In the Spotlight – The SEO Team

Every month, we shine the spotlight on one of our P81 teams and give you an insider’s view into our employees’ unique experiences, perspectives and everything in between. Every team at Platform81 are experts in their field and we look forward to introducing them all to you.

Meet Tom and Hassan, our team of Senior SEO Executives. We’ve caught up with them to explore more of their P81 journey and here’s what they had to say:

1. Can you briefly introduce the SEO team?

Tom: We are a team of two senior executives, Hassan & Tom. We’ve both been in the SEO industry for quite a few years now and have worked on many websites in various industries. 

Hassan: We like to think of ourselves as hardworking problem solvers and love everything digital.  

2. Describe your personality in 3 words.  

Tom: Focused, Curious & Open-minded. 

Hassan: Creative, Ambitious & Fun.

3. How long have you been working at P81 and how has your career journey developed during this time? 

Tom: I have been with P81 for 3 years now and I would say that I have learned about optimising websites from an on-page and technical point of view. 

Hassan: I have been with P81 for about a year now and I have developed more of an understanding of applying my SEO skills to various industries.  

4. Can you walk us through a day in your life? What are your main day-to-day responsibilities as part of the SEO team?  

Tom: SEO requires a lot of monitoring, auditing and reviewing. As the industry is rather fast-moving, we do all we can to keep our clients on top of the game. 

Hassan: As Tom has mentioned, the SEO industry is an ever-changing industry, therefore it’s vital that we keep on top of this and ensure our clients are in the best stead with their on-page, off-page and technical SEO.  

5. How does the SEO team collaborate with other teams within the company? 

Tom: We work closely with the web development team when technical implementations are needed. We help the social media department with keyword research and providing any data from organic that could help social campaigns. 

Hassan: We work closely with the web development/design team. We help when a new website is being pushed live and ensure that it is set up with the basic SEO necessities, we also help with UX planning and site structure too. As P81 offer the full suite of digital products, we work very closely with the social media team and the PPC department for our multi-channel clients.  

6. What’s your proudest moment at P81?  

Tom: It’s always a pleasure when we see our work producing results for our clients. Our proudest moments are always we look back to where our clients were when they came on board and see where they are now. 

Hassan: Making a positive impact on our client’s businesses. We work closely with them and it’s a great feeling when we have achieved a goal we have set out.  

7. What’s one quote you live by? 

Hassan: Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. 

8. What’s your favourite TV show/ series at the moment and why?  

Hassan: Currently watching the new Moon knight series on Disney plus. It’s interesting because it’s a new hero they have introduced in the Marvel universe and the link to ancient Egypt is pretty cool, so far so good.  

9. What are some of the most common misconceptions/ stereotypes you had to overcome as SEO experts?  

Hassan: That everyone can be an SEO expert with very little research and experience in this sector. Within the industry, there is a lot of information and strategies you can use depending on the project. I have dealt with many “SEO Experts” that actually cause a lot more harm than good for clients.   

10. What is something people don’t know about you?

Tom: I am in love with astronomy and space! 

Hassan: I Love Football, MMA & F1/Motorsport – Fact: I have done the 3 peaks challenge.  

11. What are the top 3 things on your bucket list right now?

Tom: Buy a car, travel to the US and save up for a house.

Hassan: To do a road trip around Europe in a Grand tourer, travel to Thailand & Australia and learn a new discipline in digital marketing.  

12. What’s the most unique thing about working in SEO?  

Tom: It’s that you don’t just do SEO. You do a bit of everything too. I will create and update reports, I will set up and solve issues with Analytics, and I will provide clients with CRO recommendations. I will learn the ins and outs of their industry and scrutinise their competitors. Sometimes my job really feels like being a swiss army knife of sorts! 

Hassan: That there are new challenges to overcome every day. You will always keep learning with SEO as it is ever-changing, so you always have to keep on top of it and adapt to the latest updates that are being pushed out.  

13. What is your favourite thing about working at P81 and why? 

Tom: The synergy between the different departments is like no other. We really do help each other as best we can and the main goal is always to deliver the best service to our clients. 

Hassan: As Tom has mentioned, the team is what really makes P81 great to work with. Everyone is an industry expert in their field and is always there to share knowledge and offer help with projects.  

14. Any top tips for people wanting to break into the industry and work in SEO?  

Tom: SEO is a long-term thing, whether it’s for a website or a person. What I mean is that SEO is easy to learn but hard to master. So, keep going at it, keep learning, keep testing and experimenting. 

Hassan: I think Tom has summed this up perfectly. I reiterate to just keep learning and practising on your websites, over time you will pick new strategies and skills that you can further develop as time goes on.  

We’re always on the lookout for new team members, so if you think you can join our team of creative experts, and deliver with impact like they do, get in touch with us today.