Misconceptions and Initial Exposure
I first encountered the term “SEO” during my tenure as a Marketing Manager at a software company over a decade ago. At that time, my understanding of SEO was rather simplistic. I believed SEO was primarily about creating content filled with targeted keywords and acquiring backlinks from other websites. In my mind, ranking on the second or third page of search engine results was a success. My approach to SEO was rudimentary, and I used SE Ranking as a tool to monitor keyword rankings and perform some basic technical SEO tasks. However, my engagement with the tool was superficial, and I did not delve deeply into its full capabilities.
A New Role and the SEO Reality Check
My journey took a significant turn when I joined a candle-making supply company as the Digital Marketing Manager. This role gave me a new set of responsibilities, including managing SEO for the company’s Shopify-based website. Shortly after my arrival, the company decided to deploy a new theme, which unfortunately led to a sharp decline in organic traffic. The sudden drop in traffic was perplexing, and none of us had a clear understanding of why it happened.
In response, we sought the expertise of an external marketing agency. The agency provided a comprehensive SEO report detailing the reasons for the traffic drop, the mistakes made during the site migration, and the necessary steps to recover lost traffic. I initially viewed this report as a valuable resource, but it was not until later that I discovered that such a report could be generated easily with SE Ranking. Additionally, despite the report’s insights, the traffic never fully rebounded even after nearly two years.
Realising the Gaps
After leaving the candle-making supply company, I transitioned to a role as a Senior PPC and Digital Manager at a digital marketing agency specializing in large biotech companies. Although my primary focus was on PPC, I observed that the agency’s articles, which were crafted by writers with biotech degrees, were poorly optimized for SEO. I was surprised by the lack of SEO proficiency among the agency’s staff responsible for optimization. This experience highlighted the significant gaps in SEO knowledge and practice within the industry.
Discontent with the agency’s management and responsibility allocation, I decided to move on and applied for a position as an SEO Manager with a dental group. This decision marked a pivotal moment in my SEO career.
Embracing SEO Tools and Learning Resources
In preparation for my interview with the dental group, I subscribed to a basic paid plan of SE Ranking to conduct SEO research. This period coincided with the launch of ChatGPT, which greatly enhanced my content production capabilities. I also took an active interest in learning about SEO strategies through YouTube channels. Matt Diggity and Koray Tuğberk GÜBÜR became key sources of knowledge, and I deeply appreciate their contributions to my SEO education.
From Koray Tuğberk GÜBÜR, I learned about the concept of Topical Authority, which I presented during my interview with the dental group. This concept, which emphasizes the importance of content relevance and expertise, helped secure my position. I implemented this strategy by optimizing key treatment pages and developing supporting articles to reinforce topical authority. Notably, I achieved significant traffic and lead growth within just one month, despite not engaging in offsite activities like link building.
Becoming a Believer in SEO
The success I experienced with the dental group’s website solidified my belief in the power of SEO. I was amazed by the results achieved through focused content optimization and the strategic application of Topical Authority principles. This experience ignited my passion for SEO and motivated me to continue honing my skills.
Documenting My SEO Journey
Having worked in the field for a year now, I am committed to documenting my SEO learnings. Creating a website to compile my experiences and insights serves a dual purpose: it helps me organize my knowledge for future reference and provides a valuable resource for others who are beginning their SEO journeys. By sharing my experiences, I hope to support others in their SEO efforts and contribute to our collective growth in this dynamic field.
My journey with SEO has evolved from a basic understanding to a deep appreciation of its complexities and potential. Through various roles and experiences, I have learned the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-changing landscape of SEO.
Why I Choose to Stay Anonymous
I choose not to display my real picture for privacy reasons and to maintain a level of anonymity. In today’s digital age, personal information can easily be tracked, and I value my right to keep certain aspects of my life private. Additionally, as I’m currently employed, I prefer to keep my side projects and professional endeavors separate, avoiding any potential conflicts or misunderstandings with my employer. This way, I can share my knowledge freely without concerns about my professional life being affected.
