1- Your name:
Bryan Sekine
2- Agent, investor, both, or neither?
Neither! I'd like to get more into investing, but instead of flipping houses I would flip websites.
3- How long have you been in the SEO (search engine optimization) industry?
It will be 6 years this May!
4- How did you get started?
I got started working on my own sushi website (secretsofsushi.com). I took a course on 'how to build your own website' and it had quite a bit of SEO knowledge in there - mostly in the form of keyword research. Once I started to see some success with it, I decided to look more into SEO. That's when I got hooked! I've been studying web design and SEO ever since.
5- What do you find most challenging about being in the SEO industry?
It's constantly changing and it can be difficult to stay focused. Prioritizing what to do next with SEO is hard, but also immensely rewarding.
6- Are there any books you read that influenced being in the SEO industry and in what way did they influence your business?
There aren't any books, but I have several websites that have been influential:
- https://www.semrush.com/blog/
- https://searchengineland.com/google-seo-news-google-algorithm-updates
- https://www.seroundtable.com/
- https://diggitymarketing.com/blog/
7- Do you have any routines/regiments you feel necessary to become successful in learning and implementing SEO strategies?
Sure! I would read up on SEO news at lease once a week and try to implement something you've learned. Start with small things, like adding Alt Text to all of your images, and work your way up to bigger/more complicated tactics. Always keep your eyes on the prize: to create helpful content that your audience wants to read!
8- Have you had any coaching you have paid for or continue to pay for that you feel is/was valuable to achieving your success?
I've never had an SEO coach, specifically, but I've purchased several online courses that bundle mastermind groups and/or private facebook groups. The courses were from ClickMinded, Robbie Richards, and The Affiliate Lab. SEMrush has a ton of free online courses that are great for getting started.
9- Is there anything you are currently doing to continue learning and up level in your SEO knowledge?
Oh, every day! I am always tinkering with my own website and testing what works. I read up on SEO news at least twice a week and I regularly speak with other SEOs to see what they are working on. Networking and keeping your finger on the pulse is vital for staying ahead of the curve.
10- Any podcasts you would recommend that influenced your understanding of SEO changes and trends?
No podcast, specifically, but I do have a few YouTube recommendations:
- https://www.youtube.com/@AhrefsCom
- https://www.youtube.com/@MattDiggity
- https://www.youtube.com/@semrush
- https://www.youtube.com/@BrianDean
Bryan will be doing our AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Wednesday, February 15th, at 7am PST / 10am EST
More event info here.
You can find the recording of Bryan’s AMA here.