Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services are vital for any business that’s looking to level up their game in Google and get more visibility. But how do you begin offering those services as a freelancer or virtual assistant? Today our guest is Danielle Gagnon, an SEO specialist and lover of all things content creation. Join us as she describes the types of services you can offer, along with key steps you need to follow to launch those services. This is the first time we've ever talked about SEO in the FreeU Podclass, and it’s a discussion you won’t want to miss!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Danielle Gagnon and the topic of search engine optimization (SEO) as a service - Danielle explains how she became a freelancer with a passion for SEO and shares what she’s doing today. [3:56] An example that shows the power Google can have in your business, but only when you’re targeting the right audience and content in your blog posts [5:05] How the average business owner today still struggles with SEO - Danielle shares examples of ways clients need help as they realize the importance of an online presence. [6:51] Craig shares an example that illustrates how profitable SEO can become - the advantage of getting ahead of your audience using SEO versus other methods that interrupt their content consumption. [9:21] How SEO has changed throughout the years - new trends Danielle has seen happening and examples of content that works well and needs to be provided as a service. [12:59] The importance of writing great content to the audience instead of just writing for the search engines - how the algorithm is more about good quality long-form content and people’s search intent.   Types of Services Recommended for New Freelancers or Virtual Assistants [15:16] #1 Blog writing - Danielle describes valuable opportunities for freelancers who would rather not offer the more technical SEO services. [15:55] #2 Updating existing blog posts - optimizing and fixing them up for SEO when they’re no longer performing well. [16:17] #3 Repurposing content - turning podcasts and YouTube videos into keyword-rich or SEO-rich content [16:27] #4 YouTube SEO - Danielle reassures us that there are many different things you can specialize in that don’t involve a lot of technical knowledge. [16:44] #5 Keyword research - researching new keywords and long-tail keywords people can optimize for. [17:00] Tools for researching keywords - Danielle shares her top three recommendations and describes the benefits of her favorite one.   Steps for Freelancers Planning to Launch an SEO Service [18:44] #1 Think about who you want to serve with SEO - Danielle shares examples illustrating how SEO strategies are applied differently to different businesses.  [19:48] #2 Start and be okay with learning, testing, and tweaking - encouragement that anyone can learn SEO and suggestions for ways to practice with your own content first. [20:42] Quick tips on how to find SEO clients - Danielle and Craig share suggestions for how to network online in Facebook Groups and partner up with related businesses to connect and build authority. [23:37] How to connect with Danielle [24:57] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode: Freelance University    Learn more about Danielle Gagnon: Website:  Free Guide “Rank Secrets: 10 Simple Steps to Go from Buried to #1 on Google”    Connect with Danielle: Instagram: @daniellegagnon_seo   Danielle’s Podcast: Content Cash Machine    Resources and Tools: Google  Facebook Live  Instagram  Reddit  Facebook  YouTube  SEMrush  Google Keyword Planner  Ubersuggest  Moz  Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)   Facebook Groups  WordPress  iTunes