Interviewing Jess Batin

Welcome to a new WTSInterview edition, where we interview brilliant SEOs in our industry and share their stories with the world! WTS members are welcome to share their story by simply filling out this form; we encourage folks from all walks of life in our industry to do so.

Introducing Jess Batin! Jess is Head of SEO & CRO at Lantra where they combine both SEO & CRO together as a single optimisation offering to deliver the best results. As well as helping to grow Lantra she is a mum of two, juggling the world of digital marketing and motherhood day by day!

How did you get into SEO?

I left university with a masters in Geography and decided to give marketing a whirl instead. My first role was as a marketing assistant at a small recruitment company. Whilst there I helped them launch a new website and managed the 'SEO side of things' by doing some keyword optimisation. From here I applied for an SEO analyst role at a Leeds agency and it's here where I started my journey into the world of SEO.

What is your favourite SEO task?

It's a tough choice between tech and data; I think data analysis might win out though. I love getting lost in a spreadsheet and turning it into something visual and actionable. I think this must be my Geographical Information Systems (GIS) degree coming into play here as making a pretty graph or visualisation makes me happy!

What is your go-to tool or resource that you can't live without?

Funnel. It's a really powerful data management and reporting tool which makes life so much easier.

What is something you learned in SEO that made you have an 'AHA' moment?

Your optimisations are only as good as your delivery of them. Communication, engagement and buy in from key stakeholders is crucial to being successful.

What is your proudest industry achievement?

Helping to build Lantra over the last 3 years whilst also having 2 kids in that 3 year period! It's not been easy but we currently have a successful agency that is going from strength to strength and am excited for it to continue to grow.

What advice would you give those who are starting out in SEO?

Constantly ask questions. Speak to others in the industry and also not and get their perspectives. Try to expand your understanding beyond just the world of SEO because this is only a small part of the marketing world.

Give a shout out to someone in the industry who inspires you, and tell us why

Tazmin Suleman. I met her at WTS London this year and was really inspired by her journey and how she helps lift those around her.

Finally, what empowers you to be the brilliant person you are?

My kids, working to build a better life for them. I grew up without any role models, particularly no female role models, so I strive to be a role model for my daughter to show her you can be a successful woman and a mum.

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Thanks, Jess, for a truly insightful interview!

You can connect with her on LinkedIn.

Check out our Interviews page for more interviews. If you've enjoyed reading this, we'd love for YOU to share your story with the world! Simply fill this form here, we welcome brilliant SEOs from all walks of life! 🙌🏽