Hey there! Today, I want to share an insightful interview that could help you learn how to work from home and run a successful SEO business after completing an SEO training course. I recently spoke with Claudia Pennington from SEO Audit Guide, who provided some great insights on this topic.
Claudia runs a thriving SEO business and has launched an SEO training course to help more people get started. According to her, a new SEO business owner can earn about $75 per hour, and you don’t need any technical skills to get started!
If you’re considering a new job or a side hustle, this might be worth looking into. Check out the interview below for tips on running a successful SEO business, even if you have no prior experience. Claudia also offers a free SEO training course to help you understand the basics and get started. I highly recommend signing up!
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you started making money through SEO?
I’m Claudia Pennington, a personal finance blogger and CEO of Side Hustle, LLC. We coach freelancers and side hustlers on increasing their earning potential through digital marketing, especially SEO. After graduating from Penn State in 2006 with two liberal arts degrees, I gained experience through an internship and side hustling as a freelancer. Today, I focus on training and coaching others in digital marketing.
2. What exactly is SEO?
SEO involves tasks that improve a website’s visibility in search engine results. These tasks include SEO website audits, keyword research, content audits, and content marketing. It’s crucial for businesses of all sizes, especially small ones, to ensure they show up in search results. For example, if a local coffee shop isn’t optimized for SEO, it won’t appear in search results like “coffee shop near me,” missing out on potential customers.
3. How much can a new SEO business owner expect to make?
In the U.S., our students typically earn about $75 per hour. Your income depends on how much you want to work. Whether it’s a side hustle or your main focus, start by setting your business goals. For instance, if you want to make an extra $1,000 a month, you might need one client. An SEO website audit could take around 10 hours, earning you $750. You could then offer ongoing services like content marketing to secure steady income.
4. Who are the typical clients of an SEO business owner?
Anyone with a website or business can be a client, from local coffee shops to Fortune 500 companies. A great first client is often someone you know personally, like a small business owner or freelancer. You can also find clients on platforms like Upwork, working with a variety of businesses and individuals.
5. What do you like about providing SEO services?
I love the value I provide. It’s rewarding to help struggling businesses increase sales and freelancers shine online. Knowing I contribute to their success is incredibly fulfilling.
6. How can a person start their own SEO business?
It’s easy to get started! You can learn SEO online or take training courses. Once you’re comfortable, start pitching clients. Update your LinkedIn profile and let your network know you offer SEO services. You can start without forming a business, but if you do, consider consulting an accountant or lawyer.
7. How much does it cost to start and maintain this type of business?
Besides the cost of training courses, you can start with minimal investment. Advertising your services and updating social channels is free. If you form a business and create a website, basic costs can be as low as $5 per month. We use Bluehost for hosting and an online bookkeeping tool for managing accounts.
8. What can a person learn from your SEO training course?
Our course covers SEO website audits, content audits, keyword research, and content marketing. We provide step-by-step guidance and resources for finding and pitching clients. Graduates can join a private Facebook group for support and networking.
9. Does a person need any technical skills to get started?
No technical skills are needed. You don’t even need to log in to a client’s website. After completing an SEO audit, you deliver a report with recommendations. The client or their team makes the improvements. If you have additional skills like web development or writing, you can offer those services too.
10. Do you have a free SEO training course to start people off with?
Yes, we offer a free email course for those interested in learning more about SEO and starting a business or side hustle.
11. Any other tips for someone wanting to start an SEO business?
Value your time and focus on clients who appreciate it. Building relationships one client at a time can lead to referrals and more business opportunities.
I hope you enjoyed this interview! Are you interested in taking Claudia’s SEO training course and starting your own SEO business?