From SEO Novice to Digital Marketing Pro: Insights from Jason Okono

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Jason Okono's Journey into the SEO World
3. Changes in the SEO Industry Over the Years
4. How to Become Successful in SEO
5. Enhancing Your Knowledge in Digital Marketing
6. The Importance of Technical Audits
7. Creating Relevance and Authority with Content and Links
8. Understanding Internal and External Linking
9. The Role of EAT (Expertise, Authority, Trust) in SEO
10. Increasing Authority and Credibility
11. Lesser-known Ways to Boost Authority and Credibility
12. The Role of AI in SEO
13. Leveraging AI for Content Creation and Keyword Research
14. Applying AI for Competitive Analysis and Data Analysis
15. Vetting SEO Agencies and Consultants
16. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations

👉 Introduction

Welcome back to another episode of SEO On Air! In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Jason Okono, an SEO supervisor at Open Moves. Jason shares his journey into the SEO world, the changes he has witnessed over the years, and his insights on how to achieve success in this field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your digital marketing knowledge, Jason's expertise will surely be valuable. Let's dive right in!

👉 Jason Okono's Journey into the SEO World

Jason's SEO journey began as a webmaster in the early 2000s. He worked for high-tech websites, including Intel and a startup focused on VPNs. Jason gained experience in web design, site management, and SEO. As the years passed, he faced increasing challenges in managing websites and meeting the demands of various departments. However, his proficiency in SEO allowed him to effectively communicate the value of digital marketing to CEOs and business owners.

👉 Changes in the SEO Industry Over the Years

Back in the early days, digital marketing was a mystery to most people. Traditional marketing relied on broad-spray advertising, hoping to catch the attention of a few potential customers. However, with the advent of digital marketing, everything became more targeted, personalized, and measurable. Jason emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changes and leveraging the power of digital marketing to stay ahead.

👉 How to Become Successful in SEO

For those looking to enter the digital marketing field, there are numerous resources available online. Jason recommends self-learning through platforms like YouTube, websites, and online courses. However, he advises caution and discernment when navigating the vast amount of information out there, as not all sources are trustworthy. It's essential to balance self-learning with critical thinking and selecting reliable resources.

👉 Enhancing Your Knowledge in Digital Marketing

When it comes to enhancing your knowledge in digital marketing, Jason emphasizes the importance of curiosity and motivation. The answers to almost any question can be found online, but it's essential to approach the information with a skeptical mind. While there may be differing opinions, conducting thorough research and considering multiple perspectives will help you develop a well-rounded understanding of digital marketing.

👉 The Importance of Technical Audits

Technical audits are a crucial aspect of SEO. They involve assessing the technical performance of a website, identifying errors, and optimizing its functionality. Broken links, slow loading times, and other technical issues can hinder search engine crawling and indexing. Jason highlights the significance of conducting regular technical audits to ensure a website is accessible, error-free, and optimized for search engines.

👉 Creating Relevance and Authority with Content and Links

In the realm of SEO, relevance and authority play significant roles in ranking websites. External links from relevant and authoritative websites are valuable, signaling to search engines that a site is worth linking to. Similarly, internal linking within a website helps distribute authority to different pages, preventing orphan pages and maximizing search visibility. By creating high-quality, relevant content and building a strong backlink profile, websites can enhance their authority and improve their organic rankings.

👉 Understanding Internal and External Linking

Internal linking refers to the practice of linking to other pages within a website. These links aid in website navigation, enhance user experience, and signal to search engines which pages carry more importance. External linking, on the other hand, involves receiving links from other websites. Jason emphasizes the importance of relevance and authority when acquiring external links, as links from unrelated or low-quality websites have minimal impact. Striking a balance between internal and external linking is crucial for effective SEO.

👉 The Role of EAT (Expertise, Authority, Trust) in SEO

EAT, an acronym for expertise, authority, and trust, is a vital concept in SEO. Websites that provide advice on finance, health, and other sensitive topics are held to higher standards. To establish credibility, it is crucial to showcase expertise through high-quality content, demonstrate authority through reputable links, and build trust through verified contact information and positive reviews. Adhering to EAT principles helps improve search engine rankings and enhances the trustworthiness of a website.

👉 Increasing Authority and Credibility

Apart from external links and EAT, there are other ways to increase authority and credibility. Establishing a social media presence, optimizing online business profiles, and actively engaging with customers can all contribute to building credibility for a website and brand. Reviews, both positive and negative, serve as indicators of trustworthiness. Jason advises leveraging trusted platforms, vetting SEO agencies through reviews, and analyzing online reputation to gauge the credibility of potential partners.

👉 Lesser-known Ways to Boost Authority and Credibility

In addition to standard methods, there are lesser-known techniques to boost authority and credibility. Joining relevant associations or organizations and obtaining links from their websites can enhance a website's reputation. Leveraging existing relationships with suppliers and business partners to acquire links is another effective strategy. When considering these approaches, it is crucial to maintain relevancy, ensuring that the links come from reputable and industry-related sources.

👉 The Role of AI in SEO

AI, particularly language models like Chat GPT, has become increasingly prevalent in the SEO industry. Chat GPT can assist in content creation, keyword research, competitive analysis, and data interpretation. However, Jason stresses the need for caution when using AI-generated content, as it may still contain inaccuracies. While AI has its benefits, human oversight and critical thinking remain imperative in ensuring the accuracy and quality of the generated content.

👉 Leveraging AI for Content Creation and Keyword Research

AI tools can be valuable for content creation by generating outlines or briefs and providing topic ideas. Additionally, AI-powered keyword research can aid in identifying relevant keywords and optimizing content for search engines. However, it is essential to validate the AI-generated suggestions against other sources and exercise editorial judgment to ensure the produced content aligns with the intended goals and audience.

👉 Applying AI for Competitive Analysis and Data Analysis

AI can also be utilized for competitive analysis by examining competitors' backlink profiles, content strategies, and organic rankings. Analyzing this data can provide insights into effective SEO strategies. Furthermore, AI can assist in data analysis by processing large datasets, identifying patterns, and extracting meaningful information. These applications can help SEO professionals make data-driven decisions and gain a competitive edge.

👉 Vetting SEO Agencies and Consultants

When hiring an SEO agency or consultant, conducting thorough vetting is crucial. Looking at their past work, client testimonials, and rankings can provide valuable insights into their expertise and track record. Jason recommends considering companies with extensive experience and a diverse client base, as this indicates their ability to adapt to various industries and deliver effective SEO strategies. Vetting agencies or consultants using various platforms, such as LinkedIn or online reviews, can further aid in the decision-making process.

👉 Concluding Remarks and Recommendations

In conclusion, SEO is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning and adaptation. By following best practices, focusing on relevance and authority, and leveraging AI tools strategically, websites can enhance their online presence and achieve higher rankings in search engines. Vetting SEO agencies or consultants should be done meticulously, taking into account their expertise, client reviews, and track record. Remember, establishing credibility and authority takes time, effort, and a comprehensive SEO strategy.

Thank you for joining us in this enlightening episode discussing the intricacies of SEO with Jason Okono. We hope you gained valuable insights and recommendations to help you succeed in the world of digital marketing. Stay tuned for more episodes of SEO On Air!