{"id":176176,"date":"2024-06-24T15:18:18","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T20:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/?p=176176"},"modified":"2025-07-08T07:23:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T12:23:29","slug":"seo-project-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-project-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Results-Driven SEO Project Management: From Chaos to&nbsp;Cash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"intro-txt\"> Making a profit in SEO relies on good project management. That means doing things that get results rather than just drowning yourself in endless tasks.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, I\u2019ll walk you through a 7-step process to do exactly that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"intro-tok\" id=\"intro_tok\" style=\"display:none;\"><div class=\"intro-title\">Contents<\/div><a href=\"#\" class=\"expand-dots\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"1. Set an achievable SEO goal within the project\u2019s budget\" data-section=\"set-an-achievable-seo-goal\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_2l1dxssnij0e\"><\/a>1. Set an achievable SEO goal within the project\u2019s budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Having clear goals keeps your team unified toward a specific direction. For example, if your boss allocates $5,000\/month for the SEO project, you need to translate this into meaningful results and milestones you can report on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  A goal you can easily set is to increase the website\u2019s organic traffic value. This is a metric unique to Ahrefs that estimates a dollar value of SEO traffic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"491\" height=\"204\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-organic-traffic-value-metric.png\" alt=\"Ahrefs' organic traffic value metric\n\" class=\"wp-image-176177\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  If you invest $5,000\/month in SEO for six months, you could aim to increase your website\u2019s organic traffic value by $30,000 ($5,000 \u2715 6 months).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  This isn\u2019t the most accurate method because traffic value doesn\u2019t necessarily correlate with real-world revenues, but it works as an easy starting point for setting targets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  A better solution is to use conversion data and average order or deal value to set goals around delivering a return on investment. You can find these metrics in your analytics tool, like Google Analytics, if conversion tracking is set&nbsp;up:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1205\" height=\"199\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tracking-conversion-rate-and-average-order-value-i.png\" alt=\"Tracking conversion rate and average order value in Google Analytics.\" class=\"wp-image-176178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tracking-conversion-rate-and-average-order-value-i.png 1205w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tracking-conversion-rate-and-average-order-value-i-680x112.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tracking-conversion-rate-and-average-order-value-i-768x127.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1205px) 100vw, 1205px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"sidenote\"><div class=\"sidenote-title\">Sidenote.<\/div> If you don\u2019t have access to conversion metrics like this, to be conservative, use 1% as a ballpark conversion rate and the cheapest product or service price for the average order&nbsp;value.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Using these metrics, you can calculate the number of sales needed to break even on the SEO campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p># of monthly sales to break even = monthly SEO cost \u00f7 average order&nbsp;value<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Since this project\u2019s monthly SEO cost is $5,000, we\u2019ll need to grow sales from organic traffic by 32.25 for each month of the project\u2019s duration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the formula to discover roughly how much traffic or projected organic sessions you\u2019ll need:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>projected organic sessions = transactions needed to break even \u00f7 conversion rate<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  So in this example, we divide 32.25 transactions by the conversion rate of 0.86% to learn that we need at least 3,750 organic monthly sessions to break even. Of course, not all traffic is created equal, so keep that in mind going forward.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So far, so good! (Save this number, we\u2019ll need it in a moment).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"2. Make sure you can realistically deliver ROI over the project timeline\" data-section=\"deliver-roi\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_9hxkd66gociq\"><\/a>2. Make sure you can realistically deliver ROI over the project timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  In many cases, the timeline will be decided for you by your boss or client. For instance, if you take on a client with a six-month contract, that\u2019s the timeframe in which you generally have to deliver results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  The question at this stage is whether it\u2019s possible to reach your performance goal in that&nbsp;time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Truthfully, there\u2019s no way to know for sure, but you can look to your competitors for an&nbsp;idea.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Sure, you have no idea what their SEO budgets are (they could be spending 10x what you are), but if you see multiple competitors of a similar caliber getting similar results over a similar timeframe, that\u2019s a good&nbsp;sign.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For instance, in its first six months of SEO, Webflow reached just shy of 24,000 organic monthly traffic, with a traffic value of $76,510 (according to Ahrefs).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1641\" height=\"453\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webflows-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months-.png\" alt=\"Webflow's SEO performance in the first 6 months.\" class=\"wp-image-176179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webflows-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months-.png 1641w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webflows-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months--680x188.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webflows-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months--768x212.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webflows-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months--1536x424.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1641px) 100vw, 1641px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  By comparison, Duda\u2019s first-year performance is also fairly close to Webflow\u2019s.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1505\" height=\"407\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dudas-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months-.png\" alt=\"Duda's SEO performance in the first 6 months.\" class=\"wp-image-176180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dudas-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months-.png 1505w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dudas-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months--680x184.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dudas-seo-performance-in-the-first-6-months--768x208.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1505px) 100vw, 1505px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  So, if these are your competitors and your target is to reach a traffic value of $30,000 in six months or to increase monthly traffic by 3,750 sessions, it certainly seems achievable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t see competitors hitting your target in your timeframe like this, you\u2019ll need to rethink your goals and communicate them to key stakeholders. Communication is critical for setting the right expectations with your boss or clients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"3. Plan clear actions that directly contribute to success\" data-section=\"plan-clear-actions\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_wh4eiskqm093\"><\/a>3. Plan clear actions that directly contribute to success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Now that you\u2019ve set an achievable goal for the project timeline, the next step is to plan what tasks actually need to be done to get you&nbsp;there.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  You\u2019ll need to spend some time on strategic tasks to help you determine the correct implementations for the project.