If you want to improve your SEO skills, you might be looking for a mentor who can guide you, challenge you, and inspire you. But how do you find and work with an SEO mentor effectively? In this article, we'll share some of the best practices for SEO mentorship, from choosing the right mentor to setting goals and expectations.
Before you reach out to a potential mentor, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to learn from them. Do you need help with a specific aspect of SEO, such as keyword research, content optimization, or technical SEO? Do you want to learn more about the latest trends and tools in the industry? Do you want to get feedback on your work and improve your portfolio? Depending on your needs, you should look for a mentor who has the relevant experience, expertise, and style that suits you.
One way to get started, which I used to get mentored by 3 top voices and leaders in SEO, is to find people who are in a position you want to be in. Want to be a Head of SEO? Want to run your own SEO Agency? Want to start an SEO SaaS? Find someone who is already successful in that area and reach out to them with a well-researched message, asking if they'd be willing to provide 15 minutes of their time for you to ask questions. Humans want to help - and as long as you're polite and show you've done your research, they will be willing to jump on a call.
Once you find a mentor who agrees to work with you, you should set some ground rules for the mentorship. A mentorship agreement is a document that outlines the goals, expectations, and responsibilities of both parties. It should include details such as how often and how long you will meet, what topics you will cover, how you will communicate and exchange feedback, and how you will measure your progress and success. A mentorship agreement helps you and your mentor stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.
Once I got on a first call with potential mentors, I was sure to spend 1-2 hours of prep to develop questions that showed I'd done my research and ensured the time with them was as valuable as possible. By doing this, your mentor will feel good about the time they've given up - because not only did you do your prep, but they will be able to tell they had a real impact. At the end of your first call, ask if they'd be willing to spare another 15 minutes in 1 month's time. Your mentorship doesn't have to start formal - casual 15-minute chats once a month are more than enough. If you continually do your prep, make the most out of their time and show you value their time, your mentor will want to jump on a call.
To make the most of your mentorship sessions, you should prepare in advance. This means doing your homework, researching the topics you want to discuss, preparing your questions and challenges, and bringing your work samples or case studies. You should also review the feedback and action items from the previous session and update your mentor on your achievements and difficulties. By preparing for each session, you show your mentor that you respect their time and value their input.
Here's how you can do thorough research on your mentor to show you know your stuff and to give you the info you need to ask the best possible questions in your mentor calls. Google "*Their Name*" ensuring to keep the speech marks to see every page on the internet that includes their name. You might have to spend some time filtering through the pages - but this will allow you to find a lot about them, meaning you can ask questions specific to their experience. There's no point asking questions that don't align with their skillset or experience. This allows you to turn questions like "How do you build links?" to "How did you get featured in Forbes on X project in 2022?" This will get you a much better answer, that is more likely to help.
One of the main benefits of having an SEO mentor is that you can get honest and constructive feedback on your work and performance. However, feedback and criticism can also be hard to accept, especially if you are not used to it or if you disagree with it. To overcome this, you should be open to feedback and criticism, and try to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. You should also ask questions, seek clarification, and express your opinions respectfully.
Another way to make the most of your SEO mentorship is to apply what you learn to your own projects and situations. Don't just listen to your mentor's advice and tips, but try to implement them in your work and see what results they bring. You should also experiment with different strategies and techniques, and test your assumptions and hypotheses. By applying what you learn, you can improve your SEO skills and confidence, and show your mentor that you are serious and motivated.
Finally, you should appreciate and reciprocate your mentor's efforts and contributions. A mentorship is a two-way relationship, not a one-way transaction. You should thank your mentor for their time, knowledge, and support, and acknowledge their impact on your growth and development. You should also offer your own value and help to your mentor, such as sharing your insights, feedback, or resources, or connecting them with other opportunities or contacts. By appreciating and reciprocating, you can build a strong and lasting relationship with your mentor.
Effective SEO mentorship practices include setting clear goals, finding a mentor with hands-on experience, and maintaining a back-and-forth dialogue. To find a great SEO mentor, connect with experienced professionals on social media and seek someone with the right balance of knowledge. A successful SEO mentorship should be mutually beneficial, providing guidance, support, and constructive feedback. Mentors can help mentees navigate the world of SEO, differentiate credible sources from unreliable ones, and offer advice on getting started. It's important to choose a mentor who focuses on ethical and sustainable practices for long-term success in the SEO world.