Why Filipino SEO Professionals Are in Demand (Pero Underpaid?)

In this episode of SEOKwentuhan, Gab and Gelo tackle a common issue in the freelance and VA world: Filipino SEOs are delivering strong results for clients abroad, yet still face low rates and undervaluation. Filipino SEO professionals are getting noticed across the globe for their skills, work ethic, and adaptability. From freelance gigs to full-time roles with international agencies, more and more Pinoys are helping businesses rank, grow, and compete online. But despite this growing demand, one big issue remains—many are still being paid less than they deserve. If you’ve ever questioned your rates, felt undervalued, or just want to better understand the industry dynamics, this episode gives real talk, useful insights, and advice you can use.Transcript Summary(00:00 - 00:41)Gab welcomes everyone back to the podcast after a long break. He introduces the main topic: Why Filipino SEO professionals are in demand but still underpaid. He notes this is a recurring concern in VA groups and affects other freelance specialties too.(00:50 - 02:14)Gab explains how wage differences between countries (e.g., US vs. PH minimum wage) make outsourcing to Filipinos attractive for Western companies. He shares personal experience about how foreign agencies offer rates only slightly better than local PH agencies, using local benchmarks to justify low offers.(02:15 - 03:45)Gelo cites statistics showing that Filipinos are 70–80% cheaper than their Western counterparts and still deliver quality results. The Philippines ranks #1 globally for virtual assistants, with SEO being a top outsourced skill.(03:46 - 05:10)Gelo explains factors including time zone alignment, cultural compatibility, and strong English communication skills. He points out that many clients require video introductions to gauge fluency, and Filipinos tend to excel here despite being "barok" at times.(05:11 - 07:36)Gab emphasizes traits like strong work ethic, adaptability, clear communication, and resourcefulness (e.g., finding free tools). Filipinos tend to go the extra mile, solve problems quickly, and adjust culturally to clients’ behavior.(07:37 - 08:16)Gab notes how being natural problem solvers and having high English literacy (96%) adds to their appeal. These strengths make communication and implementation smoother in international projects.(08:16 - 09:06)Gab and Gelo discuss the Filipino trait of adjusting to how clients treat them—being patient, resourceful, hardworking, and resilient, similar to OFWs in other industries.(09:16 - 10:50)Gab argues it’s systemic, especially for beginners who think $3/hour is already generous. Many experienced SEOs also stay in comfort zones, refusing to raise rates even with a decade of experience and proven results.(10:51 - 12:00) Gab clarifies that while there may be a lot of SEOs, not all deliver real results. The demand is still strong, but the market includes many task-doers versus true strategists.(12:00 - 13:15)Gab shares a strategy: start with a lower trial rate, show results, then either raise rates or ask for performance-based incentives. He warns that even with results, some clients will undervalue the SEO’s contribution.(13:16 - 14:33) Determine your rate by looking at peers with similar years of experience and skills. Client-facing communication and negotiation are crucial if you want to increase your value and income.(14:34 - 15:45) New SEOs often lack negotiation skills. Gab emphasizes the need to stand your ground, prove your worth through past results, and avoid underpricing if you’re delivering value.(15:46 - 17:33) Gab explains this fear stems from the uncertainty of consistent results and the lack of confidence. Solution: create packages per client type, understand client budget ranges, and study your niche deeply.(17:34 - 20:35) Filipino SEOs often underprice because they fear sounding incompetent in discovery calls. Gab encourages practicing communication and owning your SEO identity. If you’re doing the job, you are not an impostor.(20:36 - 24:44) Gab shares how foreign clients value SEO more than local clients. In PH, SEO is often undervalued or bundled with web development or social media, especially for SMEs. Foreign clients look for results and ROI.(24:45 - 28:03) Gab urges a culture of integrity and skill-sharing. Communities like theirs aim to educate and uplift Filipino SEOs, discourage dishonest practices, and build a professional reputation globally.(28:04 - 29:10) Gab explains that their podcast and community events real-talk issues to prevent others from repeating mistakes. Sharing case studies, strategies, and lessons helps everyone grow, even if others are more skilled.(29:11 - 30:30) Gab says: Don’t rush pricing high. Upskill continuously. Add new knowledge in AI, analytics, and other areas. Build your value before demanding high rates.(30:31 - 32:19) Gab advocates for outcome-based pricing over hourly billing. SEOs should see themselves as partners, not just skilled laborers. Present the value you bring to the client’s business, then negotiate accordingly.(32:20 - 34:04) Gab admits he kept low rates for long-term clients due to loyalty. His solution: delegate tasks and focus only on high-value work himself to justify his desired rate.(34:05 - 35:51) Gab stresses the importance of reporting results in terms of ROI. SEOs must translate traffic growth into business gains—this is the difference between a $3/hour VA and a $2,000/month strategic partner.(35:52 - 37:16 - End)Gab plugs his weekly webinars under SEO Workout, focusing on demos and practical learning like keyword research for SaaS. Gelo encourages listeners to follow them on social platforms and thanks everyone for tuning in.Do not forget to share and connect with our communities as well. Let's achieve success together!https://seoworkout.com/https://theseodad.org/https://seokwentuhan.com/