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In this episode, we’ll hear from Coach Gab and Coach Gelo who have navigated both routes, sharing their unique experiences and the lessons they've learned along the way. From academic achievements to practical ingenuity, we’ll uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, shedding light on how they can complement one another. Whether you're a student weighing your options, a professional seeking to enhance your skills, or simply curious about the dynamics of education and hustle, this conversation promises to offer valuable insights that challenge conventional thinking and inspire new perspectives.
Both Gab and Gelo emphasize that practical experience is often more valuable than having a formal diploma in the SEO field, although a diploma can help open doors.
For those without a diploma, freelancing is highlighted as a viable option, allowing individuals to gain practical skills without the constraints of traditional job requirements.
Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential soft skills in SEO, crucial for success in client interactions and agency environments.
The need for ongoing education and specialization in specific areas of SEO, such as technical SEO or content writing, is underscored as vital for professional growth.
Building a strong portfolio and networking through platforms like Facebook are recommended strategies for SEO professionals to connect with potential clients and showcase their skills.
Both Gab and Gelo emphasize that practical experience and existing skills (like graphic design) are often more valuable than formal education in the SEO field.
The importance of ongoing education and adapting to the evolving landscape of SEO is highlighted, with recommendations for finding trustworthy resources and learning tools.
Tailoring job applications and showcasing real work through portfolios and case studies are crucial for standing out to potential employers.
Understanding and addressing clients' business needs, rather than focusing solely on technical SEO details, is essential for building successful client relationships.
Collecting genuine reviews and feedback from clients, along with maintaining a strong professional network, is vital for enhancing credibility and demonstrating expertise in SEO.
1. "Experience matters more than a diploma; it’s the hands-on knowledge that truly shapes your career." - Gab
2. "Freelancing emphasizes practical skills, allowing you to learn and grow without the constraints of traditional requirements." - Gelo
3. "Soft skills, like communication and adaptability, are just as vital in SEO as any technical knowledge." - Gab
4. "Navigating the job market can be tough, but remember that practical skills often speak louder than formal credentials." - Gelo
5. "Every challenge in public speaking can build your confidence, helping you connect better with clients and colleagues." - Gab
6. "Continuous learning is essential; specializing in areas like local SEO or technical SEO can set you apart in this ever-evolving field." - Gelo
7."Your background doesn't define your future in SEO. Leverage your existing skills and keep learning; that's what truly matters." - Gab
8. "Success in SEO comes from being proactive. Find the right resources and start with the basics; it's a journey that never ends." - Gelo
9. "When hiring, I look for attention to detail and a genuine eagerness to learn. Commitment and practical experience stand out more than just years of experience." - Gab
10. "Personalized applications are key. Stand out from the crowd by bringing your authentic self to the table, even in a digital world." - Gelo
11. "Collecting feedback from clients not only showcases your work but also demonstrates your commitment to their success." - Gab
12. "In SEO, resourcefulness and determination can take you further than a diploma. Focus on what you can do, and let your skills shine." - Gelo
As we wrap up this insightful episode of SEO Kwentuhan, we hope you’re walking away with a fresh perspective on the ongoing debate of diploma versus experience in the SEO world. It’s clear that while formal education can open doors, it’s the practical skills and real-world experience that truly make an impact.
We encourage you to reflect on your own journey—how have your experiences shaped your understanding of SEO? There’s always something new to learn and share.
Don’t forget to join us next time, where we'll explore more strategies to enhance your skills and career. Be sure to subscribe and engage with our community; your insights and stories enrich our discussions.
Thanks for tuning in, and remember: the journey of learning never ends.
What’s next for you?
We can’t wait to find out!
00:00 - 2:00
Gab:Welcome to this new episode of SEO Kwentuhan, focusing on the lighter side of SEO.
Gelo: What’s our topic today?
Gab: Discussing whether a diploma or experience is more essential for SEO.
Gelo: We often hear varying opinions about this. Let's put it in the context of SEO.
Gab: I believe the diploma isn’t crucial; my experience matters more. After applying for jobs, I rarely used my diploma. However, the knowledge I gained from school helped me in the field.
Gelo:I don’t have a diploma. I learned SEO through online courses. Although having a diploma might open some doors, many employers still look for practical skills.
02:01 - 7:14
Gelo: Sometimes job postings require a marketing degree, as SEO falls under digital marketing.
