How to Start an SEO
Getting your first 100 clients as an SEO expert requires the right strategy. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you achieve this goal fast:
## Step 1: Define Your SEO Services
Start by offering high-demand, result-oriented SEO services instead
of general SEO.
✅ SEO Audit – Find & fix website issues.
✅ Keyword Research – Find profitable, low-competition keywords.
✅ Technical SEO – Fix speed, indexing, and mobile issues.
✅ On-Page Optimization – Optimize meta tags, URLs, and content.
✅ Link Building – Get high-quality backlinks.
✅ Local SEO – Optimize Google Business Profile for local clients.
✅ SEO Content Writing – Create blog posts that rank.
Pro Tip: Start with small services ($50-$200) to attract clients quickly.
## Step 2: Build a Portfolio (Even Without Clients)
If you don’t have clients, create mock case studies to prove your expertise.
✅ Optimize your website and show rankings.
✅ Rank a new website on Google (Even for easy keywords).
✅ Do free SEO for small businesses (Get testimonials).
✅ Share SEO success stories on LinkedIn & Twitter.
Pro Tip: People trust results—show proof before selling services.
## Step 3: Use Freelance Platforms for First 10-20 Clients
Freelance sites are the fastest way to get clients without marketing.
✅ Fiverr – Offer SEO audits & keyword research.
✅ Upwork – Apply to SEO job postings daily.
✅ PeoplePerHour – Find businesses looking for SEO help.
✅ Freelancer.com – Bid on SEO projects.
Pro Tip: Start with lower prices & overdeliver to get 5-star reviews fast.
## Step 4: Get Clients from LinkedIn & Cold Outreach
🔹 Optimize your LinkedIn profile (Showcase SEO case studies)
🔹 Send 20-50 connection requests daily to business owners
🔹 Offer a free mini SEO audit to start a conversation
🔹 Cold email local businesses with an SEO improvement report
### Cold Email Example:
Subject: Quick SEO Fix for [Business Name]
Hi [First Name],
I found your website and noticed some SEO improvements that could increase your traffic. Would you be open to a free 5-minute audit? Let me know, and I’ll send over my findings!
Best,
[Your Name]
## Step 5: Join SEO & Business Facebook Groups
Find Facebook groups where business owners need SEO help.
✔ Search for groups like “Small Business Marketing” or “SEO for Entrepreneurs”
✔ Answer SEO-related questions for free (Show expertise).
✔ Offer a free audit or keyword research for first-time clients.
✔ Message interested business owners & pitch your services.
## Step 6: Post SEO Tips on Social Media
📌 LinkedIn & Twitter – Share SEO tips & case studies
📌 Quora & Reddit – Answer SEO questions & mention your services
📌 YouTube & TikTok – Post short videos explaining SEO concepts
Pro Tip: Clients trust experts who share knowledge—build authority online.
## Step 7: Partner with Web Developers & Agencies
Many web designers & marketing agencies need SEO Experts.
✅ Connect with local web developers and offer SEO as a service.
✅ Partner with ad agencies that don’t offer SEO.
✅ List your services on agency directories like Clutch & GoodFirms.
## Step 8: Offer Referral Bonuses
Turn existing clients into marketers for you!
✔ Offer $50-$200 per referral to happy clients.
✔ Ask past clients to recommend your SEO services.
✔ Create a simple referral program (e.g., “Refer a client,
get 10% off your next SEO package”).
## Step 9: Automate Lead Generation with a Free SEO Audit
Create a lead magnet (Free SEO audit or checklist) to attract clients.
1️⃣ Set up a landing page offering a free SEO audit.
2️⃣ Run Facebook & Google Ads targeting business owners.
3️⃣ Collect emails & follow up with *paid SEO services.
## Step 10: Scale to 100+ Clients with Paid Ads
Once you hit 20-30 clients, reinvest profits into paid marketing.
🚀 Google Ads – Target keywords like “SEO expert for small business”
🚀 Facebook Ads – Offer a free SEO audit to attract business owners
🚀 LinkedIn Ads – Target high-value clients like SaaS & e-commerce brands
### Final Summary: How to Get Your First 100 SEO Clients
✅ Offer small, high-demand SEO services.
✅ Create a portfolio (even without clients).
✅ Use Fiverr, Upwork & Freelancer to get your first clients.
✅ Reach out via LinkedIn & Cold Email.
✅ Join Facebook groups & answer SEO questions.
✅ Post SEO tips on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube & Quora.
✅ Partner with web developers & agencies.
✅ Set up a referral program for more clients.
✅ Use free SEO audits to generate leads.
✅ Scale with Google & Facebook Ads.
Would you like a cold email template or Fiverr gig description to get started faster? Let me know!