The WP SEO Show – Demystifying SEO for WordPress Websites

In this episode, Pete and Jeff talk about the practicalities of running SEO retainers for your clients – the good, the bad, the ugly, and som tips from their own experiences. Key talking points include1. The Importance of Weekly Client ManagementMonthly retainers shouldn’t mean monthly attentionRegular monitoring helps catch issues earlyAllows for better tracking of algorithm updates across client portfolioBuilds stronger client relationships and trust2. Weekly Review Process Should Include:Rankings checkOrganic traffic analysisGoogle Search Console error monitoringTask progress updatesClient KPI trackingSales/conversion monitoring3. Time Management TipsDedicate specific days for client reviews (examples given: Mondays or Fridays)Can be done in 10-15 minutes per clientStart with top clients if overwhelmedSchedule reviews at least 48 hours before client meetings4. Communication Best PracticesShare highlights and wins immediatelyDon’t go more than two weeks without client contactProactively inform clients about algorithm updates or ranking changesGet regular feedback on sales/leads that might not show in analytics5. Benefits of Regular MonitoringEasier to spot trends across multiple clientsMore confident client conversationsBetter prepared for monthly reportingOpportunity for quick fixes and improvementsEarlier detection of potential issues6. Project Management ConsiderationsUse tools that your team will actually engage withFocus on implementation rather than perfect tool selectionConsider client preferences for communication platformsSet up regular task reminders for consistency

This episode delves into how the drama may reshape the WordPress ecosystem and its potential business implications for agencies and developers.Main talking points include:WP Drama Overview: Ongoing tensions between WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg (Automattic) and WP Engine, a major hosting company, have escalated.WordPress Plugin Repository Conflict: Automattic blocked WP Engine from the WordPress plugin repository, which raised concerns within the WordPress ecosystem.Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Takeover: Automattic allegedly "hijacked" the free version of ACF from the repository, though WP Engine still manages ACF Pro for paying customers.WP Engine's Response: WP Engine downplayed the situation and found a workaround to update plugins despite the block, using VPNs to bypass restrictions.Client Concerns: The drama has led to increased client uncertainty, with some questioning the security and viability of WP Engine, despite no immediate risks.Impact on Developers: The conflict has made some developers consider alternatives to WordPress and question whether WordPress remains the best solution for certain projects.Community Reaction: The drama has sparked discussions about the contributions to the WordPress community, with concerns over profiteering by WP Engine.Long-Term Effects: Uncertainty about the future relationship between WP Engine and Automattic, with potential long-term impacts on the WordPress ecosystem.Developer Anxiety: Some developers have lost contracts due to client concerns, reflecting the ripple effect of the conflict on business decisions.Alternative Solutions: A growing discussion around whether WordPress is the best fit for all projects, with mentions of alternative platforms like Squarespace or Shopify.Philosophical Questions: Broader debates on the nature of open source, contribution expectations, and the role of the community in the growth of WordPress.

Main talking points include:Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Importance of optimizing websites to help users take desired actions (leads, sales, etc.).CRO and SEO Link: Driving traffic through SEO is ineffective if visitors can’t convert due to website issues.Common CRO Mistakes:Broken contact forms or inquiry forms.E-commerce checkout issues (not verifying if payments go through).Missing or unclear calls to action (CTAs).Long mobile pages with CTAs buried at the bottom, requiring excessive scrolling.Broken links, particularly in key areas like footers.Usability Checks:Regularly test websites, even on incognito browsers, to catch errors like broken images or caching problems.Look for broken forms, payment issues, or email issues that might hinder conversions.Proactivity: Regularly checking for issues even after a site goes live, especially for maintenance clients.Mobile Experience: Consider how the site is experienced on mobile devices, ensuring that key actions like CTAs are accessible early on the page.Analytics: Using tools like Google Analytics to identify high exit rates or bounce rates on key pages, which may point to usability or CRO issues.Value of Small Fixes: Fixing even small issues (like broken links in a footer) can result in significant improvements in traffic and conversions.Client Communication: Keeping clients informed about ongoing checks, testing forms, and being proactive builds trust and strengthens the relationship.Importance of Detail: Small details often overlooked, like unchecked form errors, can have large impacts on user experience and site success.

Main talking points include:In this episode, Pete and Jeff were super honoured to pick the brains of Branded SERP guru, Jason Barnard.In a conversation that covered a myriad of topics, the main talking points include:Importance of Managing Brand SERPsThe Role of Google's Knowledge GraphModern SEO and Entity ManagementThe Concept of EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)The KaliCube Process (Understandability, Credibility, Deliverability)Knowledge Panels as a KPIInfluence of AI on Branding and SEOMaintaining Consistency Across Digital FootprintsSchema Markup and Implicit SemanticsThe Value of Building AuthorityActionable Steps for Individuals and AgenciesConnect with JasonJason's Book: "The Fundamentals of Brand SERPs for Business" is available on AmazonJason's Website: https://jasonbarnard.com/Jason's Guides: As mentioned on the show, Jason has some extensive guides for managing your own Branded SERPs. – grab your copy here!

