How To Become An Independent SEO Consultant (And Succeed)

To become an independent SEO consultant, follow these 10 essential steps:

1. Confirm that becoming an SEO consultant is truly what you desire, considering the pros and cons such as lack of paid leave and the need for a stable client base.
2. Develop an obsession with SEO, which includes continuously learning and adapting to the rapidly changing SEO landscape.
3. Gain practical experience by building and optimizing your own websites, understanding that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient.
4. Conduct SEO testing on your own test websites to apply new theories and techniques in practice.
5. Work at SEO agencies to gain valuable experience, training, and exposure to various projects and SEO professionals.
6. Work in-house as an SEO expert, which differs from agency SEO and is closer to the responsibilities of an independent consultant.
7. Build your E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) from day one to stand out and establish trust with clients.
8. Network with other SEO professionals to combine knowledge and gain support from the community.
9. Prepare for the transition to independent consulting, either by going full-time immediately or gradually building your brand while still employed.
10. Go the extra mile in your efforts to understand issues, explore possibilities, and provide effective solutions, which will make you stand out and become a better SEO professional.

To build and demonstrate E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) as an SEO consultant, follow these steps:

• Create your own SEO consultant website and share your unique SEO knowledge and insights.
• Engage on social media channels popular among SEO professionals, such as Twitter or LinkedIn, and don't hesitate to tag or interact with well-known SEO experts.
• Write expert guest articles for reputable SEO blogs like Search Engine Journal, once you've built some reputation.
• Speak at SEO conferences, starting with smaller ones if necessary, to share your knowledge and gain visibility.
• Publish results of your SEO tests or case studies to showcase your expertise and experience.
• Start an SEO newsletter to share valuable insights with subscribers and reduce reliance on single traffic sources.

Being an independent SEO consultant offers several benefits such as autonomy, versatility, and potential for substantial earnings. However, there are also downsides to consider:

• Lack of paid leave, including maternity and sick days, unless you have arrangements with clients or other income sources.
• Financial security requires having a few contracted monthly SEO clients.
• Extended working hours often exceeding 40 hours a week and including weekends.
• Work-life balance may be more challenging to achieve compared to a standard 9-to-5 job.

To transition from an SEO job to an independent SEO consultant, you can choose one of two paths:

1. Quit your job and focus full-time on building your SEO consultancy. This requires having enough savings to support yourself during the initial period without revenue.
2. Gradually add other income streams while still employed. Start building your brand years in advance and only go solo when you have sufficient revenue from clients or affiliate deals. This is a safer approach but requires working extra hours and possibly weekends.

To get new SEO clients as an independent consultant, consider these tips:

• Publish in-depth articles or video tutorials sharing your unique SEO knowledge, which can attract leads.
• Add valuable comments on LinkedIn posts where people seek SEO advice, providing thorough and helpful responses.
• Participate in SEO forums like the Google Search Central Help Community to assist website owners and showcase your expertise.
• Reach out to website owners with serious SEO issues offering initial free help and tips.

Remember, if you are passionate and skilled in SEO, clients will find you. Authenticity and dedication are key to attracting and retaining clients.