How I Became an SEO Agency Without Even Realising It
SEO agency work wasn’t something I initially set out to do. As a digital marketer, my focus was on paid ads like Meta Ads and Google Ads. However, I quickly realised that without the big budgets that larger agencies have, it was tough to compete. This financial constraint led me down a path I hadn’t anticipated—SEO. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. By honing my skills in search engine optimisation, I discovered a new realm of opportunities. This article is about my journey from a digital marketing consultant to becoming what some might call an SEO agency.
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My Journey into SEO
At the start of my digital marketing career back in 2012, I specialised in paid ads. My expertise was in crafting compelling Facebook Ads and managing Google Ads campaigns to drive immediate results for my clients. I was known as the paid social guy. However, as a solo digital marketing consultant just starting in July 2023, I didn’t have the advertising budget to rival the big social media agencies. I needed a way to generate leads and get clients without breaking the bank. Although I knew SEO I didn’t consider myself a master SEO. But like all fathers who need to raise a family, I doubled down on what I knew and what could get me paid because this is what I got.
SEO was not something I had initially planned to focus on. But out of necessity, I began to delve into the world of search engine optimisation. I realised that by improving the SEO of my own website, I could attract clients organically. This shift in focus opened new doors, allowing me to leverage my skills in a way that was cost-effective and highly impactful.
The TLC Method: My Unique SEO Approach
As I delved deeper into SEO, I created my own approach called the SEO TLC Method. Unlike the standard SEO practices you see with many agencies, the SEO TLC Method is straightforward and focuses on thoroughness, longevity, and consistency. I wanted a simple SEO method that delivers results without relying on the complexity and confusion that often surrounds SEO. It’s about creating content that not only ranks well but also stays relevant over time. This method came from my frustration with the one-size-fits-all strategies many SEO agencies use, which often lack depth and fail to achieve lasting success.
The TLC Method emphasises a tailored strategy that fits each client’s unique needs. This approach has proven incredibly effective, particularly for those who are new to SEO or have been disappointed by traditional SEO services. It’s not about quick wins but building a solid foundation that will support long-term growth. As I continued to apply the TLC Method, my reputation as an SEO specialist grew, and I found myself doing more SEO work than paid ads.
Does your team need help with SEO? Read The TLC Method and share it with them.
Realisation: Becoming an SEO Agency
It wasn’t long before I realised that I had inadvertently become an SEO agency. My expertise in SEO grew to the point where I was running SEO campaigns not only for my clients but also for other marketing agencies. This was a surprising shift for someone who started out solely focused on paid advertising.
Running SEO for other agencies made me realise the value and demand for effective SEO strategies. It was clear that my approach to SEO was resonating with others, and I had unintentionally established myself as a go-to expert in the field. This unexpected development was both exciting and validating, confirming that SEO was not just a fallback option but a significant part of my career.
Day-to-Day as a Digital Marketing Consultant
My daily routine as a digital marketing consultant is now a mix of writing ads and optimising SEO. While I still enjoy the creativity and immediate results that come with managing Meta Ads and Google Ads, SEO has become an integral part of my services. Writing compelling content and optimising it for search engines is now a daily task, one that I have come to appreciate for its strategic depth.
Balancing these two aspects of digital marketing has given me a unique perspective. I understand the immediate impact of paid ads and the long-term benefits of SEO. This dual expertise allows me to offer a more comprehensive service to my clients, blending quick wins with sustainable growth.
Does your team need help with SEO? Book your FREE 1:1 consultation today and I can teach your team in a workshop.
What Does an SEO Agency Do?
An SEO agency specialises in optimising websites to improve their ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). This involves a variety of tasks, including keyword research, content creation, link building, and technical SEO audits. The goal is to enhance a website’s visibility, driving more organic traffic and, ultimately, increasing sales and leads.
Beyond these basics, an SEO agency also stays updated on the latest search engine algorithms and best practices. They analyse website performance, track rankings, and adjust strategies as needed. The work is continuous, requiring consistent effort to maintain and improve search rankings. It’s not just about getting to the top; it’s about staying there.
