My SEO Journey [Pro Edition]: Brandon Leibowitz from seooptimizers.com – Multi-channel strategy has been crucial to attracting and retaining organic traffic
My SEO Journey [PRO Edition] is a series where professionals in the SEO Industry, Digital Marketing, or Web Design share their honest SEO Journey filled with failure, success, and most importantly, proven results. Episode #159 features Brandon Leibowitz from SEO Optimizers.
My name is Brandon Leibowitz, and I am the founder of SEO Optimizers, a digital marketing agency focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses increase their online visibility and drive more organic traffic through search engine optimization (SEO). We specialize in optimizing websites to ensure they rank higher on search engines like Google, which in turn helps our clients attract more customers and grow their businesses.
Our flagship service is comprehensive SEO, which includes on-page optimization, keyword research, link building, and technical SEO audits.
Our primary customers are business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking to enhance their online presence, drive more targeted traffic, and ultimately convert that traffic into leads and sales.
At SEO Optimizers, our mission is to not only boost your website’s traffic but to ensure that traffic converts into tangible results—whether that’s increased sales, more leads, or higher engagement. We take a holistic approach to digital marketing, integrating SEO with other strategies like social media marketing and paid advertising to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.
What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
As I continued to develop my skills and knowledge in digital marketing, I began to notice a gap in the market. Many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones, were struggling to navigate the complexities of SEO and digital marketing on their own.
They needed guidance and support to compete with larger companies that had more resources. This realization was my “aha” moment. I knew there was an opportunity to help these businesses grow by offering affordable, effective SEO services.
My expertise in SEO grew rapidly, and I started to understand the ins and outs of search engine algorithms, content optimization, and link-building strategies. I realized that my approach was working when I saw my clients’ websites climbing up the search engine rankings.
This validation fueled my passion and confirmed that I was on the right path. My background in advertising and my hands-on experience with various clients gave me the confidence to continue building my own company, SEO Optimizers.
Financially, it was a challenging period. Balancing a full-time job while working on my own business required a lot of discipline and time management. I had to be strategic with my time, dedicating every spare moment to building my client base and refining my services. But I knew that the hard work would pay off in the long run. Eventually, it did, and I reached a point where I could confidently leave my job and focus entirely on my business.
Now, I take pride in helping businesses achieve their online marketing goals. Watching them grow and succeed gives me a sense of fulfillment that drives me to continue improving my services. My journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and staying adaptable in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.
Since launch, what has worked to attract more organic traffic?
As an SEO expert, I’ve found that focusing on a comprehensive, multi-channel strategy has been crucial to attracting and retaining organic traffic. While ranking my own website is at the core of my strategy, it’s essential to continuously adapt and diversify efforts to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. Here’s what I’ve learned and what has worked well in attracting more organic traffic.
1. Content Creation and Optimization:
Creating valuable, high-quality content that resonates with your target audience is key. I’ve found that focusing on long-tail keywords, which are less competitive but highly relevant, has helped my content rank better on search engines. For example, instead of targeting broad terms like “SEO services,” I focus on more specific phrases such as “affordable SEO services in Los Angeles.” This approach has helped me attract more qualified leads who are genuinely interested in the services I offer.
Regularly updating content and ensuring it remains relevant is equally important. This involves not only optimizing for keywords but also considering user intent and providing actionable insights. For instance, I’ve updated older blog posts to include new data, trends, and case studies, which has significantly improved their rankings and engagement.
2. Leveraging Social Media for Traffic and Trust:
Social media plays a dual role in my strategy: driving traffic and establishing credibility. I share blog posts, case studies, and client success stories on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, which not only increases visibility but also reinforces my authority in the SEO industry. Engaging with followers by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and sharing valuable tips has helped build a community around my brand. This social proof is essential as it reassures potential clients that I’m actively involved in the industry and that others trust my expertise.
