Introduction to SEO
Kazi, a newcomer to the industry, has asked a question that sparks an important discussion about the best approach to starting a career in SEO. The question revolves around whether it’s advisable to start an agency as a one-man employee, given the need for financial stability. This raises a crucial point: should someone new to the industry offer SEO services as an agency or a solo contractor?
The Risks of Offering SEO Services without Experience
The answer to this question is a resounding no. It’s not recommended to offer SEO services, either as an agency or a solo contractor, without prior experience in the field. SEO is a complex and nuanced industry that requires a deep understanding of its mechanics and how to apply them in different situations. Without this knowledge, there’s a significant risk of causing harm to clients and their businesses.
Learning on the Job
SEO is not a straightforward practice, and there are many variables that can affect what is deemed "good practice." As a brand-new SEO specialist, there may be nuances with a client’s industry, website, or tech stack that are not immediately apparent, which can impact the success of a strategy. A lot of SEO comes down to problem-solving, a skill that is honed over time through experience and learning from mistakes.
Risks to Clients
If a junior SEO works on a website alone, they may cause significant traffic loss for a client. For example, they could accidentally set live a solution that de-indexes the entire site, leading to a loss of organic traffic and revenue. This is a risk that more experienced SEO professionals also face, but they are better equipped to foresee and mitigate such issues.
Financial Harm
If SEO recommendations cause organic performance issues, a client’s revenue could be significantly affected. This is particularly true for businesses that rely heavily on their website and organic traffic. In some cases, people have lost their jobs due to organic traffic loss, highlighting the potential consequences of inexperienced SEO work.
Risks to Yourself
Not only can offering SEO services without experience put clients at risk, but it can also be harmful to the individual providing the services. There will be significant pressure to deliver results, which can be difficult to manage without experience. The lack of knowledge and experience will likely be discovered quickly, potentially leading to a loss of clients and damage to one’s professional reputation.
Significant Pressure
As a brand-new SEO specialist, there will be significant pressure to set reasonable goals and achieve them in a timely manner. Without experience, this can be incredibly difficult, leading to unattainable goals or unrealistic expectations. This can result in difficult conversations with clients and a strained working relationship.
Lack of Experience Will Be Discovered Quickly
In most cases, the lack of knowledge and experience will be identified quickly, potentially leading to a loss of clients and damage to one’s professional reputation. This can be particularly challenging for someone who is new to the industry and still learning the ropes.
Legal Ramifications
In some situations, positioning oneself as an SEO expert without the ability to deliver results could be considered a breach of contract. It’s essential to be upfront about one’s abilities and experience to avoid any potential legal issues.
Alternative Approaches
So, what can someone new to the industry do instead? Here are a few alternative approaches:
Join a Company as an Intern
Consider finding an entry-level job in the SEO field and learning on the job in a more supportive and less pressured environment. This can provide valuable experience and the opportunity to develop skills without the risk of harming clients or one’s professional reputation.
Practice on Sites That You Can Fail With and Learn
If finding employment in SEO is challenging, consider practicing on sites that you can fail with and learn from. This could include building your own sites or volunteering to work on sites for friends or family members. This approach allows for the development of skills and experience without the risk of causing harm to clients.
Set Up Your Own Site and Monetize It
If you’re determined to make money through SEO right away, consider building and optimizing a site that you can monetize. This could include an affiliate site or a business that drop-ships products. This approach allows for the development of skills and experience while minimizing the risk to clients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while SEO can be a rewarding and challenging career, it’s essential to have experience and knowledge before offering services as an agency or solo contractor. The risks to clients and oneself are significant, and it’s crucial to prioritize learning and development before taking on the responsibility of providing SEO services. By following alternative approaches, such as joining a company as an intern, practicing on sites that you can fail with and learn, or setting up your own site and monetizing it, you can develop the skills and experience needed to succeed in the SEO industry.