What started as a hobby back in 2013, when I was still an intermediate student, has now evolved into a full-blown career where I’ve become an SEO expert, with years of experience working on local and international projects.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through my personal SEO journey, highlighting how I started, the challenges I faced, the skills I developed, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Getting Started: Blogging as a Free Blogger
Back in 2013, I was just starting out, and like many beginners, I had no idea where my interests would lead me. But one thing was clear—I loved the internet and everything that came with it. The first stepping stone in my journey was blogging.
Blogging was popular at the time, and many people around me were exploring it. So, I decided to try my hand at it too. I started as a free blogger, creating content about various topics that intrigued me.
I
explored all the popular blogging platforms in Bangladesh and experimented with
creating content that would resonate with readers.
Blogging taught me the fundamentals
of content creation, how to connect with an audience, and the importance of organic traffic. Little did I know at
the time, but this early experience with content and audience engagement laid
the groundwork for my future in SEO.
Web
Design: A Fascination with HTML and CSS
As my interest in blogging grew, I realized that a blog isn’t just about content—it’s also about design. If a blog looks appealing, it draws people in, keeps them engaged, and encourages them to return.
My curiosity in web design
was sparked. I wanted to learn how websites work and how they’re structured. I
began learning HTML and CSS, the fundamental building blocks
of web design.
I enjoyed the process of coding, designing layouts, and seeing the results take shape on the screen. It was empowering to create something from scratch, and this skill gave me the ability to customize blogs and websites, making them look more professional and user-friendly.
For a while, I worked as a freelance web designer on Fiverr, helping clients improve their
websites. But while web design was fulfilling, I felt that there was still
something missing.
Transitioning
to SEO: Finding My True Calling
It was during my work as a freelance web designer that I first encountered SEO. I noticed that many clients were concerned about their website's ranking on search engines like Google.
Some had beautifully designed
websites, but they were frustrated because no one could find them. This led me
to ask myself, “What’s the point of having a great website if it doesn’t show
up in search results?” This question became the catalyst for the next phase of
my journey.
I decided to delve deeper into Search Engine Optimization (SEO). At first, SEO seemed daunting. There were so many factors to consider—keywords, backlinks, technical optimization, on-page content, and much more.
But I was determined to learn everything I could. I spent hours reading articles, watching tutorials, and experimenting with different strategies on my own websites.
The more I learned, the more I realized that SEO was the missing piece I had been looking for. It was a perfect combination of creativity, data analysis, and strategy.
The
Learning Curve: Specializing in SEO
As a beginner in SEO, I quickly realized that I needed to specialize in certain areas to be truly effective.
SEO is a broad field, and trying to master every aspect of it all at once would
be overwhelming. So, I focused on a few key areas that interested me and where
I saw the most potential for growth:
- On-Page SEO:
This involved optimizing the content and structure of individual web pages
to improve their search engine rankings. I learned how to use keywords, optimize meta tags, and create content
that was both user-friendly and search engine-friendly.
- Technical SEO:
Understanding how search engines crawl and index websites was crucial. I
gained expertise in improving site
speed, fixing crawl errors,
and making websites more accessible to search engine bots.
- Local SEO:
One area that I found particularly rewarding was local SEO. This involves optimizing websites so they rank
well in local search results. For businesses that operate within specific
regions, this is incredibly valuable.
I became skilled at improving Google My Business listings, building local citations, and ensuring that my clients’ businesses appeared in relevant local searches. - Link Building:
Building high-quality backlinks is a key part of any successful SEO
strategy. I learned how to identify authoritative websites, reach out for guest posts, and create content
that others would naturally want to link to.
Challenges Along the Way
Like any journey, my SEO path wasn’t without its challenges. SEO is constantly evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Google frequently updates its algorithms, and keeping up with these changes can be tough.
There were times when websites I worked on saw
sudden drops in rankings, and I had to scramble to figure out why.
One of the biggest challenges was staying patient. SEO isn’t an overnight success story. It takes time to see results, and there’s often a lot of trial and error involved.
I learned that patience and persistence
are key to succeeding in SEO. It’s about making continuous improvements and
staying on top of industry trends.
Gaining
Professional Experience: Local and International Projects
Over the past 6+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, both locally and internationally. Each project has taught me something new and helped me refine my approach.
Working with different types of businesses, from local shops to
international e-commerce sites, has given me a well-rounded perspective on how
SEO strategies need to be tailored to fit different needs.
For local businesses, my expertise in Local SEO has helped them attract more customers from their surrounding areas. For international clients, I’ve implemented broader strategies, focusing on global keyword targeting, multilingual SEO, and reaching wider audiences.
These experiences have allowed
me to become a professional service
provider in the field of SEO, capable of delivering results across
diverse markets.
Certifications
and Continuous Learning
To stay ahead in this ever-changing industry, I’ve made continuous learning a priority. I’ve earned several certifications from reputable organizations like HubSpot, Google, and SEMrush, which have equipped me with advanced knowledge and skills in areas like social media marketing, Google Analytics, and SEO strategies.
These certifications have not only validated my expertise but also helped me
stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing.
My
Expertise: SEO, SMM, Video Marketing, and WordPress Customization
As I gained more experience, my expertise expanded beyond just SEO. I became skilled in areas like Social Media Marketing (SMM), Video Marketing, and WordPress customization.
Social media plays a crucial role in today’s digital landscape, and integrating SEO with SMM strategies has allowed me to amplify the reach of my clients’ content.
Similarly, video marketing has become a powerful tool for engaging
audiences, and I’ve worked on optimizing videos for search engines to boost
visibility.
WordPress customization is another area where I’ve developed a deep understanding. WordPress is a popular platform for building websites, and being able to customize it for SEO purposes has given me a significant edge.
I can create WordPress sites that are not only visually
appealing but also optimized for search engines, ensuring that they perform
well in terms of rankings and user experience.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Looking back on my SEO journey, I’ve learned that success in this field comes from a combination of technical knowledge, creativity, and a strategic mindset.
SEO isn’t just
about ranking higher on Google—it’s about understanding the needs of users,
creating valuable content, and continuously improving websites to meet the
evolving demands of search engines.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires constant effort, learning, and adaptation. But the rewards are worth it.
Seeing a website climb the search rankings and
knowing that your hard work played a part in that success is incredibly
fulfilling.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to
continue growing and evolving as an SEO expert. The digital landscape is always
changing, and I’m committed to staying on top of the latest trends, techniques,
and tools to ensure that I can deliver the best possible results for my clients.
.jpg)
Conclusion
My journey from a beginner in 2013 to a professional SEO expert has been filled with learning, challenges, and growth. From my early days as a free blogger to working on complex SEO projects, each step has brought me closer to mastering the art of digital marketing.
Today, with over 6 years of experience, I’m proud of the knowledge
and skills I’ve acquired, and I look forward to continuing to make an impact in
the world of SEO.
If you’re just starting out, my advice to you is simple: stay curious, keep learning, and be patient. SEO is a dynamic field, and the more you embrace its challenges, the more rewarding it becomes.
.jpg)
.jpg)
