Thinking about leveling up from freelancing to contracting? In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo break down what it really means to be an SEO contractor. They share the key differences from freelancing, what agencies actually look for, and the common challenges that come with this career path. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle clients, set professional boundaries, and create long-term stability in your SEO journey, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Whether you’re just starting out or already working in the field, you’ll pick up lessons that can help you grow with confidence. Transcript Summary 00:00 – 01:04 Gab opens the episode and welcomes listeners. Gelo jokes about discussing DPWH contractors before steering to the real topic: what it means to be an SEO contractor. They set the stage: SEO contracting as a hot, relevant path for freelancers wanting to formalize their work. 01:05 – 02:56 Gab explains: SEO contractors are independent workers offering SEO services, usually project-based and contract-driven. Unlike a fixed 9-to-5, it’s flexible and structured around deliverables. Formal setup often requires business registration and monthly service invoices. He draws the line between freelancers and contractors: Freelancers = sign contracts under their own name. Contractors = can operate under a business name. Gab mentions resources (like Freelancer BIR Tax Compliance FB page) to help freelancers register properly. 03:00 – 05:40 Gelo asks about the difference between white label SEO and direct contracting. Gab explains: White label SEO = you do the SEO work for an agency, but the agency handles the client relationship. Direct contracting = you face the client yourself, handle reporting, invoicing, and strategy. He shares his first-hand experience from 2012 when white label was booming, often with resellers creating “agencies” who outsource SEO tasks. Common example: same infographic used for multiple clients with just logos swapped. They note that white label outsourcing is especially common in India and the Philippines due to lower labor costs. 05:52 – 09:30 Gab’s points: Less stressful since you don’t need to deal with clients directly. You focus purely on SEO tasks, while agencies handle communication and reporting. Avoids the pressure of sales pitches and lead generation. Gelo’s add-ons: Reduced client drama, you’re shielded from unrealistic complaints like blaming SEO for sales drops. For introverts, this setup is a big win. Reporting is straightforward (action plans, monthly summaries). 09:31 – 12:41 Gab notes the downsides: Lower pay than direct contracts (since agencies take a cut). Harder to use projects as case studies since you’re invisible to the end client. Risk of dependency on the agency if they lose clients, you lose work. Gelo shares a real frustration: agencies often overpromise results (like ranking #1 in a month), then dump the impossible expectations on contractors. Both agree: misaligned KPIs and overpromises are the hardest part. 13:07 – 15:28 Gab clarifies: White label work is usually for experienced SEOs, not beginners. You need a portfolio, case studies, and proven results before agencies trust you. Partnering with web dev agencies, copywriters, or ads specialists makes your offer stronger. They discuss whether it’s better to be a generalist or specialist: Agencies prefer people who can do more (generalists often get higher pay). But specialists can fill specific gaps e.g., link building if that’s what the agency lacks. 15:38 – 18:05 Agencies may need: Technical SEO, link building, reporting, or GA4 + Looker Studio setup. Some want SEOs to be client-facing, others just backend executors. Gab emphasizes: having broad SEO experience first helps before niching down into white label services. Gelo notes that digital marketing now demands a wider skillset (SEO plus social, content, design, etc.), making upskilling vital. 18:07 – 22:43 Contracts are key: always define scope, deliverables, pricing, and payment terms. Gab’s advice: Request upfront fees (though many freelancers are scared to). If the client isn’t sure about you, offer a small test task. Use milestone-based payments (like on Upwork). Gelo’s reflection: Confidence in asking for upfront grows with experience and proven systems. When starting out, it’s normal to be nervous. They note some clients only want to pay after seeing results, freelancers need to decide if that’s a red flag. 23:04 – 24:42 Gelo asks if contracts are signed online (Philippines vs. U.S.) hold legal weight. Gab admits: It depends, and consulting a lawyer is best. Generally, contracts can be binding if signed and dated properly, but enforcement depends on jurisdiction. Always be cautious especially with NDAs and sensitive client data. 25:05 – 26:37 Start by partnering with people you know or trust (through networking, groups, or conferences). Study various SEO aspects since agencies may look for different skills. Networking is the best way to land contracts (more effective than cold emails). Building a personal brand through case studies, webinars, and visibility makes agencies remember you. 27:01 – 28:33 Gelo’s tip: Document everything you do (even with free tools like Loom). Helps streamline workflows. Enables delegation later when scaling. Documentation also makes automation possible, especially with AI. Gab adds: Investing in your own tools is a must. Don’t rely on agencies to provide them—it makes you more professional and credible. 28:50 – 29:57 Always prepare a proposal presentation when pitching services. Show that you’ve researched the client’s website even before being hired, it makes a big impression. Gelo mentions that with prompts and GPT tools, proposals are now faster to build. 30:20 – 31:03 They circle back to jokes about “DPWH contractors” and “ghost projects” (don’t accept contracts and then ghost). Reminder: Filipino SEOs should protect their reputation globally by being reliable. 31:04 – End Gelo asks if Gab has announcements, none yet, but he’s exploring future projects. They close with light banter and reflections on the discussion. Be sure to like and share our community. Let’s grow and succeed together! seoworkout.com theseodad.org seokwentuhan.com