Main talking points:In this episode, Pete and Jeff take on the sticky subject of links and their roll within an SEO Strategy and Client Agreements... Their discussion includes:Shift in the Link Outreach LandscapeWhy Link Outreach, Not Link BuildingChallenges of Link OutreachLink Outreach is Still Relevant but ContextualCitation BuildingEvaluating Link Outreach OpportunitiesAssociated Costs

In this episode, Pete and Jeff chat through the benefits and the process that moves an agency away from just being a "website provider" to a "trusted advisor" for your clients. They also discuss why this is sometimes out of our comfort zone and give some strategies and tips on where to start.Main Talking Points Include:Understanding Client NeedsRecurring Revenue and Growth PlansClient Communication and StrategyLow-Hanging Fruit and Long-Term GoalsConfidence and Expertise 

Main talking points include:In this episode, Pete and Jeff cover the following:The problem with selling SEO on its ownWhy broadening the scope beyond SEO is a good thingWhy SEO should be part of a larger growth strategyThe importance of having an initial discovery process / triage processBuilding recurring revenue Building long-term relationships with clients

Main talking points include:Setting Expectations and Discovery ProcessManaging Client RelationshipsScaling ServicesClient CommunicationHandling Large ClientsFinancial Impact of Client LossClient Lifecycle 

Main talking pointsIn this episode, we chat through structuring SEO retainers and how to sell them effectively. The main talking points include:Importance of having a clear, structured framework for SEO services that outlines what the agency delivers and how they operate, with potential scalability.The risks of not having a structured offer and how clients can influence the services' scope without a clear framework.Broader application of these principles beyond SEO, including web design and other services.Challenges in defining monthly recurring services, especially in SEO, compared to project-based services like website development.How an onboarding or discovery phase helps you properly set up clients, understand their needs, and build an effective strategy.Emphasis on setting clear expectations from the start to prevent misunderstandings about deliverables and to maintain client satisfaction.LinksBook a Strategy Session

In this episode, we explore the various aspects of choosing the right keywords for SEO and the implications they have for a content strategy and, ultimately, the target business.The main talking points include: The importance of keywords in SEOChoosing the Right KeywordsKeyword Research and StrategyUnderstanding Traffic and RelevanceBalancing Keyword Difficulty and Search VolumeExpectations and MisconceptionsShoutoutsMike Michalowicz – https://mikemichalowicz.com/

Main talking points:In this episode, Pete and Jeff discuss Google's March 2024 algorithm update. This update focuses on Google's efforts to combat spam, particularly by addressing low-quality, unoriginal, and AI-generated content.This update isn't just about algorithm changes, however, but also introduces new spam policies, specifically targeting expired domain abuse, scaled content abuse, and site reputation abuse.The update aims to reduce spammy and unoriginal content by about 40%, enhancing the quality of search results.The importance of content authenticity and value to users is underscored, noting that AI-generated content, if used, should not dominate a site's content strategy.Google's update is a move towards cleaning up the internet ecosystem, making it more user-centric and reducing the effectiveness of manipulative SEO tactics.Pete and Jeff also discuss the broader implications for SEOs and website owners, encouraging them to focus on creating valuable, original content rather than relying on AI-generated or manipulative content strategies.Linkshttps://blog.google/products/search/google-search-update-march-2024/https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2024/03/core-update-spam-policieshttps://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies#site-reputation

Main talking points include:In this episode, Pete and Jeff take a step back and look at how agencies should approach SEO for each client, and demonstrate that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach – it all needs to be contextual to the competition.The conversation revolves around how SEO is a game of displacement, so as a web professional, it is your job to review the competition and put a suitable plan in place for each client. That will inform your tech stack, your content structure, and maybe even the platform you choose to build the site on – everything.The hosts also touch on surrounding themes of Keyword Research (and understanding a website's current level of operation through their Keyword Baseline), and how important speed and performance issues are in the grand scheme of things.Links: SEOHive Strategy SessionsHow to Understand Our Keyword Research

This show sees our first ever guest to The WP SEO Show - Matt Lasky. Pete and Matt discuss the importance of a well-structured web design brief for both clients and agencies. Matt, drawing from his career experience and his book "How to Take a Web Design Brief," emphasizes how a solid brief underpins successful project outcomes, effective communication, and ultimately, client satisfaction.Main talking points include:The transformative effect of clear communication and understanding client goals.The role of a comprehensive brief in guiding project direction and fostering creative solutions.Strategies for agencies to navigate client feedback and maintain a collaborative relationship.The significance of aligning project objectives with user needs to improve conversion rates and achieve client objectives.This discussion highlights how a detailed, thoughtful brief is not just administrative paperwork but a foundational tool for project success and client-agency collaboration.Links"How to take a Web Design Brief" on AmazonMatt's LinkedIn Profile

