irrelevant locally but critical for global clients.06:21 - 07:07Gelo: Points out that in the PH, people often rely on word-of-mouth or neighbors for services like plumbers, unlike in the West where even small services have SEO-optimized websites.07:17 - 09:01Gab: Explains that SEO is more useful for big industries or emergencies (e.g., locksmith, tires).He gives real-world examples like Googling tire supply or Motolite battery delivery.Filipinos tend to search on social media first before Google.09:31 - 11:22Gab: Says SEO explanations are similar, but pricing is harder to justify to PH clients.Gelo: Adds that some international clients can be more difficult due to outdated knowledge or preconceived notions.Both agree: Local clients often haggle or expect discounts, especially when familiar.11:28 - 14:27Gab: Believes foreign markets are 10 years ahead, with earlier exposure to SEO tools and strategies.Gelo: Notes PH SEOs get backlinks mostly from webinars or events, unlike advanced strategies abroad.Gab and Gelo: Mention BrightonSEO and technical expertise like data analytics, which are less common locally.Many PH SEOs still work under managers vs. agency owners abroad who have more control and freedom to experiment.14:41 - 15:14Gab: Observes that individuals abroad can outrank big brands, thanks to level playing fields in Google’s algorithm.In PH, big brands dominate, so smaller players are better off targeting long-tail keywords or social media like TikTok.15:15 - 16:24Gab: attributes the undervaluation not to lack of skill but to mindsets of business owners.Many still see digital marketing as optional, relying on free or basic social media marketing.Bigger PH companies understand ROI better, but most small/medium businesses still resist investing in SEO.Don't forget to share and connect with our communities. Let's achieved success together!https://seoworkout.com/https://theseodad.org/https://seokwentuhan.com/
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    27 分
  • Strategies For Leading An In-House SEO Team Feat. Sir Jake Morales

    Strategies For Leading An In-House SEO Team Feat. Sir Jake Morales
    2025/03/15
    Leading an in-house SEO team comes with a unique set of challenges. Unlike agency work, where specialists juggle multiple clients, in-house SEO requires a long-term strategy, cross-team collaboration, and the ability to adapt to changing search algorithms. In this recent episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Sir Jake Morales, an experienced SEO leader at Canva, shared his journey from link building to becoming a mentor, offering valuable insights on leadership, team dynamics, and strategy execution.Throughout the discussion, Gab and Gelo explored what makes an effective SEO leader, how to manage conflicts in strategy, and what skills are essential for building a strong team. Sir Jake emphasized the importance of balancing technical expertise with leadership skills, ensuring that teams not only execute well but also grow professionally. If you’re an SEO specialist aspiring to lead a team or a current manager looking for ways to improve collaboration, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on mentorship, setting clear goals, and fostering a proactive team culture.Transcript Summary(00:00 - 01:57)Gab: Welcomes listeners to the new episode of Lighter Topics of SEO and introduces a special guest, Sir Jake Morales.Gab: Shares that Sir Jake was his first mentor when he started SEO in 2013, as his team lead or manager at the time.Gelo: Acknowledges this and adds that Sir Jake was also someone he looked up to in the workplace whenever he had SEO-related questions.Sir Jake: Greets the hosts and listeners, expressing gratitude for being invited to the podcast. He recalls working with Gab in 2013 when he was a supervisor, while Gab was a junior SEO. He also notes that he and Gelo currently work together under the same employer.Gab: Remarks on how small the SEO industry is, to which Sir Jake agrees.(02:08 - 13:42)Gab: Kicks off the discussion by asking Sir Jake how he started his career in SEO.Sir Jake: Explains that SEO is not typically taught in academic settings and is usually learned through professional experience or specialized training.Before SEO:Sir Jake: Began his career as a call center agent (2009-2010) before transitioning into copywriting.He recognized that writing was his strongest skill, leading him to pursue copywriting for a marketing agency.After losing his job, he was uncertain about his next steps.Discovery of SEO:A friend introduced him to SEO and encouraged him to apply to an SEO agency in Makati.This was his first time hearing the term "SEO."The agency was newly established in the Philippines and specialized in white-label SEO services.First SEO Role – Link Builder (2010-2011):Sir Jake was hired as a link builder, responsible for acquiring backlinks through directory submissions and blog commenting.He describes the early days of SEO, where link-building strategies focused on posting comments on forums and blogs.Transition to On-Page SEO:Sir Jake moved from link building to on-page SEO, where he worked closely with web developers and content teams.Gab recalls that he initially applied for web development, but ended up working in on-page SEO, where he and Sir Jake crossed paths.They reminisce about the collaborative and fun work environment at the time.Growth & Career Progression:Sir Jake explains how junior SEOs were structured differently back then but were heavily involved in technical SEO and project management.He spent 5 years in his first SEO agency, honing his expertise in various SEO disciplines.Moved to another SEO agency in 2015, where he was exposed to the broader SEO community and industry events.This second agency allowed him to network with top SEO professionals in the Philippines, where he learned new strategies and trends.Joining Canva (2019 - Present):In 2019, Canva recruited Sir Jake for their SEO team.It was his first in-house SEO role, which required him to adapt from the client-based approach of agencies.Responsibilities evolved from team lead → senior specialist → team lead again, handling keyword research, copywriting, and technical SEO.He visited Canva’s Sydney headquarters three times, with one trip occurring just before the March 2020 lockdown.(15:39 - 18:37)Gelo: Asks Sir Jake why he has remained in the SEO industry for 15 years.Sir Jake: Shares that:His SEO career grew alongside him, offering continuous learning opportunities.He experienced major algorithm updates like Google Panda & Penguin, which kept the industry exciting.Over time, he explored various SEO roles, from copywriter to strategist to mentor.SEO provided financial stability, career growth, and fulfillment.Gab: Agrees, noting that SEO challenges motivate professionals to keep learning and improving.(20:06 - 31:31)Gab: Asks Sir Jake to explain the key differences between an individual SEO specialist and a team lead.SEO Specialist:Focuses on expertise, execution, and technical skills.Must stay updated with algorithm changes and best practices.Often works independently or with minimal supervision.SEO...
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