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 Tamara Sykes, SEO Coach at Next Level Presence. Based in Columbus - USA, Tamara is a Caribbean-born mom, wife, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping women create a business and life that they love. Using her digital know-how, she teaches Search Engine Optimization to brand owners so they can increase their website traffic without social media burnout. And from time-to-time, she shares snippets of her real-life to encourage others to create their version of happiness in everyday life.
We asked her everything from how she first got into SEO to what empowers her to be the brilliant woman she is 💪🏽
By accident! I actually started in blogging first, then I went all in social media marketing. However, when I regularly checked my Google Analytics, I noticed that I consistently got more traffic from search engines. So, I went all in! I learned more SEO techniques, applied to them my blog and I've been preaching the SEO gospel ever since.
Hmmm, it comes down to three things - keyword development, optimizing content, or digital PR. Out of those top categories, I'd say keyword research and development is my favorite task. It's a crucial part of a digital marketing strategy and it's a lot of fun for me!
Besides Google Sheets, I'd have to say MetaTags.io, it's a great way to preview what the meta tags for a page or blog post will look like in SERPS and on social media. A great content optimization tool, especially when you're steadily improving old websites.
I share this quite a bit but it's worth repeating. VERY early in my SEO journey, I hadn't fully understood how combining SEO and storytelling would result in targeted website traffic over time. Unfortunately, when you're first introduced to the concept of search engine optimization, it feels as if you have to sacrifice the story so you can rank. But once I saw this artfully done by brands and even applied it to one of my personal blog posts, it clicked! You don't have to sacrifice one for the other. In fact, using both is how you create original and engaging content.
Recently, I was featured as a guest on the Fractl Podcast, Cashing In On Content Marketing. I'm a huge fan of the agency and their team so it felt amazing to be interviewed.
Keep showing up and sharing your expertise! Especially women of color.
Since SEO is a dynamic industry, it's easy to feel like you're never caught up on the latest but remember that you DO know what you're talking about. Don't let imposter syndrome rob you of being seen.
There are two women who I've recently connected with that have been very supportive and I admire their careers. First, founder of Women In Tech SEO, Areej AbuAli. I love that she's created a community of women supporting women in the SEO industry. Second, Amanda Milligan of Fractl. Not only do I love her presentations at various events like BrightonSEO but every time I chat with her, I walk away feeling so encouraged.
The drive behind what I do is simple, "Live a fulfilling life." Every day I strive to be the happiest, healthiest version of myself and I hope that inspires others (especially other women) to do the same.
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Thanks Tamara for a truly insightful interview, you can check out Tamara's website and connect with her 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! 🙌🏽