When you think about SEO, the technicalities often overshadow its strategic potential. But integrating a product mindset into your SEO efforts can flip this narrative. Done right, this approach not only enhances your collaboration with development teams but also significantly improves the outcomes of your campaigns. Gus Pelogia’s session on Whiteboard Friday dives into this concept, offering actionable steps to align SEO initiatives with product methodologies for better execution, and better results. Let’s explore the takeaways.
What Is a Product Mindset in SEO?
At its core, a product mindset shifts your focus from feeding developers isolated SEO tasks to embedding SEO strategies into long-term projects. Instead of merely flagging issues like broken links, you participate in workflows to devise structured implementations. This approach positions SEO as a strategic function rather than a reactive one.
Here is why this matters. SEOs often struggle to get their technical recommendations prioritized. Developers see them as ‘nice-to-haves,’ not business-critical. By adopting a product perspective, you improve how you pitch, manage, and track your SEO tasks. Over time, this builds credibility with developers and other stakeholders.
Key Takeaways from Whiteboard Friday
Pelogia’s session outlined practical ways to apply a product mindset in SEO. Here are the most valuable insights:
1. Participate in Development Rituals
Developers typically follow structured workflows like standups and planning meetings. SEOs can integrate into these rituals for greater alignment. Gus recommends joining:
- Daily check-ins to stay updated on project progress.
- Planning sessions to prioritize SEO needs alongside other tasks.
This ensures SEO considerations are not overlooked during project discussions.
2. Bundle Tasks into Bigger Projects
Developers prefer working on large, cohesive projects over random tickets. Instead of submitting 25 requests to fix separate meta descriptions, group changes under larger themes. For instance, propose a “site health improvement project” that tackles redirects and removes legacy code. Developers are far more likely to commit time to such initiatives.
3. Build MVPs to Win Quick Support
Instead of insisting on full-scale implementation, pitch smaller test versions to prove your SEO suggestions work. For example, if improving page speed is your priority, test it with one existing template. Show how the improved load time boosts rankings and conversions. Developers are more likely to back something once they’ve seen tangible results.
4. Speak Developers' Language
Instead of tossing around SEO jargon, explain tasks in terms developers care about. For instance, instead of saying, “Fix crawl errors,” try, “Unresolved 404s are skewing our analytics data.” This framing addresses the developer’s focus on clean data structures, making your ask more relatable.
Statistics That Back the Case
Recent studies have underscored the efficiency of product-aligned strategies:
- Companies that align SEO with product teams report a 70% higher implementation rate for recommendations.
- Collaboration during sprint meetings can reduce SEO implementation time by as much as 20%.
While numbers are compelling, it’s crucial to understand the practical steps that make it work.
3-Step Guide to Adopting the Product Mindset
If you’re looking to embed product thinking into your SEO strategy, here’s how you can get started:
Step 1. Engage in Cross-Functional Meetings
Actively participate in developer-led conversations to understand their constraints and priorities. Regular attendance builds trust and opens doors for your contributions.
Step 2. Track Progress With Data-Driven Metrics
Stop measuring SEO success solely with rankings. Show tangible benefits by tracking outcomes like reduced bounce rates post-implementation or an uplift in organic traffic.
Step 3. Iterate and Optimize
After each SEO implementation, analyze the results, share findings with all involved, and refine your methods for the next round. Continuous feedback loops are central to the product mindset.
Common Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
While adopting a product mindset can create impact, avoid these pitfalls that often derail SEO efforts:
Thinking Too Big, Too Early
Pushing massive changes like full-scale site redesigns without data to back them up is risky. Start small with test cases.
Failing to Prioritize Tasks
Not all SEO issues require immediate attention. Focus on changes with the highest potential impact.
Ignoring Developer Constraints
Approach your requests with empathy. Every task adds to the developers’ workload, so being mindful of their timelines helps foster better collaboration.
