The Craft of Technical SEO: Communication, Problem-Solving, and Collaboration

"The Craft of Technical SEO: Communication, Problem-Solving, and Collaboration" is an insightful podcast episode that sheds light on the crucial skills and responsibilities of a technical SEO expert. Join Mark A Preston and Kristina Azarenko as they discuss the intricacies of technical SEO, emphasizing the importance of both soft and hard skills in effectively managing SEO projects.

Mark sets the stage by defining technical SEO as largely a problem-solving role, involving the identification of issues and communicating them to the relevant teams for resolution. He queries whether a technical SEO needs to know how to fix issues themselves or just identify and report them.

Kristina responds with her two-fold approach to technical SEO: employing both soft and hard skills. She highlights the significance of soft skills, such as building a collaborative relationship with developers, instead of resorting to blame. Kristina stresses the importance of speaking the language of the team, framing SEO needs in terms that resonate with them, such as website speed, rather than justifying them solely with SEO benefits.

In terms of hard skills, Kristina emphasizes the necessity of clear and specific communication. She advocates the use of user stories and acceptance criteria to convey technical SEO requirements effectively. For instance, when requesting an XML sitemap, she suggests providing detailed criteria like the sitemap's URL, its automatic updating with page changes, and the inclusion of URLs with 200 HTTP status codes. This detailed approach ensures developers fully understand the requirements and can execute them accurately.

Kristina also discusses the benefits of this method, such as providing a clear basis for testing and feedback, which streamlines the development process and minimizes misunderstandings.

"The Craft of Technical SEO: Communication, Problem-Solving, and Collaboration" is an essential listen for anyone in the field of SEO, particularly those interested in or currently working in technical SEO. This podcast offers valuable insights into effective communication strategies, the importance of collaboration, and the skills necessary to excel in technical SEO.

Subscribe to our podcast for more enlightening discussions with Mark and Kristina, as they continue to explore the diverse aspects of SEO. Stay informed with their expert advice on enhancing your technical SEO expertise through effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade