We asked 18 SEO experts what they wish they knew about SEO when they first started and how it would have changed their initial approach. Here’s what they shared about what they’ve learned through experience.
- Focus on User Intent
- Prioritize User Experience
- Understand SEO Synergy
- Optimize for User Experience
- Let Go of Perfectionism
- Quality Over Quantity
- Leverage Local SEO
- Improve User Experience
- Embrace the Long Game
- Invest in Premium SEO Tools
- Avoid Keyword Cannibalization
- Create Quality Content
- Utilize Google Search Console
- Prioritize Quality Backlinks
- Specialize in a Vertical
- Choose the Right Domain Name
- SEO is an Ongoing Process
- Follow Industry Trends
Focus on User Intent
SEO isn’t only about getting your site to rank for keywords; it’s more about truly understanding what someone is searching for and meeting their actual needs. If I had realized this sooner, I would’ve spent less time chasing high-volume keywords that didn’t bring results and more on crafting intent-driven content. Aligning your content with what users are genuinely looking for not only improves their experience but also attracts traffic that really converts.
If I could rewind the clock, I’d tell myself to slow down and dig deeper—not just into keywords but also into my audience’s behaviors and expectations. That kind of insight has been game-changing for creating content that connects, ranks, and drives real, measurable results.
Ankit Prajapati
Owner, Consultant-Ankit
Prioritize User Experience
If I could go back in time and give my younger, SEO-novice self one piece of advice, it would be this: focus less on chasing exact keyword matches and more on understanding user intent.
When I first started out, I was obsessed with keyword density. I thought stuffing keywords into every nook and cranny of a web page was the magic formula for ranking. It was like trying to win a pie-eating contest by just shoving as much pie in my face as possible—messy, ineffective, and ultimately, a recipe for disaster (or, in SEO terms, a penalty).
I was so focused on hitting that “perfect” keyword density that I often sacrificed the quality and readability of the content. I’d write awkward sentences just to shoehorn in a specific keyword, and the result was content that was neither helpful nor engaging for actual human beings. It was like trying to have a conversation using only pre-selected phrases from a phrasebook—technically correct, but completely unnatural.
If I had understood user intent initially, my approach would have been drastically different. Instead of asking, “How many times can I use this keyword?” I would have asked, “What is the user really trying to find when they search for this term?”
Understanding user intent means digging deeper than just the surface-level keywords. It means considering the user’s goals, motivations, and search context. Are they looking for information? Are they trying to buy something? Are they looking for a solution to a problem?
For example, someone searching for “best running shoes” might actually be looking for:
- Reviews of different running shoe brands.
- Information on how to choose the right running shoes for their foot type.
- Where to buy running shoes online or in local stores.
By focusing on user intent, I would have created content that truly addressed these needs, even if it didn’t perfectly match every single keyword variation. This would have led to:
- Higher quality content: Genuinely helpful and engaging content is more likely to be shared, linked to, and ultimately rank higher.
- Better user experience: When users find what they’re looking for quickly and easily, they’re more likely to stay on the site and explore further.
In short, understanding user intent is the key to creating content that both users and search engines love. It’s about thinking like a user, not a robot. And it’s something I wish I had grasped much earlier in my SEO journey.
Priyanshu Dubey
SEO Executive, Knee Xpert
Understand SEO Synergy
SEO isn’t just a skill; it’s a process, and I wish I understood the bigger picture earlier.
When I first started, I focused on the basics. I began by learning how to properly moderate titles, meta descriptions, and H tags. These fundamentals helped me get a feel for how search engines interpret content. I even experimented with my own domains, testing different strategies over a year to understand how Google’s algorithms behaved.
What I didn’t fully grasp back then was how interconnected all the elements of SEO are. While focusing on the basics was important, I later realized the power of combining these fundamentals with other factors like strategic keyword placement, maintaining appropriate keyword density, and consistent content optimization.
As I gained experience, backlink strategies became another cornerstone of success. Building a diverse and trustworthy backlink profile wasn’t just about volume but relevance and quality. Over time, I learned that SEO isn’t about isolating tactics, it’s about creating a seamless combination of all these factors.
