When I first started as an SEO Content Writer five years ago, I thought I had SEO all figured out.
My job was straightforward: find the right keywords, write engaging content, and get those clicks. I was confident that if I just followed the “rules,” success would follow.
Fast forward to today, as I step into my new role as an SEO Executive at Climb & Conquer, I’ve realised just how much my understanding of SEO has evolved, and how much there still is to learn!
Here’s a look at some of my early assumptions about SEO and what I know now after years in the industry.
I Thought SEO was Just About Keywords
Back when I was a newbie, SEO seemed like a simple equation: find the right keywords, sprinkle them throughout your content, and watch your traffic soar. Easy, right?
I remember spending hours obsessing over keyword density, convinced that finding that perfect balance was the secret sauce.
Now: I’ve learned that keywords are just one piece of the puzzle. It’s less about hitting a specific number of keywords and more about understanding user intent and crafting content that meets those needs.
Google’s algorithms have become so sophisticated that they care more about the context and quality of your content than just the keywords you use. We’ve shifted our focus from keywords to people, making sure our content genuinely addresses the questions and problems our audience has.
I Thought SEO Success was a Quick Win
Early on, I thought SEO was a quick fix. If you optimised your pages, built a few backlinks, and got your technical SEO in order, you’d see results in no time. I used to think of SEO as a race, fast and furious, with clear, immediate winners. Many others do too, but it’s not realistic.
Now: I’ve learned that SEO is much more like running a marathon than a sprint. It takes time, consistency, and a lot of patience. Results don’t happen overnight; they’re the culmination of persistent effort, ongoing adjustments, and long-term strategies.
These days, I’m all about playing the long game, building authority and trust slowly but surely, rather than looking for quick wins.
I Thought Backlinks were the Be-All and End-All
I used to believe backlinks were the holy grail of SEO. The more backlinks you had, the better your chances of ranking at the top, or so I thought.
I spent countless hours chasing links without really thinking about their quality or relevance.
Now: I’ve come to realise that it’s not just about getting links; it’s about getting the right links. A few high-quality, relevant backlinks can be far more powerful than dozens of low-quality ones. It’s about building relationships and earning links that truly add value.
At Climb & Conquer, we focus on creating connections and working with reputable sources that align with our clients’ industries, rather than just chasing any link we can get.
I Thought Rankings were the Ultimate Goal
Like the majority of people starting in SEO, I was laser-focused on rankings. Getting to that number one spot felt like the ultimate achievement, and I measured success almost exclusively by where we landed on the SERPs.
Now: Rankings are still important, but they’re not the whole story. What matters more is the quality of the traffic we’re driving, are visitors engaging with the content? Are they converting? Are we actually meeting their needs? These are the questions I ask now.
I’ve learned that it’s not just about where you rank but about providing real value and a great user experience. It’s about building websites that serve people, not just algorithms.
I Thought SEO was a Set-and-Forget Strategy
I used to think that once you optimised a page, your job was done. SEO felt like a checklist you could complete and then move on from. I’d optimise, hit publish, and cross my fingers for results.
Now: If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that SEO is never done. It’s a continuous cycle of learning, tweaking, and adapting. Algorithms change, competitors step up, and user behaviour evolves.
SEO as an ongoing journey of improvement. Whether it’s refining content strategies, exploring new platforms, or staying ahead of industry trends, we’re always looking for ways to get better and deliver more value.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Evolution of SEO
Looking back on my journey from an SEO Content Writer to my current role as an SEO Executive, it’s clear that SEO is a constantly evolving field. What worked a few years ago doesn’t necessarily work now, and that’s part of what makes this job so exciting. At Climb & Conquer, we’re not just keeping up with the changes, we’re embracing them, staying curious, and continuously pushing ourselves to do better.
So, what do I know now that I wish I had known back then? SEO is about people, not just algorithms.
It’s about playing the long game, building real connections, and always striving to provide the best possible experience for users. And most importantly, it’s about being adaptable, because in the world of SEO, the only constant is change.
Do you need help with your SEO? Get in touch today to find out how we can help you transform your SEO strategy for success!