How Much Do SEO Agencies Charge?
SEO agency fees can vary widely depending on the services provided, the agency’s expertise, and the client’s needs. Some agencies charge a flat monthly fee, while others bill hourly or per project. On average, small to medium-sized businesses might spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per month on SEO services.
However, it’s important to remember that SEO is an investment. Unlike paid ads, where results are often immediate but short-lived, SEO builds over time. The return on investment can be substantial, but it requires patience and a long-term commitment. This is why the cost of SEO can often reflect the value of sustained growth and visibility.
Need help with your SEO? Book your FREE 1:1 consultation today and get started.
Are SEO Agencies Worth It?
Yes, SEO agencies are worth it, especially if you’re looking for long-term growth. A good SEO agency will not only improve your website’s visibility but also enhance its usability, ensuring that visitors have a positive experience. This, in turn, can lead to higher conversion rates and increased revenue.
The value of an SEO agency lies in its expertise and ability to stay ahead of the ever-changing landscape of search engines. By leveraging professional SEO services, businesses can focus on what they do best while their online presence is strategically managed by experts. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
What Does SEO Stand For?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It’s the practice of improving a website to increase its visibility when people search for products or services related to your business on Google, Bing, and other search engines. The better visibility your pages have in search results, the more likely you are to garner attention and attract prospective and existing customers to your business.
SEO involves a combination of on-page strategies, like optimising content and HTML source code, and off-page strategies, such as link building and social media marketing. It’s a comprehensive approach that requires continuous effort and adaptation to remain effective.
What is SEO for Beginners?
For beginners, SEO can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At its core, SEO is about understanding what people are searching for online, the answers they seek, and the words they use. By aligning your content with these search queries, you can improve your chances of appearing in relevant search results.
If you understand Google’s mission statement “Our mission is to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” then SEO becomes clear.
Starting with keyword research is essential. This involves identifying the terms and phrases that your target audience is searching for. Once you have this information, you can optimise your website’s content to better match these queries. Other key aspects of SEO for beginners include ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and has a clean, user-friendly layout.
Does SEO Really Work?
Absolutely, SEO really works, but it requires time and effort. Unlike paid advertising, which delivers immediate results, SEO is a long-term strategy. It focuses on building organic traffic that is sustainable over time. By consistently applying SEO best practices, websites can improve their rankings and attract more visitors.
The key to successful SEO is patience and persistence. It’s about making incremental improvements and monitoring the results. With a solid SEO strategy, businesses can achieve significant growth and establish a strong online presence. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
Reflecting on my journey, I realise how a challenge led to an unexpected opportunity. Starting out as a digital marketer focused on paid ads, I never thought I’d find myself running an SEO agency. But life has a funny way of taking you down paths you never anticipated. Embracing SEO has not only expanded my skill set but also allowed me to offer more value to my clients.
If you’re a digital marketer or a business owner, don’t be afraid to explore new avenues. SEO might just be the key to unlocking your next big opportunity. It’s a field that’s constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. So dive in, experiment, and see where the journey takes you.
In digital marketing, flexibility and adaptability are crucial. My unexpected journey into SEO has taught me the importance of being open to new possibilities and continuously evolving. Whether through paid ads or SEO, the goal remains the same: to help businesses grow and succeed online. If you’re curious about SEO or need help with your digital marketing strategy, feel free to reach out.
Need help with your SEO? Book your FREE 1:1 consultation today and get started.
About the Author
Crom Salvatera is a seasoned digital marketer specialising in SEO and paid advertising based in Sydney, Australia. With a unique approach that combines expertise in both Meta Ads and SEO, Crom helps businesses maximise their online presence. As a mentor and consultant, Crom is passionate about empowering others to achieve their marketing goals and grow in the digital space.
Like what you’re reading? Follow or connect with Crom Salvatera on LinkedIn to get more digital insights.
