Impostor Syndrome in SEO

In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo get real about the mental side of working in SEO. They share their personal experiences, the struggles that come with learning on the job, and why it’s okay not to have all the answers. Whether you're just starting or already years into your SEO career, this episode will remind you that self-doubt is part of the process and it doesn’t have to hold you back.Impostor syndrome is that inner voice that makes you question if you're really good enough, even when the work says you are. It’s the fear of being “found out,” the pressure to always know everything, and the constant comparison to others in the industry. If you’ve ever felt this in your SEO journey, you are not alone.Transcript Summary00:00 – 00:24 Gab and Gelo kick off the episode by introducing the topic: Impostor Syndrome in SEO. Gelo shares how this topic hits close to home for him and suspects Gab experiences it too. They’ve touched on it before, but this time, they’re diving deeper.00:24 – 01:39They talk about how impostor syndrome isn’t unique to SEO professionals even celebrities like Tom Hanks and Serena Williams have it. But in SEO, it’s particularly common because the industry changes so fast. Missing just a month of updates can make you feel out of the loop.01:39 – 02:46Gab shares that social media plays a role. Seeing peers post wins and case studies can either inspire or make you feel like you're falling behind. This FOMO triggers impostor syndrome making you question your knowledge and skills.02:52 – 04:25Gelo explains how transitioning into new roles (like team lead) can make anyone feel like an impostor. Gab agrees and adds that this feeling is part of growing. Over time, you realize it’s all part of learning and getting better.04:38 – 05:47SEO doesn’t have a fixed rulebook. What works today might not work tomorrow. Gelo calls this the “black box effect”. Because of this uncertainty, it’s easy to feel like you’re faking it even when you're doing everything right.06:07 – 07:48Gab opens up about how even with experience, long campaigns with inconsistent results make him feel unsure. He shares how working across different niches means nothing feels "standard," which adds to the pressure but also helps him grow as a strategist.07:48 – 09:11Gelo asks if it's normal to feel afraid to offer SEO services, especially when you’re still studying. Gab says yes and even praises students who land clients while still learning. It’s harder to learn when you don’t have real-world implementation, so these students are doing it right.09:13 – 11:01They talk about being transparent with clients if you’re still learning. Gelo highlights the importance of managing expectations especially when businesses rely on their websites to make a living. Gab adds that some clients are even supportive, providing learning resources.12:07 – 13:22For those without clients yet, Gelo suggests starting with lower rates and focusing on building case studies. The real goal at this stage is experience and testimonials, not high pay. Being upfront about your skills helps manage expectations and builds trust.13:35 – 15:37Gab shares that it’s okay to offer free or trial-based work to build a portfolio, as long as there’s honesty and mutual respect. It’s not about promoting free labor it’s about learning and building rapport early in your freelancing career.15:39 – 17:07Gelo asks if it's better to niche down when starting. Gab says it depends. If your first exposure is to a certain industry (like real estate), it’s natural to continue there. But for others, it’s about exploring which niche feels most comfortable and enjoyable to optimize.7:11 – 18:07Gelo encourages new SEOs to admit when they don’t know something then figure it out later. Having a learner’s mindset beats pretending to know everything. There’s no shame in saying, “I’ll get back to you.”18:07 – 20:06Even seasoned SEOs like Gab still feel impostor syndrome especially when they're behind on updates or see students sharing more than them. Gelo adds that the feeling evolves over time: from doubting your knowledge to wondering if your methods are still valid.20:17 – 21:11Gelo asks how Gab handles being the point person in SEO discussions. Gab admits it’s tough. You have to sound confident but also know when to say, “I’ll check and get back to you.” It’s important to stay humble and collaborative.21:12 – 23:28Gelo leans heavily on data when making decisions or recommendations. He stresses the importance of having backup resources, especially when facing urgent SEO questions. Meetings can be nerve-wracking, but data helps you stand your ground.23:28 – 25:01Gab reminds listeners to double-check advice before sharing it with clients. Even small changes like uploading a sitemap can have a big impact on high-traffic websites. Always verify before acting especially in SEO where one move can shift results.25:04 – 26:28Gab shares that embracing your weaknesses is key. Instead of hiding from what you don’t know, admit it and work on it. SEO is a constant treadmill sometimes it feels like you’re not moving, but you’re actually building stamina and strength day by day.26:28 – 29:05There’s a flip side: people who think they know everything. Gelo warns against this mindset. Instead of clinging to ego, stay curious. Keep testing, validating, and being open to learning — even if you’ve been doing SEO for years.29:05 – 30:02Gelo wraps up by emphasizing how fast-paced SEO is. Take a few months off and you might feel left behind. The key is staying connected, curious, and adaptable.30:02 – 30:40Gelo hints at a future free eBook for newbies and reminds listeners to follow SEO Kwentuhan on YouTube and Spotify. No major announcements yet but stay tuned!Don’t forget to like, share, and support our community. Let’s grow and succeed together!seoworkout.comtheseodad.orgseokwentuhan.com