3. Email Marketing for Retention and Conversion:
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to bring existing customers back and nurture leads. I’ve developed a segmented email list to send personalized content to different audiences. For example, potential clients receive case studies and industry insights, while existing clients get updates on new services and SEO tips. By consistently providing value through email, I’ve been able to maintain strong relationships with clients and encourage repeat business.
4. Referrals and Word-of-Mouth Marketing:
Referrals from satisfied clients are another significant source of new leads. By delivering exceptional results and maintaining open communication, I’ve built a network of clients who are more than happy to recommend my services to others. To encourage referrals, I’ve also implemented a referral program that rewards clients for bringing in new business. This not only generates new leads but also strengthens my relationship with existing clients.
5. Continual Learning and Adaptation:
The digital marketing landscape is always evolving, so staying updated on the latest trends and algorithm changes is crucial. I dedicate time to learning new strategies, experimenting with different tools, and refining my processes. This adaptability has been key in maintaining my website’s rankings and ensuring that my clients see continued success.
By combining these strategies—content creation, social media, email marketing, referrals, and continuous learning—I’ve been able to consistently attract organic traffic, generate leads, and convert those leads into long-term clients. The key is to not only implement these tactics but also to refine and adapt them over time to meet changing demands and market conditions.
Now it’s time to discover the other 102 steps that will get more organic traffic flowing to your website. Get the SEO Checklist here.
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Have you learned anything particularly helpful in your SEO Journey?
In my SEO journey, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.
Early on, I made the mistake of sticking too rigidly to strategies that had previously brought success, only to find that search algorithms and consumer behavior had shifted. Missing out on these changes meant missed opportunities for growth. It taught me that staying informed and flexible is crucial in this industry.
Another key lesson was the significance of building strong partnerships and investing in continuous learning. Collaborating with others in the field allowed me to gain new perspectives and insights that I might have overlooked on my own. Additionally, keeping up with industry trends and taking courses helped me stay ahead of the curve.
Of course, luck and timing also played a role; being in the right place at the right time, or catching a trend just as it was gaining momentum, certainly helped. But ultimately, it’s the ability to learn from mistakes, pivot when necessary, and maintain a growth mindset that has been most instrumental in my journey.
What SEO tools do you use for your business?
As an SEO expert, I rely on a range of powerful tools to streamline and optimize my workflow. These tools help me analyze data, identify opportunities, and ultimately improve my clients’ rankings.
One of my go-to tools is Google Google Search Console, which provides invaluable insights into a website’s performance. By monitoring search traffic, indexing issues, and keyword data, it helps me make data-driven decisions to enhance a website’s visibility on search engines.
In addition to Google Search Console, I regularly use Ahrefs for its robust backlink analysis and keyword research capabilities. Ahrefs allows me to track competitors, analyze their link profiles, and uncover content gaps that can be exploited to improve rankings.
For a more comprehensive approach, I also turn to Moz and SEMrush. Both tools offer excellent features for keyword research, site audits, and rank tracking, making them indispensable in my SEO toolkit. These tools, when used together, provide a well-rounded strategy for achieving SEO success.
Can you share your efforts related to Link-Building?
I like to build backlinks by building relationships with other webmasters.
It takes a lot of time, but is well worth the effort. This helps me find niche related websites that have trust and authority built into them already.
In addition to building relationships with other webmasters, I also focus on creating valuable content that others naturally want to link to. This involves staying up-to-date with industry trends and consistently producing resources that people find useful, whether that’s in the form of blog posts, infographics, or comprehensive guides.
Another key component of my link-building strategy is leveraging guest blogging. By contributing high-quality content to reputable websites within my niche, I’m able to secure backlinks that not only improve SEO but also enhance brand visibility. I also make use of broken link-building techniques, where I find broken links on relevant websites and offer a replacement link to my content, providing value to the site owner while earning a backlink.
Finally, I always ensure that the links I build are diverse and come from a range of sources. This diversification is crucial to avoid any potential penalties from search engines and to build a strong, sustainable backlink profile.
The key to successful link-building is persistence and maintaining ethical practices that align with Google’s guidelines. This approach has allowed me to achieve long-term success in boosting website rankings and driving organic traffic for my clients.
