The WP SEO Show – Demystifying SEO for WordPress Websites

In this episode, Pete and Jeff discuss how to implement effective SEO strategies even with limited resources. They break down the essential elements of budget-friendly SEO and provide actionable advice for agencies and clients.Key Topics CoveredSite Speed OptimizationBest practices for plugin managementImplementing proper caching and image optimizationImportance of quality hostingBenefits of using WordPress block editorTips for balancing features vs performanceSite StructureSetting up proper permalinksCreating effective pillar and cluster pagesOrganizing content hierarchicallyBuilding strategic internal linkingAvoiding common structural mistakesPage StructureProper implementation of heading tags (H1-H6)Schema markup basicsXML sitemap setupCommon heading tag mistakes to avoidBudget SEO Strategy for ClientsCreating comprehensive service pagesConverting customer questions into contentBuilding effective internal linkingMaintaining regular content updatesUnderstanding the time vs money investmentTools MentionedWP Rocket (caching)SEOPress ProMeta SEO Inspector (Chrome extension)Headings Map (Firefox extension)Google Search ConsoleNeed help implementing these strategies? Contact us at hello@seohive.co

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

In this episode, Pete and Jeff dive into how you can better utilize some built-in but overlooked WordPress features to improve SEO on your site.Key Takeaways on Post Types, Categories, and Archive Templates:Post Types - The Highest Level of OrganizationPost types are the highest level for categorizing different content across your site, like pages and posts.Avoid going overboard and creating a lot of custom post types. Keep it simple.The Power of Categories and TaxonomiesUse categories (which are a default taxonomy) to group related content within post types. This allows better content targeting.For example, an ecommerce site could have categories for different product types under the default WooCommerce products post type.Take Advantage of Archive TemplatesThe archive template controls the display of taxonomy and date-based archive pages.You can add unique, relevant content to archive templates to make these pages more useful, like FAQs, videos, etc related to the category topic.This helps demonstrate your authority for those category-related keywords.Plan Site Structure and Metadata EarlyIdeally, post types, taxonomies and site structure get planned early on along with actual content and keywords being targeted.Don't let developers make these organizational decisions solo without client input. Logic doesn't always translate for real visitors.Should You Have Author Archives?Author archive pages usually only make sense on content-heavy sites like newspapers where the actual author is important.For small business sites, you likely want to disable these from being indexed to avoiding duplicate content issues.The Goal: Leverage What You HaveThe goal with post types, taxonomies and archive templates is ultimately to better leverage your existing on-site content for improved SEO targeting - not complex tricks.Take what WordPress offers out-of-the-box and customize it to your advantage.

In this episode, Pete and Jeff muse about the trials and tribulations of WordPress Core Updates and how the latest release – WordPress 6.4 – went, as it wasn't as smooth as others have been. They cover: What core updates are and why they're importantBest practices when performing WordPress updatesWhat to do to ensure nothing goes wrong

We come into contact with a LOT of websites – we audit them, we optimise them and we work hard to get them ranking in the SERPs. In this episode, Pete and Jeff take a look through the top 10 most common SEO mistakes they come across in dealing with client websites. ** SPOILER ALERT – here's the list ** Unchecking "Disallow the search engines from indexing this site"Not undertaking keyword researchOverusing target keywords Leaving development URLs in place when a site gets pushed live Not optimising Images properlyIgnoring technical SEO features (particularly in the build) – See Ep 8 - The Importance of Technical SEO Not running your SEO Plugin through it's Optimisation Process Having a flat URL structureNot reviewing performance once built and populated Not building internal links to key target pages

In a change from the usual schedule, now we're 10 shows in we thought it was prudent to introduce us and our company, SEOHive, a little more. In this episode, we chat through exactly how Pete and Jeff met, how SEOHive was started and what it is that we offer today. If you would like to discuss how SEOHive can help you, schedule a 20 minute intro call today!

AI is the fastest growing phenomenon since the invention of the internet itself, and as with any leap forward in technology there are pro's, con's and unknowns... In this episode, Pete and Jeff chat through the benefits and pitfalls of current SEO AI tools, and how they use them. They also touch on some of the moral dilemmas when it comes to using AI and how far you should reasonably let it go in your processes right now.