Gab: Having a diploma can help when applying overseas, where employers often prefer graduates from related fields.
Gelo: There are limitations without a diploma. It’s tough to apply for jobs without any credentials.
Gab: There’s definitely discrimination in the job market. Employers often prefer candidates with diplomas, even in entry-level positions.
Gelo: The initial job market entry is challenging, especially when HR screenings favor diploma holders.
Gab: True, it’s frustrating to feel overlooked due to lacking formal education.
7:15 - 12:10
Gab: If you lack a diploma, freelancing could be a better path, as it emphasizes experience over formal education.
Gelo: Freelancing allows for practical learning without the pressure of traditional job requirements.
Gelo: Are there specific courses that benefit SEO professionals?
Gab: Yes, courses in marketing and communication are valuable, alongside technical fields like IT.
Gab: Content writing and journalism courses also help in SEO. Understanding how to write effectively can enhance your SEO skills.
Gelo: Technical skills in IT can assist with aspects like link building and networking.
12:11 - 15:30
Gab: Soft skills are important in SEO. Communication skills are key for conveying ideas to clients and team members.
Gelo: Exactly! Team collaboration and clear communication are vital in an agency environment.
Gelo: Selling your services and ideas is another crucial skill. You must be able to present and advocate for your work effectively.
Gab: Analytical thinking and adaptability are essential, especially in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
15:30 - 16:46
Gelo: Discusses the initial stages of SEO development and the importance of preparation. Highlights the need to not forget key elements as you progress in your SEO journey.
Gelo: Talks about project and time management, emphasizing the challenges of handling multiple clients and the necessity of building an effective project management system.
Gelo: Mentions the significance of soft skills in SEO.
Gab: Explores various soft skills required for SEO, like creativity in content writing and web design, asserting that creativity can be innate or developed over time.
16:46 - 17:34
Gab: Discusses the challenges faced in design, despite having a background in graphic design.
Gab: Reflects on past learning experiences in web design and development, indicating a desire to improve further.
Gab: Shares thoughts on negotiation skills necessary for handling paid links and other aspects of SEO.
17:34 - 19:16
Gelo: Addresses the need for persuasive communication in negotiation. Emphasizes the importance of clear communication in closing deals and the relationship between negotiation skills and sales.
Gelo: Discusses the difficulties in sales and the necessity of having data to support selling packages.
Gab:Shares personal struggles with selling services, noting the importance of case studies and data in building credibility.
19:16 - 23:29
Gab: Reflects on the challenges of public speaking, especially as an introvert, and how these experiences have shaped his confidence.
Gelo: Comments on his own experiences with introversion and public speaking, highlighting how it affects client interactions.
Gab: Stresses the value of sharing knowledge within the community and learning from others’ experiences.
Gelo: Encourages sharing insights without sugar-coating, emphasizing the importance of real experiences.
23:29 - 26:02
Gab: Lists essential SEO skills, such as link building, technical SEO, and on-page optimization, and underscores their importance in the field. Highlights the demand for link builders and the challenges associated with this role.
Gab: Discusses the need for technical skills in SEO, including a deep understanding of tools and strategies for implementation. Shares thoughts on the importance of content writing and the challenges of being a creative writer.
26:02 - 29:08
Gelo: Outlines the core foundations of SEO, including keyword research and on-page optimization. Encourages continuous learning to enhance skills in these core areas.
Gelo: Emphasizes the importance of specializing in specific areas of SEO, such as local SEO or technical SEO.
Gab: Discusses the value of understanding user experience and how it relates to SEO strategies.
29:08 - 31:59
Gelo: Stresses the necessity of keeping up with new tools and algorithms in the SEO field.
Gab: Concludes with thoughts on the benefits of certification versus traditional diplomas in the SEO industry.
Gelo: Introduces the topic and suggests looking at the link in the post for more information.
Gab: Responds affirmatively to Gelo’s prompt.
Gelo: Asks Gab about his qualifications in SEO.
Gab: Mentions plans to enroll in a course related to SEO.
Gelo: Comments on the value of certifications versus diplomas in the SEO field.
32:00 - 36:28
Gab: Discusses the connection between nursing and SEO, sharing personal experiences of transitioning into SEO from being a virtual assistant. Explains how he learned SEO skills from a remote SEO manager while working in affiliate marketing.
