Reflecting on My SEO Journey: Is There a Future for My Skills?
Hello, SEO Friends!
Today, I find myself in a moment of contemplation, and I want to share my experiences while inviting you to join the discussion.
As I celebrate my 29th birthday, I’m reminded of the journey that has brought me here. Living in Japan with my wife, who has a fulfilling job, I often reflect on my professional path. Once upon a time, I thrived in a digital agency environment, working with esteemed clients like Best Western, Nuxe, and Mont Blanc, where I focused on elevating smaller businesses’ online presence through effective SEO strategies.
With five years of experience behind me, I now face a crossroads. Currently, I find myself unemployed, relying on income from a handful of small projects and offering seo coaching to friends, bringing in a modest 200-300€ monthly. This income, however, is far from sustainable.
Having long considered venturing into freelance seo, I’ve dedicated the past half-year to reaching out to potential clients, participating in video consultations, and diligently pitching my services—yet, regrettably, I’ve not secured a single client.
This week has been particularly reflective. Given my past success in helping businesses generate revenue through seo, I can’t help but question why I’m struggling to promote my services rather than pursuing an opportunity to create my own website. While I dabbled in dropshipping with a Shopify store years ago, the financial burden of advertising led me to seek out SEO as an alternative, which was marketed as a “cost-effective” method.
Recently, I experienced a breakthrough: I decided to embark on creating an affiliate site within a niche I find compelling. This perspective shift felt liberating—I thought I had finally found the right path!
In my excitement, I began utilizing tools like Semrush to analyze keywords. However, as I delved into the SERPs, I was disheartened to discover that many affiliate sites have vanished. It seems the landscape is now dominated by a few mainstream platforms, typically favoring generalized consumer content and Amazon affiliate links. The once-thriving niche affiliate websites seem to have fallen into decline.
This realization has led me back to feelings of uncertainty, making me question how I can truly leverage my SEO skills moving forward.
If you’re reading this, I’d love to hear your thoughts! How have you navigated similar challenges? What strategies can you recommend for someone eager to monetize their SEO expertise?
Let’s connect and share our insights—your experiences might just inspire a new direction!
Looking forward to the conversation! 😊
2 responses to “Does My SEO Expertise Continue to Generate Profitability?”
It’s great to see you seeking insights and support from the community as you navigate this challenging situation. Your background in SEO and experience with reputable clients certainly holds value, and there are numerous paths you can explore to both leverage your skills and create profitable avenues. Here are some strategies to consider that could reinvigorate your journey in the SEO world:
1. Niche Down and Specialize
While it’s admirable to help a variety of clients, finding a niche where you can specialize can set you apart in a crowded market. Look to areas where you have the most experience or where there’s a market demand, such as local SEO for businesses in Japan or specialized industries you’ve worked with previously. This targeted approach can build a reputation faster than being a generalist.
2. Build a Personal Brand
Being in Japan, you have a unique perspective on both local and international markets. Consider starting a personal blog or YouTube channel where you share insights on seo trends, tips, and case studies relevant to your target audience. This can establish you as an authority in the field and drive organic traffic to your services.
3. Offer Value to Potential Clients
Since reaching out to prospective clients hasn’t yielded results, consider shifting your strategy. Create valuable content that addresses common problems in seo. This could be via blog posts, free workshops, or checklists. Demonstrating your expertise can encourage businesses to seek your services. For instance, you could host free webinars that help potential clients understand seo, and then pitch your services subtly as an option for those needing more personalized help.
4. Utilize Freelance Platforms Strategically
Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer can provide access to clients actively seeking SEO services. Craft a compelling profile that highlights your unique experiences with big brands, and focus on testimonials from those smaller businesses you previously helped. Start with competitive pricing to build your portfolio, then gradually increase rates as you receive positive reviews.
5. Leverage Social Proof and Networking
Your previous experiences with brands can be leveraged for testimonials or case studies. Through platforms like LinkedIn, you can network with previous colleagues, clients, or others in Digital Marketing. Ask for introductions to potential leads and share insightful content that could engage your connections.
6. Reassess Affiliate Marketing
Regarding your thoughts on starting an affiliate site, it’s essential to choose niche products that may be underserved or seek out unique angles that bigger players haven’t tackled essentially. Instead of focusing solely on high-traffic keywords, consider long-tail keywords or specific product reviews that provide real value.
Additionally, diversification is key; incorporate various monetization strategies, such as sponsored posts, partnerships, or even offering consultancy to other affiliate marketers looking to improve their SEO.
7. Stay Updated and Continual Learning
SEO is an ever-evolving field, so keeping up to date with the latest algorithm changes, tools, and best practices is crucial. Consider investing time in furthering your knowledge through online courses or attending local SEO meet-ups and seminars. This can not only boost your skills but also expand your networking opportunities.
8. Start Small with Projects
Consider working on small SEO projects just for the purposes of building your portfolio. Even if they are unpaid or low-paid, they can serve as proof of your capabilities and help you learn what works well right now in the search landscape.
Conclusion
Remember, the landscape of SEO and Digital Marketing changes rapidly, and while it may feel discouraging at times, every challenge can lead to new opportunities. Your extensive background is a solid foundation that can be built upon with creativity and perseverance. Continue to ask questions, engage with your peers, and modify your strategies based on feedback and results. You have the experience and knowledge; it’s all about finding the right platform and approach to apply it effectively. Good luck on your journey!
Happy belated birthday! It’s great to see you reflecting on your journey and sharing your thoughts with the community. The crossroads you’re at is something many in the Digital Marketing and SEO field can relate to, especially given the rapid changes in the industry.
The decline of niche affiliate sites is indeed concerning, but it’s a reminder of how dynamic the SEO landscape is. Here are a few strategies that might help you pivot and monetize your SEO skills more effectively:
1. **Leverage Your Experience**: Your background with reputable clients is a significant asset. Instead of focusing solely on acquiring new clients, consider reaching out to past contacts or clients. They might remember the value you brought and may have new projects or referrals for you.
2. **Expand Your Offerings**: Besides seo coaching, consider bundled services—like seo audits, content strategy development, or even social media management. This way, you can provide more value and increase your income potential.
3. **Work on Your Personal Brand**: Sometimes, the struggle to find clients is tied to visibility. Consider sharing case studies, insights, or even your journey on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium. This will help establish your authority in the field and could attract potential clients.
4. **Embrace Collaboration**: Network with other Digital Marketers or agencies that may need seo support for their projects. This could lead to partnerships where you could work on a contractual basis rather than relying solely on client acquisition.
5. **Stay Informed and Adapt**: