Interviewing Jasmita D'Souza

Welcome to a new Weekly Interviews edition where we interview brilliant women in our industry and share their stories with the world! Anyone is welcome to share their story by simply filling this form, we encourage women from all walks of life in our industry to do so.

Introducing Jasmita D'Souza, Technical SEO Specialist at Onely. Based in India, Jasmita has served 4 years of her expertise for a digital marketing agency, helping B2B brands improve & succeed in search. She keeps learning Technical SEO and is passionate about it. Taking a break from day to day work life, she loves feeding birds, making DIY bracelets and crocheting and also has her interests in graphology (handwriting analysis).

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?

In 2016, I was pursuing my Masters in Business Administration (Marketing Management). I was introduced to the field of digital marketing as an optional course for 10 days. I enrolled myself and loved the fact how search works, how websites are optimized and how as an SEO professional we can help businesses achieve organic results.

I had my first job in 2017 as a Jr. SEO Analyst and since then I love what I am doing. It just needs your passion and love towards your work and the rest is all history to talk about the success and the journey.

What is your favourite SEO task?

I love to perform an in-depth, investigative analysis involved in a full Tech SEO audit and I am learning so much more at Onely which makes me fall in love with Technical SEO audits even more.

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

Chrome DevTools and Google Search Console have always been close to my heart. In addition to these, I'm obsessed with chrome extensions that help analysis and auditing a website even more effortless.

Special thanks to all the SEO conference organisers and speakers that invest in helping us SEO enthusiasts learn and takeaway amazing concepts and SEO strategies.

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

The fact that we can perform Page Experience Update analysis without using any external set of tools and use the most reliable Chrome DevTools, thanks to Jamie Indigo and Rachel Anderson for their "Are you there Page Experience? It's me, Devtools" talk that unveils these amazing tricks and tips
Being in the industry for 4 years and taking a brave step to join the most reputable company Onely known for Technical SEO, definitely every moment invested here is an "AHA moment"

What is your proudest industry achievement?

Learning to invest me-time, replacing the workaholic schedule and overcoming imposter syndrome have all been uncomfortable lessons to learn. But it's the best feeling in the world knowing what I have achieved and being grateful for all the lessons learned to where I have reached.

I am also the first Asian to master the Technical SEO Pirate Challenge and save a spot at #60. This was super fun, all of the analysis performed was using Chrome DevTools and this game sparked in me the technical curiosity, indeed what a hidden treasure it was to hunt for, as an SEO Pirate!

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

Never stop investing a few hours in reading. Implement what you have read, make notes and help friends to join you in the journey
Do not self-doubt or feel uncomfortable asking questions, we are here for you :)
Speak up if something is bothering you, and share it with someone, all of us have witnessed those rough days, we are here to help you get over it
Do not be upset and lock your emotions up because of someone's inability to see your worth. Rather, stand strong and prove it to yourself and the rest would be history
Lastly, breathe. Say it! "I am remarkable" and throw all those bad thoughts away with a smile :)

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

Roxana Stingu, Jamie Indigo and Aleyda Solis
I have always been looking up to you all for my SEO learnings. Thanks for being supportive and active technical SEO mentors :)

Thanks to Areej AbuAli for creating a safe space "WITSEO" to share, connect and motivate each other without being judged by experience. The journey till date would not have been a success story without you supporting me and for all the best of learning opportunities you have shared.

Erin Doland, Begum Kaya, Sevilay Selecki, Gianna Brachetti-Truskawa, Swapna Mulye and Kristal Audain for all the motivation during my self-doubt phase. Shoutout to one of the most active contributors in the community Brenda Malone, she’s an inspiration :)

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

I continue learning something new every day and help others with what I can. I never gave up on learning and helping coworkers with my “little but makes a difference” knowledge.

Helping co-workers also gave an added advantage to explore more and learn from what others are facing. This was a golden opportunity to explore technical SEO issues - that brings in a lot of satisfaction :)

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Thanks Jasmita for a truly insightful interview, you can connect with Jasmita on Twitter and LinkedIn.

To view more interviews with brilliant women, check out our Interviews page. If you've enjoyed reading this interview, then 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! 🙌🏽