If I had understood the importance of this synergy earlier, I would have approached my initial projects more holistically. Instead of treating SEO as independent tasks, I would have focused on aligning on-page, off-page, and technical strategies from the start.
Eventually, integrating all these components led to measurable success. Improved rankings, higher traffic, and long-term stability in search performance.
Muhammad Imran Khan
CEO, Brand Ignite
Optimize for User Experience
One thing I wish I knew about SEO from the beginning is that SEO isn’t just about ranking for keywords, it’s about providing an amazing user experience on your entire website. I was very early on hyper-focused on on-page factors like keyword density, meta tags, and backlinks, and I thought that was the golden ticket to ranking success. These are still important, but search engines have moved on from these, like Google’s March 2024 Core Update, and now prioritize site-wide engagement metrics such as how long users stay on your site, whether they visit multiple pages, and whether they return for more.
If I had known this earlier, I would have done SEO with a bigger picture. If I had a site, I would have built a resource hub, a dedicated place on my site with valuable tools, guides, or interactive content to keep users engaged and coming back. I would have also focused on long-form, value-driven content which naturally encourages deeper exploration rather than just going after “quick answer” keywords. From day one, diversifying my traffic sources beyond Google—using social media, email marketing, and community engagement—would have also been a more significant part of my strategy.
Simply put, SEO is not about optimizing the pages; it is about optimizing the whole user experience. Had I known this from the beginning, I would have built a website that didn’t just rank but one that served its audience in a way that built long-term resilience against major algorithm updates.
Mei Ping Mak
Director of SEO and Web, SEO Singapore Agency
Let Go of Perfectionism
When I transitioned from working at an agency to being an independent consultant, I had to shift how I approached SEO fundamentally, and it taught me two critical lessons.
First, I had to confront my tendency toward perfectionism. As an SEO, there’s always more you can do, more you can optimize, and more you can tweak. But in reality, perfection isn’t achievable, especially in an industry that evolves as rapidly as SEO. This shift helped me focus on delivering meaningful progress rather than striving for an unattainable ideal.
Secondly, I had to come to terms with the fact that so much of SEO is beyond my control. This realization was mostly about managing my own anxiety and feeling of responsibility.
Many SEOs grapple with the uncertainty of Google’s algorithm updates and the unpredictability of what client teams might do on their websites—sometimes implementing changes that can have unintended negative effects on SEO.
Over time, I realized my role is to provide the best advice and direction possible, grounded in expertise and the client’s best interests. However, I can’t control every outcome, and that’s okay. If I’ve done my part—advising against risky decisions, recommending actions to avoid penalties, and focusing on sustainable, ethical practices—then I’ve done the best I can.
This mindset shift gave me peace of mind. I no longer fear the “what-ifs” of algorithm changes or unexpected client decisions because my work protects and supports the client’s long-term goals.
I wish I’d understood this earlier in my career. For years, I lived with the anxiety of worrying whether a Google penalty or algo update might appear out of nowhere, even though I always worked within best practices. The fear wasn’t rational, but it was real.
Gaining the maturity to recognize what I can and can’t control has reduced that anxiety significantly and allowed me to work with more clarity and confidence.
So, my advice for anybody coming fresh into SEO is to forego control. You can influence and advise, but it’s not something you can control, so worry less.
Andrew Gloyns
SEO Consultant, Gloyns Consulting
Quality Over Quantity
One thing I wish I had known about SEO when I first started is that quality always beats quantity—content, backlinks, or keywords. Early on, I spent too much time trying to do “more” rather than focusing on doing “better.”
For example, I thought publishing many blog posts packed with keywords would drive traffic. But most of those posts were generic and didn’t connect with the audience. If I had known that crafting fewer but more in-depth, valuable pieces would get better results, I would have saved time and built trust faster.
This mindset shift would’ve changed my approach by making me prioritize understanding my audience, creating content they genuinely cared about, and building relationships for natural backlinks rather than chasing numbers. It’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being valuable where it matters.
