SEOLazyDailyDispatches(#5): How do you train new SEO staff?

Hey there, Lazy SEOs! Bringing in new blood to your SEO team can be both exciting and a tad daunting.

1. Before diving in, ensure your new staff knows the ABCs of SEO.
👉 SEO Fundamentals: Teach them about keywords, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, and technical SEO.
👉 Industry Terms: Ensure they’re familiar with terms like SERPs, meta tags, backlinks, and domain authority.
💡 Tip: Use online courses and resources from sites like Ahrefs or Google’s own SEO starter guide.

2. Hands-On Experience. Theory is great, but practice makes perfect. Get them involved in real projects early on:
👉 Keyword Research: Show them how to use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find the best keywords.
👉 Content Creation: Have them optimize a piece of content for SEO, focusing on keyword integration, meta tags, and internal linking.
👉 Site Audits: Let them perform SEO audits using tools like Screaming Frog, or Ahrefs and teach them how to identify and fix issues.
💡 Tip: Pair them with a seasoned SEO pro for guidance and feedback.

3. Encourage Continuous Learning:
👉 Industry Blogs and News: Encourage them to follow blogs like SEJ and GWC.
👉 Webinars and Conferences: Make it a habit to attend SEO webinars and local SEO meetups or conferences.
👉 Certifications: Suggest they get certified with courses from GAA, HS, or S Academy.

4. Foster a Collaborative Environment. SEO isn’t a one-person show. Promote teamwork and knowledge sharing:
👉 Regular Meetings: Hold weekly SEO meetings to discuss strategies, results, and industry updates.
👉 Knowledge Sharing: Create a space for members to share interesting articles, insights, and new tactics.
👉 Mentorship: Encourage senior staff to mentor the newbies, offering tips and advice based on their experience.

5. Set Clear Goals and Track Progress. Make sure your new hires know what’s expected and how their performance will be measured:
👉 SMART Goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
👉 KPIs: Track key performance indicators like organic traffic, keyword rankings, and conversion rates.
👉 Regular Feedback: Provide constructive feedback regularly, celebrating successes and offering guidance on areas for improvement.

6. Provide the Right Tools. Equip them with the best tools to get the job done:
👉 SEO Tools: Access to tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz.
👉 Content Tools: Tools like Grammarly for writing, Canva for design, and Trello or Jira for project management.
💡Tip: Ensure they know how to use these tools effectively through training sessions and tutorials.

7. Promote a Balanced Approach. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Encourage a balanced approach:
👉 White-Hat Techniques: Emphasize ethical SEO practices that comply with search engine guidelines.
👉 Patience and Persistence: Teach them that results take time and persistence pays off.