4 replies to this topic

[Lonny]

Hello there

I'm new to this forum but not to SEO and SEM, seems like you have a great thing going here, keep up the good work.

So here is the deal, I got a job as a SEO and a SEM expert for a web development company, now my questions is what to expect?

They used to offer only web development so far and SEO is a new field what should be my office requirements, what things they like most and hate most?

I used to be a freelancer (self employed) so far so any tips about working from an office and a boss would be greatly appreciated

Thank you very much

Looking forward hearing from you.

[Randy]

Welcome Lonny !

I would probably start out by sorting through some of their previous projects and look for anything that might cause the engines a problem. You know the drill... Inconsistent linking, www/non-www issues, cookies being absolutely required, session ids, etc, etc.

Don't be too rough on them, but almost every web designer/developer I've ever worked with has at least one or two bad habits that make SEO harder than it should be. So it would serve you well to identify potential problems up front, have a (hopefully pleasant) sit down chat with the development dept and explain what they need to watch out for in their coding and why.

Beyond spotting anything that might cause spidering trouble, reviewing work from their recent past should give you a pretty good idea where things stand regarding content, copywriting, etc. If you can get it all sussed out you can also have a plan for moving forward, where site development and SEO work hand-in-hand. A much better way forward than to end up with internal struggles IMO.

[janell]

Howdy!

Sounds like in the beginning, a little diplomacy will go a long way. And flow charts! They're great.

But since I enjoy being devil's advocate....

Hopefully he didn't hire you with the idea that you'll be able to do your own thing apart from everyone else in the company, but if he did..... Since you'll probably be making a little more work for the others there - at least, they may see it that way because they'll have to change, and change is hard - you'll want to be as gracious and understanding as you can with everyone, educating them on why things are important instead of just telling them what they are supposed to be doing differently from now on.

Whether it's fair or right, it's your fault they're having to change. And if you don't get along, they could probably make it harder for you to do your work.

I would go through and try to put together some process flow charts for where and how you fit in to their current procedures, and what the responsibilities of the others are as they relate to you. Get full cooperation from the boss, and have as much of the major change communication come from him/her. That won't make it seem as bad that the "new guy" is messing everything up.

Of course, you may end up having a great bunch of co-workers who are excited about having you there and are willing to change to help make their work stand out more. Even if that's the case, the flow charts will still help.

Good luck!

Janell
(About to be getting my own new job here in the next few days...hopefully...though not in the SEO world... )

[OldWelshGuy]

Just go in all guns blazing and shoot em down. Then jack the job in

OR

Go in, review as much as possible as Randy said, take notes on common mistakes, do NOT name projects as this identifies the person and singles them out. Always start by applauding the good things they do, and 'suggest' how certain areas can e improved.

It really is softly softly here or you will make enemies and that is not going to be good for anyone.

I would have a word with the boss, and tell him that your first 2-4 weeks are going to be just identifying strengths and weaknesses in the system and the personell with regard SEO. reviewing existing work etc. This will take the pressure off you and make it more relaxed.

The one way to overcome the 'us and them' thing is to get everyone pulling together, explain that if you all work together their value as designers will go up, as they will get a far better understanding of SEO and the search engines, and how to design for them. This can only result in their earnings potential going up (don't say that in front of your boss though LOL)

[jehochman]

Stay away from the old sites. Ask to be included on the planning of new projects (and redesigns) from inception. You can just sit there and listen. When somebody asks your opinion, give it. Also offer to go on any client presentations as the SEO expert. Again, do more listening than talking, and only answer questions when asked.