Danial Hussain
Sr. SEO Executive, Red Feature Tech
Leverage Local SEO
Understanding the power of local SEO from the start would have been a game-changer. It’s not just about ranking high on Google but about being top of mind for people nearby who actually need your services. If I’d known that focusing on local SEO could drastically increase visibility for businesses like law firms, I would have prioritized building strong local signals immediately.
One practical tip is to claim and optimize your Google Business Profile immediately. Accurate information—like your address and operating hours—builds trust and helps you connect with potential clients who are a stone’s throw from your doorstep. Think of local SEO as your hyper-targeted spotlight. It ensures your presence is felt precisely where it counts, rather than being lost in the sea of global search results.
Casey Meraz
Owner & Digital Marketing Expert, CaseyMeraz.com
Improve User Experience
One thing I wish I had known about SEO when I first started is the importance of user experience (UX) and how it directly impacts search rankings. In the early days, I focused heavily on keyword stuffing and backlinks without considering how users actually interacted with my site.
If I had understood earlier that factors like page load speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall site navigation are crucial for keeping visitors engaged, I would have prioritized creating a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience. This could have led to lower bounce rates, higher engagement, and ultimately better rankings.
By adopting a more user-centric approach initially, I could have built a stronger foundation for my SEO strategy, ensuring that both search engines and users found value in the content I offered. It’s all about finding that balance between optimizing for search engines and providing real value to your audience!
Carlos Cabezas Lopez
Digital Marketer, Eager Dragon Publishing
Embrace the Long Game
One thing I wish I knew when I first started in SEO is just how much of a long game it really is—and how worth it that patience is! When I was new, I’d give in to the pressure to chase quick wins and short-term results. But that quickly led to feeling burned out uninspired, and unsuccessful. If I had been confident in the knowledge that SEO is about steady, strategic progress (I knew this in my “head” but not in my “heart”), I would have been a lot calmer and more focused. Nowadays, I don’t flinch at change but just go with it. That is the nature of an organic channel such as SEO.
Laura Hoot
SEO Manager, Allegiant Digital Marketing
I wish I had understood the value of premium SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Surfer SEO when I first started. These platforms offer deep insights into keyword opportunities, competitor strategies, and content optimization in just a few clicks—tasks that used to take me hours to research manually. Investing in these tools early on would have significantly accelerated my learning curve and allowed me to implement effective SEO strategies much sooner. For anyone starting out, I recommend budgeting for at least one premium SEO tool to fast-track growth and make data-driven decisions from the beginning.
Shankar Subba
Head of SEO, WP Creative
Avoid Keyword Cannibalization
In the very beginning stages of learning and integrating SEO, I wish I had known about keyword cannibalization. Initially, I thought I needed to use the primary keyword I wanted to be found within every page’s title, meta description, image alt text, etc. I thought doing this would make it clear to Google what my SEO focus was. Instead, I learned that this strategy was detrimental, ultimately confusing Google. If I had known this to start with, I would have ensured that every page/post on my website was strategically focused on different keywords within my niche.
Christy Hunter
SEO Coach and Educator for Creative Small Businesses, SEO Coaching for Creatives
Create Quality Content
When I first started in the SEO industry, the prior agency I worked for put all of their SEO efforts into content, and we created a large amount of content for every company we provided SEO services. Understanding that content is critical, I wish I would have known that quality over quantity is applicable and that the size of the client and the type of client you are doing SEO for must be considered. I would have built out fewer but more robust pages that helped the user with their needs versus just adding pages to a website for ranking purposes. The ranking does not equate to immediate traffic, and the quality is part of what moves that piece of content into higher positioning to drive that traffic to the site.
Leanna McCoy
SEO and Content Manager, HardPart Media
Utilize Google Search Console
It is the way I use Google Search Console today. I wish I had known this before. Instead of aiming for nearly impossible keywords to rank, targeting those already working for you is far better. The queries currently ranking between the 11th and 20th positions on the SERP are the best bet. Currently, I prioritize these keywords with proper interlinking and keyword placement on the page to boost rank on the first page.
