SEO in PH vs SEO International

Ever wondered if doing SEO for local clients is really that different from working with international ones? In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gelo and Gab unpack the real differences between doing SEO for Philippine-based clients versus international ones. From client expectations and pay gaps to search behaviors and strategy, they dig into what it really feels like to work on both sides. This episode is honest, relatable, and especially useful if you’re a Filipino freelancer or SEO specialist trying to navigate both local and global markets.What becomes clear as the conversation unfolds? It's not just about money—although yes, international rates are much higher. It’s also about how clients approach SEO. Foreign businesses often already understand the value of SEO and come with solid processes, while many PH clients still rely heavily on social media and need more guidance on SEO basics. Whether you're dealing with long-tail keywords for a local tire shop or international hreflang tags for a global brand, this episode covers the mindset shifts and tactical differences you need to know.Transcript Summary00:00 - 00:31Gab: Welcomes listeners to SEO Kwentuhan, a podcast on SEO and freelancing.Gelo: Introduces the topic: “SEO in the Philippines vs Abroad”, questioning whether SEO standards are really different.00:32 - 01:25Gelo: Shares his experience, mostly with foreign clients, though his past agency was PH-based but catered to global clients.Gab: Adds that while some PH clients target global markets, their business operations and SEO demands vary.01:25 - 03:11Gelo: Emphasizes the payment difference, estimating PH rates are less than 30% of foreign rates.Gab and Gelo: Agree that foreign clients are more SEO-knowledgeable, while PH clients often need more education on processes and metrics.Foreign clients often provide the SEO process; PH clients rely on the SEO specialist to lead.03:18 - 04:13Gab: Notes that popular marketing channels differ: PH leans toward social media, while foreign businesses prioritize organic search more.PH companies often come from traditional marketing, slowly transitioning to digital.04:21 - 06:21Gab: Clarifies that local SEO dominates PH due to limited geography.International SEO involves more research, language variations, and different user behavior.Strategies like hreflang are irrelevant locally but critical for global clients.06:21 - 07:07Gelo: Points out that in the PH, people often rely on word-of-mouth or neighbors for services like plumbers, unlike in the West where even small services have SEO-optimized websites.07:17 - 09:01Gab: Explains that SEO is more useful for big industries or emergencies (e.g., locksmith, tires).He gives real-world examples like Googling tire supply or Motolite battery delivery.Filipinos tend to search on social media first before Google.09:31 - 11:22Gab: Says SEO explanations are similar, but pricing is harder to justify to PH clients.Gelo: Adds that some international clients can be more difficult due to outdated knowledge or preconceived notions.Both agree: Local clients often haggle or expect discounts, especially when familiar.11:28 - 14:27Gab: Believes foreign markets are 10 years ahead, with earlier exposure to SEO tools and strategies.Gelo: Notes PH SEOs get backlinks mostly from webinars or events, unlike advanced strategies abroad.Gab and Gelo: Mention BrightonSEO and technical expertise like data analytics, which are less common locally.Many PH SEOs still work under managers vs. agency owners abroad who have more control and freedom to experiment.14:41 - 15:14Gab: Observes that individuals abroad can outrank big brands, thanks to level playing fields in Google’s algorithm.In PH, big brands dominate, so smaller players are better off targeting long-tail keywords or social media like TikTok.15:15 - 16:24Gab: attributes the undervaluation not to lack of skill but to mindsets of business owners.Many still see digital marketing as optional, relying on free or basic social media marketing.Bigger PH companies understand ROI better, but most small/medium businesses still resist investing in SEO.Don't forget to share and connect with our communities. Let's achieved success together!https://seoworkout.com/https://theseodad.org/https://seokwentuhan.com/