Technical SEO isn't the sexy side of SEO, but it is vital to ensure it's correct as it holds the keys to unlock the power in ALL other SEO practices.In this episode, Pete & Jeff chat through the importance of Technical (on-page) SEO, why it's vital that those building websites understand the basics (with some tips on what you can do), and what your first steps should be on any SEO Program. We also mention Website Ipsum – a really handy tool from Kyle Van Deusen and The Admin Bar.

In this episode, Pete and Jeff talk through how keywords are used in content. This includes: A basic outline of what a keyword isWhy it important to understand the keywords your customers use to search for your products and servicesA top level SEO strategy that any website can use for freeHow to incorporate keywords into content

In this episode, Pete and Jeff chat around the lifecycle of SEO Algorithm updates and the themes that have come to pass over the last 10 years or so. The pair also consider what to do when algorithm (or "algo") updates happen, so you can ride them out as well as possible.

In the episode, Pete and Jeff chat through the things you need to think about in your agency as you start delivering monthly recurring revenue services. The topics they chat through include: Selling MRR Services – what to watch out for and how to do itServicing MRR clients amongst project workThe benefits of MRR services for agencies, their owners and their clientsHow MRR helps you to grow your business responsiblyRelated Episodes: 003 – How to Price Monthly SEO Services

In this episode, Pete and Jeff consider the elements you need to consider when preparing a website for launch.Pre-requisitesWe're assuming you already have:Built the site properlyBrowser-checked it the responsive layoutsPopulated it fullyFigured out your caching Pre-LiveUnblock Search EnginesSEO Plugins & Basic Set UpBusiness Details in Schema / SEO Plugin301 Redirects of old URLs to new URLsSite Title / Tagline (remove "Just another WordPress Website", etc)Are Web and Home URLs updated to live siteRemove standard posts / hello world contentMake sure GA4 is installedMake sure tracking codes are copied over from the previous siteEnsure all plugins / themes / wordpress updates are complete (even if they're not on a maintenance plan, you should hand the site over with 0 updates required).Run an SEO Health AuditMake sure there is only 1 H1 tag per pageRun a full check for any placeholder textMake sure forms submitTake payment gateway of of Test / Dev Mode (if applicable)Check load times on all page templates are less than 3 seconds (absolute maximum)Check Social Media links are correctConfirm 404 page is set correctlyEnsure Cookies and Privacy Policies are correct / up-to-dateInstall security plugin (like Wordfence of iThemes)Check all contact forms go to the clients email address Post-LiveSubmit to Google Search Console (this might involved submitting a new (different) sitemap.xml URLMake sure SSL Certificate is installedSet up Instant Indexing for Bing and GoogleSet up maintenance plan (if the client has signed up)Send Website Owners Manual (with agreement for maintenance plan if they're not signed up already)Ensure all licensed plugins have the new (live) domain authenticated on them

In this episode, Pete and Jeff consider the elements you need to consider when pricing recurring services (such as SEO). They talk through the subjects of: DeliverablesExpensesTimeProfitTax... and provide a trusted formula for ensuring you are profitable with every service you offer. A hugh Shoutout goes to Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First and Fix This Next (among other titles).

In the second part of the mini series, Pete and Jeff cover the themes and Plugins they recommend in their 2023 set WordPress set ups. These include: Beaver Builder & ThemerKadence SEMRush / MangoolsGTMetrixInlinksIf you haven't listened to part 1 (all about plugins) check it out here.

In the first episode of a two-part mini series, Pete and Jeff start by chatting through their preferred WordPress SEO plugins for 2023.These include:SEOPress ProWP RocketEWWW / ShortpixelInternal Link JuicerOnce you're done, listen to part 2 about themes and software...

Main talking points include: In the first ever episode of The WP SEO Show, Pete and Jeff introduce themselves and the concept behind the show. Giving a brief account of where the inspiration for the podcast came from, Pete and Jeff outline some of what they plan to include in the show as time goes by.