The Link Chest is a collection of high-quality, easy-to-win backlink opportunities. It’s the smart way to kickstart your SEO mission and improve the rank of your website in Google.
“This is such a simple idea but very well executed. I’ve been powering through this giant list of backlinks for a few hours and already have loads pointing to my site. Link Chest is an essential tool for early stage link building.”
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?
A great book I read recently was “Building a StoryBrand”. This focuses on not just building a brand, but adding a story to it so you are relatable. People love stories and this helps keep them engaged in your brand.
In addition to “Building a StoryBrand,” another resource that has significantly influenced my approach to SEO and digital marketing is the podcast “Marketing School” by Neil Patel and Eric Siu. This podcast delivers daily bite-sized marketing lessons that are easy to digest yet incredibly impactful. It’s been a constant source of fresh ideas and actionable strategies that I can implement right away.
I also find great value in the blog “Backlinko” by Brian Dean. Brian’s in-depth guides on SEO, link building, and content marketing have been instrumental in helping me refine my strategies and stay ahead of industry trends. His content is well-researched and offers practical insights that are immediately applicable, making it a go-to resource for anyone serious about SEO.
Is attending a conference / virtual conference was worth your time?
Absolutely. Whether it’s an in-person or virtual conference, the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, network with like-minded professionals, and stay updated on the latest trends is invaluable.
Conferences allow me to gain new perspectives and insights that I can apply directly to my work at SEO Optimizers. Virtual conferences, in particular, offer the flexibility to attend sessions from anywhere, which is a big advantage. The key is to be selective and attend conferences that align with your specific goals and interests. By doing so, you ensure that the time spent is both productive and worthwhile.
How to fight against cheap SEO gig that provides toxic outcomes?
My approach to fighting against cheap SEO gigs that provide toxic outcomes revolves around education, transparency, and focusing on long-term value rather than short-term gains.
Education: I believe the first step is educating clients about the dangers of cheap SEO. These low-cost services often engage in black hat techniques like keyword stuffing, spammy backlinks, or other manipulative tactics that may offer a quick boost but ultimately harm your website’s rankings. I make sure to explain how these tactics can lead to penalties from search engines, making the client’s site more vulnerable in the long run.
Transparency: At SEO Optimizers, we emphasize transparency in all our processes. Clients deserve to know exactly what is being done to their websites. We provide detailed reports, regular updates, and a clear explanation of our strategies. This builds trust and demonstrates the value of investing in legitimate SEO practices.
Long-Term Value: Unlike cheap SEO gigs that promise instant results, our approach is to focus on sustainable, long-term growth. I help clients understand that SEO is not a one-time fix but an ongoing process that involves creating quality content, optimizing technical elements, and building authority through ethical link-building practices. By emphasizing the importance of long-term strategies, we differentiate ourselves from the quick fixes that cheap SEO services offer.
Ultimately, the best way to fight against toxic SEO outcomes is to educate clients, maintain transparency, and focus on strategies that deliver sustainable success.
What’s the next step in your SEO Journey?
I’m focused on refining our processes to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving field. One area I want to improve is automation in SEO, particularly in how we manage and scale tasks like keyword research, content optimization, and link building. Implementing AI-driven tools to streamline these processes will not only increase efficiency but also allow us to deliver even better results for our clients.
Learning and staying updated with the latest trends in SEO is always a priority. I’m especially interested in deepening my knowledge of technical SEO and voice search optimization, as these areas are becoming increasingly critical. Exploring more advanced strategies like data-driven SEO, leveraging machine learning for predictive insights, and experimenting with emerging platforms like Web3 are also on my radar.
From an SEO perspective, 6 to 12 months from now, I see myself continuing to expand my agency’s reach, working with more diverse clients, and possibly launching new services that cater to the growing needs of the industry. I’m also excited about the prospect of educating others through my upcoming book and other content initiatives.
Founder of SEO Optimizers