Our 5-minute SEO Assessment of any client website! Disclaimer: This isn't a process for running a full SEO Audit on a website. Instead, this is the process I go through when a lead comes in to talk about SEO. Before any project has been confirmed, or any money has exchanged hands, this is the process I go through before the initial call to give me context. Website structureUser experienceCurrent RankingsCompetitor Websites & RankingsWebsite Speed / Core Webs VitalsThis leads to two gated products... SEO Health CheckKeyword Research & Mapping... and from here I can present a retained proposal.Need some help?Wondering how SEOHive can help your business? Book an Intro CallNeed to get under the hood with something? Book a Strategy SessionWant to know the stats behind a website? Buy some Scout Reports

Following on from a comment made by Google's John Mueller on X, formerly known as Twitter, Pete and Jeff have an honest discussion about whether you can ever guarantee SEO Results? Main talking points include:Why you can never guarantee SEO resultsHow to talk to clients about SEO results and how to tie them into commercial metricsThe risks of relying too much on a single platform for businessThe ethical aspects of selling SEO services, focusing on the importance of honesty and value in client interactions 

In this episode, Pete and Jeff explore a real example of a content AI checker, and how a client interpreted the results. Needless to say, the outcome wasn’t exactly “easy” to understand, so they chat through the results, the pitfalls and how these checkers are placed in the market at the moment.

Initiating SEO discussions with clients can be hard – regardless of if this is a new client on a client you've had for years...In this episode we explore strategies for approaching SEO sales conversations, emphasizing the importance of presenting SEO as an opportunity rather than a hard sell. We discuss the importance of understanding a client's current business state, objectives, and expectations for SEO.We also cover themes such as assessing a client's website performance, conducting keyword research, setting realistic targets, the challenges of working with brand new businesses and the importance of not overcommitting to unattainable goals.Main talking points include:Approaching SEO sales conversations: Presenting SEO as an opportunity rather than a hard sell.Understanding the client's business: Assessing the current state, objectives, and expectations for SEO.Assessing website performance: Analyzing client's website for SEO readiness.Conducting keyword research: Importance of selecting appropriate keywords for client's business.Setting realistic SEO targets: Importance of achievable goals, especially for new businesses.Charging for SEO services: The need for agencies to charge fairly.Long-term client relationships: Focusing on sustained growth and consistent results.Download the SEOHive SEO Audit & Sales Presentation Template.

Main talking points include: Our first show of 2024 focuses on three core SEO principles expected to be significant in the year. The first is the enduring importance of content, especially in the context of AI's growing influence and the need for authentic, human-generated material. Secondly, technical SEO – emphasizing the increasing relevance, especially given the rise of AI-generated content and its impact on search rankings. Finally, the growing prominence of local SEO, including the importance of optimizing for local search results and map pack traffic.\In summary:Importance of Content: Emphasizing the need for authentic, human-generated content in the age of AI.Technical SEO: Increasing relevance due to the rise of AI-generated content affecting search rankings.Local SEO: Highlighting the significance of optimizing for local search results and map pack traffic.AI's Impact: Discussing how AI is shaping SEO strategies and content creation. ShoutoutsIsaac's Skiing YouTube ChannelThe Admin BarAlex Curtis / The Lead Engine

Overview of Core Web Vitals:We kick off this episode walking through the six Core Web Vitals – a set of metrics used by Google to evaluate the user experience of a website.These are:First Contentful Paint (FCP)Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)Time to InteractiveSpeed IndexCumulative Layout Shift (CLS)Total Blocking Time (TBT)Each vital is then discussed in detail, explaining what they measure and their importance in website performance.Strategies for Improving Core Web Vitals:Importance of optimizing images and videos, including best practices for media file sizes and formats.Discussion on the use of WordPress and how various tools can impact Core Web Vitals.Techniques for optimizing JavaScript loading, such as deferring or minifying scripts.The significance of setting correct image sizes and the impact of media on layout shifts.Real-World Challenges and SolutionsPete & Jeff share practical experiences and challenges they've faced in optimizing websites, offering insights into real-world application of these strategies.Importance of Testing and Iteration: Emphasis on the necessity of testing optimizations and understanding the impact of changes on overall website performance.SEO and Core Web Vitals as Part of a Larger Strategy: They discuss how Core Web Vitals fit into a broader SEO strategy and the need to balance technical optimization with other SEO elements.

In this episode, Jeff and Pete discuss the concept of "Paid Discovery" in SEO projects. They delve into why it's crucial for agencies to charge for the discovery phase of an SEO project, how it benefits both the agency and the client, and best practices for implementing this approach.Key Points Discussed:What is Paid Discovery?Getting paid to figure out if you'll work with a client and cover the time needed to determine if it's a good fitPuts skin in the game for the client to show they are seriousBenefits of Paid DiscoveryAllows agency to demonstrate expertise without giving away full strategyHelps ensure client is equipped for the SEO work requiredProvides opportunity to align on commercial goals and objectivesScreens out clients not suitable to work withRunning a Paid Discovery SessionBe clear it's not a sales pitch, though the goal is to agree on a proposalFocus on trust building and showing your capabilities as an expertInclude a "low risk offer" like a coupon to incentivize signing on for ongoing workOperational ConsiderationsTake the time upfront to understand infrastructure and capacity limitations clients may haveBe willing to walk away from bad fits even when it's uncomfortableHave your own audit process or leverage tools like Scout Reports to qualify leads