The results?
Without publishing new content, I always get some good additional traffic and more clicks to my website.
This is helping me 10 out of 10 times without fail. I wish I had known this in my initial days of starting SEO.
John Robins
Managing Partner and Growth-Marketing Consultant, Great Impressions
Prioritize Quality Backlinks
One thing I wish I had known about SEO when I first started is the significance of focusing on quality over quantity regarding backlinks. In my early days, I made the mistake of pursuing any backlinks, thinking that more was always better. However, I quickly learned that a handful of high-quality, relevant backlinks from authoritative sources can have a far greater impact on search rankings than many low-quality or irrelevant links.
If I had understood this concept, I would have adjusted my initial approach to prioritize building relationships with influential websites and creators in my niche, rather than wasting time and resources on less effective link-building tactics. For example, instead of submitting my website to countless directories or engaging in spammy blog commenting, I would have focused on creating valuable, link-worthy content and reaching out to industry thought leaders for genuine partnerships and collaborations. This lesson has been crucial in shaping my current SEO strategy, emphasizing quality, relevance, and authenticity in all link-building efforts.
Maurizio Petrone
Founder & CEO, PressHERO
Specialize in a Vertical
Looking back to when I started my company in 2016, I wish I’d understood that SEO isn’t about trying to rank for everything to get any customer that was willing to pay. I wasted so much time going after any SEO-related keyword that looked good (low difficulty, high monthly searches), spreading ourselves too thin. The difference came when I stopped treating SEO like a numbers game and started focusing on specific verticals.
We went from chasing random SEO keywords to owning specific healthcare and medical verticals in SEO. Now that we’re laser-focused on healthcare SEO, our operations have completely changed. Early on, I’d take any client who’d pay us—real estate, e-commerce, etc. Sure, we got results, but we were constantly reinventing the wheel. Today, we know exactly what works because we focus solely on medical practices. We can spot opportunities other agencies miss because we live and breathe healthcare SEO.
This focus lets us build systems that actually scale. Instead of scattered efforts across different industries, we’ve built out processes specifically for medical practices. Our Mosaic system can create hundreds of location-specific pages that rank and convert because we understand precisely what healthcare clients need.
If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it’d be this: Pick your vertical and become the absolute best at it. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. The money might look good in the short term, but the real wins come from being the go-to expert in one space. Trust me, your SEO efforts will be 10x more effective when you’re not trying to master every industry at once.
Chris Kirksey
CEO, Direction.com
Choose the Right Domain Name
One thing I wish I knew about SEO when first starting out is how much the domain name and brand are important. If you can get keywords relevant to what you offer or where you offer it in the domain or a brand name that is short, memorable, and easy to spell and understand, it’s always best to do so from the start. We started out with Digital Internet Advertising Properties, LLC (looking at the Internet as online real estate), and along the way, we created and own PhillySEO.com, InternetMarketingPhoenix.com, and other brands we have purchased and built over time.
TJ Loftus
Local Internet Marketing Consultant, Lifted Websites
SEO is an Ongoing Process
Early in my SEO journey, one of my biggest lessons is that SEO is an ongoing, evolving process, not a one-time task. Early on, I thought that once content was published, the work was done.
However, SEO requires continuous monitoring, updates, and adjustments. Had I realized this sooner, I would have approached SEO with a long-term mindset, focusing on strategies like link-building, content updates, and performance tracking.
Additionally, I would have learned tools like Ahrefs much sooner to help with backlink analysis, keyword research, and competitive insights. With a deeper understanding of these tools and an ongoing approach, I could have significantly improved my SEO efforts and content performance much faster.
Vinitha Mandari
Marketing Intern, Mailmodo
Follow Industry Trends
One thing I wish I had known about SEO before I started was the importance of following trends. It can be easy to get comfortable with the approach that you are used to the most, but this is an industry where you need to be ahead of the curve to deliver results. I learned the importance of this skill very quickly, and I now prioritize learning on a recurring basis.
Noah Desmarais
SEO Specialist, seoplus+
