Jesse Mcdonald: UX + SEO Sitting In A Tree (and SaaS SEO, Brand building & market trend analysis)

The Unscripted SEO Interview Podcast

In this episode of the Unscripted SEO Podcast, host Jeremy Rivera speaks with Jesse McDonald, Senior SEO Director at Siege Media. They discuss Jesse's journey from graphic design to SEO, the importance of user experience in SEO strategies, and the evolving landscape of SEO in the age of AI. Jesse shares insights on how to effectively communicate with clients, the significance of usability in SEO, and how to find interest in seemingly boring topics. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between SEO and UX teams and the importance of understanding client goals to drive successful SEO strategies. In this conversation, Jesse McDonald shares insights on navigating the complexities of SaaS marketing, emphasizing the importance of product-led strategies and adapting to the evolving landscape of SEO influenced by AI. He discusses the shift from traditional SEO to a focus on search experience optimization, highlighting the need for brands to build authority and trust. Jesse also provides actionable strategies for effective keyword research, underscoring the significance of understanding market trends and user experience in driving successful marketing initiatives.

takeaways

• Jesse McDonald has over 11 years of experience in SEO.
• The intersection of design and SEO is crucial for user experience.
• SEO is a two-algorithm world: crawler and user algorithms.
• Usability is a key factor in SEO success.
• Combining UX and SEO can enhance content performance.
• Data-driven decisions are important, but intuition also matters.
• Understanding client needs is essential for effective SEO strategies.
• Navigating client relationships requires clear communication.
• Finding interest in boring topics can lead to innovative strategies.
• The SEO landscape is evolving with AI and user behavior metrics. A thirst for knowledge will help you regardless in your current situation and in the long term.
• It's really easy to get stuck in the weeds with technical issues without prioritizing what truly matters.
• Combining content and design resources can significantly enhance user engagement and authority.
• In the age of AI, adapting SEO strategies is crucial for maintaining visibility and relevance.
• Building brand authority is essential for being top of mind in the purchasing process.
• SEO is evolving into search experience optimization, focusing on user experience and engagement.
• Addressing user problems directly is more effective than relying solely on marketing jargon.
• Effective keyword research requires deeper analysis beyond basic metrics.
• Prioritizing content based on market trends can lead to better outcomes.
• Understanding the competitive landscape is key to successful SaaS marketing