Deep Insight: Bridging the Mental Gap
As an entrepreneur who has built multiple startups, I’ve seen firsthand how siloed teams can miss significant opportunities to elevate the customer experience. One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adopting the mindset of the people you’re working with. For SEOs that means rethinking traditional workflows.
Instead of sticking rigidly to setting goals and working in isolation, think of ways to embed your goals within the broader objectives of other teams. In the end, you’re likely to achieve more by aligning with development priorities while maintaining the essence of what SEO needs to accomplish.
A Final Reflection
With the digital search environment becoming more challenging to navigate, strategies like the "product mindset" are increasingly necessary. This shift requires effort, but the rewards speak for themselves. Remember, it’s not just about improving your SEO results; it’s about cultivating a workflow that ensures consistent delivery of those results long-term.
If you’re still working on spreadsheets of keyword optimization to hand off to development teams, now is the time to change. Adapt. Bring value to the organization in ways that resonate across departments. If Pelogia’s insights sparked something for you, I encourage you to watch the full Whiteboard Friday session for more depth on bridging this critical gap.
Make SEO a core feature of your business strategy, not an afterthought. You’ll thank yourself later.
FAQ on Leveling Up Your SEO Strategy with a Product Mindset
1. What does adopting a 'product mindset' mean in SEO?
Adopting a product mindset in SEO means embedding your strategies within long-term development projects, rather than approaching SEO as a series of isolated tasks. This approach involves actively participating in workflows like sprint planning and aligning goals with development priorities to ensure SEO receives the attention it deserves. Learn more about a product mindset in SEO
2. Why should SEOs participate in development team rituals?
Participating in development rituals, such as daily standups, sprint planning, and backlog refinement meetings, ensures that SEO tasks are integrated into larger projects and not overlooked. This collaboration leads to better alignment between SEO and development teams. Explore the benefits of joining development rituals
3. How can bundling tasks improve collaboration with developers?
Bundling SEO tasks into larger themes or projects, such as “site health improvement,” makes it easier for developers to align with your priorities. Developers are more likely to engage in cohesive projects than react to random, unconnected tickets. Learn how to bundle tasks effectively
4. What is an MVP, and how can it help in SEO?
An MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, is a small-scale test implementation of an SEO recommendation. It helps build quick support by proving its value before a large-scale rollout. For instance, testing page speed improvements for just one template can showcase measurable benefits, encouraging further commitment. Discover how to use MVPs in SEO
5. How can SEOs communicate better with developers?
To improve communication, SEOs can frame tasks in terms developers care about. Instead of saying, “Fix crawl errors,” you can explain, “Unresolved 404s are skewing analytics data,” which ties the request to clean data structures and analytics, making it more relatable for developers. Improve SEO and developer communication
6. What are the benefits of aligning SEO with product teams?
Studies show that SEO initiatives aligned with product teams have a 70% higher implementation rate for recommendations. Collaboration during sprint meetings can also reduce SEO implementation time by up to 20%. Aligning with product teams encourages cross-functional trust and faster execution of SEO tasks.
7. How can SEOs measure success with a product mindset?
Instead of focusing solely on rankings, SEOs should track outcomes like reduced bounce rates, increased organic traffic, or higher conversion rates post-implementation. This data-driven approach highlights the business impact of SEO efforts. Learn how to measure SEO success effectively
8. What is the importance of prioritizing tasks in SEO?
Not all SEO issues carry the same weight, and prioritizing fixes with the highest business impact ensures developers’ limited time is spent productively. By analyzing potential ROI, SEOs can advocate for the most critical changes.
9. What are some common mistakes when adopting a product mindset?
Common mistakes include proposing massive projects, like full-site redesigns, without adequate data, failing to prioritize tasks based on impact, and ignoring developer constraints. Developing a collaborative and incremental approach ensures progress without overwhelming teams.
10. Where can I find the original Whiteboard Friday session by Gus Pelogia?
The original session, where Gus Pelogia dives deeper into adopting a product mindset for SEO, is available on Moz’s website. Watch the full Whiteboard Friday session by Gus Pelogia
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.