Gab: Emphasizes leveraging existing skills (like graphic design) to enter the SEO field.
Encourages focusing on data analytics and Google tools, noting that many pathways exist to become proficient in SEO without formal diplomas.
Gelo: Agrees that a proactive approach is necessary for success in SEO. Discusses the importance of finding the right learning resources and beginning with the basics.
Gelo: Mentions the need for deep research and finding trustworthy sources to learn SEO effectively. Stresses that learning SEO is an ongoing process and that initial challenges should be expected.
Gab: Reflects on the current landscape of the SEO industry, noting both opportunities and competition. Shares his learning journey, highlighting that formal education isn't strictly necessary for success in SEO.
36:29 - 39:41
Gab: Affirms the value of experiential learning in the SEO field.
Gelo: Discusses how he consumed various SEO podcasts to enhance his knowledge and skills. Indicates that learning should be continuous and that practical experience is crucial for growth.
Gab: Discusses what he looks for when hiring SEO professionals, starting with attention to detail.
Gelo: Acknowledges the importance of following instructions during hiring tasks.
Gab: Shares the key traits he values, including eagerness to learn and demonstrated commitment through coursework.Elaborates on how he assesses candidates' potential during their training period.
39:41 - 42:39
Gab: Discusses the opportunities he provides for interns and the expectation of their engagement. Highlights that he often hires interns based on their performance during the internship.
Gelo: Discusses the significance of attention to detail in the application process.
Gab: Agrees on the importance of personalized applications to stand out.
Gelo: Warns against generic applications created by AI, emphasizing the need for personal touch.
Gab: Reflects on how AI can aid in structuring applications but shouldn’t replace authenticity.
Gelo: Concludes that while technology can assist, understanding the nuances of job applications is crucial.
Gab and Gelo: Emphasize continuous learning, leveraging existing skills, and the necessity for attention to detail in professional settings.
42:45 - 43:53
Gelo: Discusses his experience in SEO and how he includes SEO in his projects. He gives a shout-out to a colleague, Third.
Gelo: Explains what an SEO applicant should present during interviews, focusing on portfolios and case studies. Emphasizes the importance of showcasing real work rather than just experience years.
43:53 - 45:13
Gab:Shares tips on applying for SEO jobs and the significance of a portfolio.
Gelo: Advises on leveraging platforms like Facebook to connect with potential clients and propose help with their websites.
Gab: Discusses how to initiate conversations with potential clients through proposals.
Gelo: Highlights the need to provide value in communications and move on if the client isn’t interested.
45:13 - 48:29
Gab: Suggests bringing case studies or sample strategies to interviews to show expertise.
Gelo: Discusses the necessity of being well-prepared and having a strong overview of SEO aspects during job applications.
Gelo: Talks about collecting reviews from colleagues and clients to enhance credibility.
Gab: Questions how to ask for reviews effectively.
Gelo: Emphasizes the importance of caring about the client’s business and marketing needs during conversations.
Gab: Agrees and points out that clients often focus on business outcomes rather than technical SEO details.
Gelo: Suggests that focusing on a niche market can help in acquiring clients, making it easier to demonstrate expertise.
Gab: Adds insights about the effectiveness of niche targeting in client acquisition.
48:29 - 51:17
Gab: Talks about collecting client feedback after a few months to demonstrate improvements in traffic.
Gelo: Agrees on the importance of showcasing results while avoiding fake reviews.
Gab: Shares how to leverage Upwork reviews for showcasing work.
Gelo: Discusses the necessity of obtaining legitimate reviews on platforms like Upwork.
Gab: Advises those new to SEO to create templates and showcase their learning.
Gelo: Suggests reaching out to past colleagues for referrals to build credibility.
51:17 - 59:13
Gab: Discusses the value of practical experience over formal education in SEO.
Gelo: Emphasizes that while both are beneficial, having a diploma can be a good backup.
Gab: Talks about the perception of degrees in the job market versus practical skills.
Gelo: Shares insights on how resourcefulness and determination can lead to success in SEO.
Gab: Reflects on the conversation and thanks the audience for tuning in.
Gelo: Encourages listeners to share their experiences and reminds them to follow the podcast.
Gab:Invites listeners to engage with the community and stay tuned for future episodes.
Gelo: Ends with reminders about their social media and podcast availability.