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A gentle nudge here,robust persistence there:
How pressure helps us achieve SEO success

Written by Dominik Breitbach on January 17, 2025. More in SEO Magazine.
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Even highly successfulSEO experts occasionallystrugglewith self-doubt, much like Oscar-winning actors before big performances. Richard St. John has found that even the most successful people encounter resistance. InSEO, thismeanspersevering despite setbacks such as algorithm updates or fluctuations in rankings.

Persistence is a crucial step to success. This means consistently continuing proven SEO strategies and continuously testing new approaches. At taismo, we see this as our "secret to success number 4" for successfully meeting the constant challenges of the SEO world and achieving top performance.

1. Motivation boosts duringSEO dry spells

The abilityto put pressure on oneself is a common trait among many exceptionally successful people, including SEO experts. In his comprehensive survey, Richard St. John found that support from close associates such as family members or friends can help maintain motivation. This constant physical and mental pressure is crucial for getting through periods of low motivation or after setbacks in the rankings.

What sounds challenging is, according to various interview partners, a skill that helps you get through difficult times. In SEO, persistence can help you overcome shyness, doubts, and fears. British businessman Richard Branson emphasizes that life is more enriching when you push yourself to your limits:"Only then can you see what you are really capable of." Putting pressureon yourselfand having high expectations of your own work can significantly increase your performance in the field of search engine optimization.


2. Proven SEO strategies forchallenging times

AsSEO challengesincrease, the work does not become easier, but the key to success lies in perseverance. Richard St. John's research shows how persistence can help overcome difficult phases. It is about identifying SEO strategies that work in practice and recognizing when to seek support if your own resources are insufficient.

Through uncertainty in the world of SEO

Richard St. John, himself an introverted communications expert, hasfoundin his interviews withexceptionally successful people thatmany of them are surprisingly shy. This also applies to many SEO professionals, who often work behind the scenes and are not in the spotlight. So how can you overcome shyness and insecurity, especially when professional requirements demand that you be more visible?

It is important to recognize your own limits and challenge yourself in a targeted manner in order to develop your full potential. Forintroverted SEO specialists, this oftenmeansoccasionally stepping outside their comfort zone, for example at networking events or online marketing presentations. At the same time, they should utilize and appreciate their introverted strengths, such as concentration, learning ability, listening, and observation. These skills are particularly valuable in the SEO industry, as they enable in-depth analysis and a precise understanding of complex data.

It is essential not to overburden yourself and to protect your own resources. A balanced approach thatincludesbothchallenges and self-care helps you to be successful both personally and professionally.

Overcoming self-doubtin SEO

Even above-average SEO experts, who often have to present results to clients, are sometimes affected by self-doubt. Richard St. John discovered that many experts from various fields regularly question their abilities. How do they deal with this? St. John has identified four strategies:

  • Look back on past successes.Rememberingprevious SEO successes and rankings achieved can boost your confidence when facing new challenges.
  • Run away from doubt.StephenKing writes quickly to escape his doubts and create creative content. Similarly, SEO professionals can overcome their doubts and develop innovative strategies by acting quickly and decisively.
  • Maintain a balance between self-confidence and self-doubt.Those whoregularly swing from one extreme to the other should ensure that they do not dwell too long on self-criticism or become overly exuberant in their self-assessment.
  • Sleep on it. The worldoftenlooks better after a good night's sleep. This also applies to SEO projects, where taking a break and distancing yourself from the problems can help you return to work with a fresh perspective and less self-doubt.

Effectivetoolsfor SEO experts

In this section, we examine which mental barriers can be overcome through persistent pressure and how SEO professionals can stay on the ball. Richard St. John offers some practical examples to motivate yourself:

Setting goals
In SEO, it is crucial to define clear goals and focus on achieving them. Having a clear goal in mind helps you overcome daily challenges and efforts. Visualize the success you will achieve when you reach your SEO goals and let that motivate you.

Embracing challenges
Sometimes a goal needs to be challenging enough to be motivating. St. John notes that real challenges are often intimidating and make you take a deep breath before acting. In SEO, setting ambitious performance goals can provide this kind of drive.

Deadlines and dates
As in everyday life, setting deadlines can also be crucial in SEO. Many people tend to complete tasks shortly before the deadline. Use this principle to prioritize your SEO tasks and complete them on time.

Support from loved ones
Close friends and family members can play an important role in helping you achieve your professional goals. A promise you make to someone can be a powerful motivator, similar to a promise to quit smoking.

Competition as a driving force
In SEO, as in many other areas, competition can be a driving force. Comparing your performance with that of your competitors can spur you on to achieve better results. Use competitive analysis and benchmarking to increase your motivation and improve your SEO strategies.

SEO mentors
Mentors are indispensable in the world of search engine optimization. These experienced individuals, who have your best interests at heart, are willing to challenge you and occasionally give you a metaphorical "kick in the pants." This is essential because good mentors not only affirm your strengths, but also raise the bar when they recognize that you have the potential to do so. This can be challenging, but it is an important part of the growth process. An SEO mentor can help you refine your skills, think more strategically, and ultimately run more successful SEO campaigns.

Leavingyourcomfort zone

In SEO, as in many other areas, it's easy to settle into a comfort zone. Once you get used to certain routines and techniques, it can be difficult to break out of them. But to remain successful in the dynamic world of search engine optimization, it's necessary to continually challenge yourself and try out new strategies. Growth and success in SEO rarely result from sticking to tried-and-tested methods. Rather, they require a constant striving for improvement, learning new skills, and stepping outside your comfort zone. This can be uncomfortable at first, but it is crucial to stay up to date with the latest SEO practices and keep up with the ever-changing algorithms of search engines.


3. Fullsteam ahead to SEO success with

Every SEO expert has untapped potential that can be unleashed throughself-motivation, inspiration from competitors, or sharing ambitious goalswithtrusted confidants such as family members. These factors can strengthen belief in one's own success and thus improve the results achieved.

Are you looking for a new goal, a challenge, or need a friendly nudge? Be inspired by the secrets to success of exceptionally successful personalities that we have compiled here. Use these insights to refine your SEO strategies and take your performance to the next level. You can find the secrets to success here:

  • Richard St. John summarized the insights of his interview partners in his book "The 8 Traits Successful People Have in Common: 8 To Great."
  • Share with us the situations in which you need to push yourself to expand your limits. We look forward to reading your story in our comments section!
  • Attaismo, wepracticewhat we preach. Wepushourlimits when it comes to delivering even more powerful, successful online marketing for our clients. Put us to the test and schedule anappointment!
SEO Dominik Breitbach

Dominik Breitbach

34, Munich

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