Welcome to a new
Introducing
We asked her everything from how she first got into SEO to what empowers her to be the brilliant woman she is 💪🏽
How did you get into SEO?
I arrived in the world of SEO by chance, having studied for a History degree at University and graduating with very little idea what I wanted to do next, I was lucky enough to stumble upon my first role in digital as a Search Account Executive at Sleeping Giant Media. In this role I developed all-round experience across both SEO and PPC, before pursuing Account Management and then choosing to specialise in SEO on a more technical level, as this is where my passion really lies.
What is your favourite SEO task?
It is really hard to pick just one SEO task, but I'd have to say getting stuck in with a full SEO audit has got to be up there as a favourite. I really enjoy unpicking a website, delving deep into analysis on the issues and causes, and prioritising actions that can make a real impact to that site's performance.
What is your go-to tool or resource that you can't live without?
The tool I probably use most day to day is Screaming Frog, but I have also recently started using seotesting.com which has proved really valuable for drawing out insights from Search Console data, helping us to both report much more easily on the performance of SEO tests we are running for clients, but also generate new ideas for clients based on their GSC data.
What is something you learned in SEO that made you have an 'AHA' moment?
Learning quite early on that every site is completely different and requires a bespoke approach - test and learn is key!
What is your proudest industry achievement?
Speaking at BrightonSEO this April was a huge career highlight for me! Having been to and enjoyed many of these events in the past as an attendee, it was a privilege to be able to share the stage with so many other great speakers.
What advice would you give women who are starting out in SEO?
Soak up as much information as you can, especially while you're still learning - attend events, read articles and blogs, follow industry professionals across Linkedin and Twitter, subscribe to industry newsletters. Aleyda Solis also has created an excellent guide to learning SEO which I always recommend to new starters in my team: learningseo.io
Give a shout out to a woman in the industry who inspires you and tell us why
The work that Areej AbuAli has done in founding this community and making it a safe, welcoming space for women in SEO cannot be understated, she is incredible and so inspiring. I would also say Lily Ray. I aspire to be as cool and effortless at presenting at events, and every time I have seen her present there have been so many brilliant takeaways. I'm also in awe of her knowledge and research on E-E-A-T.
Finally, what empowers you to be the brilliant woman you are?
Don't be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone - you might just surprise yourself at what you can achieve.
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Thanks Kathryn for a truly insightful interview! You can connect with Kathryn on her LinkedIn and Twitter.
To view more interviews with brilliant women, check out our Interviews page. If you've enjoyed reading this interview, then we'd love for