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Don\u2019t be tempted to skip this&nbsp;part!!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  If you don\u2019t spend enough time on strategic tasks like competitor analysis, keyword research, and auditing the current website, no matter how much action you take, it\u2019ll be useless if you\u2019re heading in the wrong direction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  But don\u2019t overdo it, either. You need to balance strategy with implementation to get results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For example, there\u2019s generally a notable difference in performance between a project that spends one month on strategy and publishes content ASAP compared to a project that front-loads strategic tasks and implements content a few months later.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1040\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/seo-project-management-strategy-differences.png\" alt=\"SEO project management strategy differences\" class=\"wp-image-176181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/seo-project-management-strategy-differences.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/seo-project-management-strategy-differences-654x425.png 654w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/seo-project-management-strategy-differences-768x499.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/seo-project-management-strategy-differences-1536x998.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  I recommend spending \u2159 of the project timeline on strategy and \u215a on implementation for the best balance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  As for what specific tasks you can plan, there are many things you could focus on here. The right things for your website will vary depending on your available skills and resources, plus what\u2019s working best in your industry\u2026 but here\u2019s where I\u2019d start, given that the target is to increase traffic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_l0hpd8aie5k1\"><\/a>a) Fill content gaps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Start by finding pages that deliver traffic to competitors that your website doesn\u2019t have.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Using Ahrefs\u2019 Competitive Analysis tool, make sure you select the \u201ckeywords\u201d tab and then enter your website along with a handful of your top competitors, like&nbsp;so:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/adding-competitors-to-ahrefs-competitive-analysis.png\" alt=\"Adding competitors to Ahrefs' Competitive Analysis report .\" class=\"wp-image-176182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/adding-competitors-to-ahrefs-competitive-analysis.png 850w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/adding-competitors-to-ahrefs-competitive-analysis-561x425.png 561w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/adding-competitors-to-ahrefs-competitive-analysis-768x582.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Then check out the results to find topics your competitors have written about that you haven\u2019t. Make sure you qualify the topics according to what has business value for&nbsp;you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For instance, let\u2019s look at design-related keywords that Wix or Squarespace rank for but Webflow doesn\u2019t.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1644\" height=\"833\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-keywords-competitors-rank-for-that-your-we.png\" alt=\"Finding keywords competitors rank for that your website doesn't.\" class=\"wp-image-176183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-keywords-competitors-rank-for-that-your-we.png 1644w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-keywords-competitors-rank-for-that-your-we-680x345.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-keywords-competitors-rank-for-that-your-we-768x389.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-keywords-competitors-rank-for-that-your-we-1536x778.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1644px) 100vw, 1644px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Many of these keywords hold very little business value for a company like Webflow, like any related to logo makers and generators. However, keywords related to design trends and principles might be topics Webflow can consider for its blog since designers are a staple part of its audience demographic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For topics that have business value, create new content targeting these keywords.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  There can be a lot of data to sift through here, so I recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/content-gap-analysis\/\">my content gap analysis template<\/a> for a faster and smoother process&nbsp;\ud83d\ude09&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_oanmn56x1gdr\"><\/a>b) Boost authority of top&nbsp;pages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  This task is about identifying which of your content is already performing well and sending more internal links and backlinks to those&nbsp;pages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  You can find the best pages to promote by using the <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/academy\/how-to-use-ahrefs\/site-explorer\/top-pages\">Top Pages report<\/a> in Site Explorer. Here you\u2019ll see which pages on your site get the most traffic:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1033\" height=\"607\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-top-pages-report-to-quickly-identify.png\" alt=\"Using Ahrefs' Top Pages report to quickly identify pages with the most traffic on your website.\" class=\"wp-image-176184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-top-pages-report-to-quickly-identify.png 1033w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-top-pages-report-to-quickly-identify-680x400.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-top-pages-report-to-quickly-identify-768x451.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1033px) 100vw, 1033px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Then, navigate to the <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/link-opportunities\/\">Internal Link Opportunities<\/a> report in Site Audit. You can set an advanced filter to narrow down the opportunities to the pages you care most about. Check out the suggested anchor text and keyword contexts and implement all the internal links that make sense in your content.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1316\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-internal-link-opportunities-report-.png\" alt=\"Ahrefs' Internal Link Opportunities report.\" class=\"wp-image-176185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-internal-link-opportunities-report-.png 1316w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-internal-link-opportunities-report--680x356.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-internal-link-opportunities-report--768x402.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1316px) 100vw, 1316px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  You should also build backlinks to these pages. You can use the Competitive Analysis report again, but this time, set it to referring domains or&nbsp;pages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"sidenote\"><div class=\"sidenote-title\">Sidenote.<\/div> Setting it to referring domains will give you a list of websites you can add to an outreach list. Setting it to referring pages will give you the exact URLs where the links to your competitors are. These links can be included in outreach messages to make them more customized.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Also, instead of using the homepage, add the exact page you want to link to and compare it to your competitors\u2019 pages on the same topic. Make sure you set all pages to \u201cexact URL\u201d to get the page-level (instead of website-level) backlink data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1314\" height=\"786\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-competitive-analysis-report-to-find.png\" alt=\"Using Ahrefs' Competitive Analysis report to find backlink gaps.\" class=\"wp-image-176186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-competitive-analysis-report-to-find.png 1314w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-competitive-analysis-report-to-find-680x407.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/using-ahrefs-competitive-analysis-report-to-find-768x459.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1314px) 100vw, 1314px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  There are many different backlinking techniques you can consider implementing. Check out our video on how to get your first 100 links if you\u2019re unsure where to&nbsp;start:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div style=\"display: contents;\">\n\n<div data-mode=\"normal\" data-oembed=\"1\" data-provider=\"youtube\" id=\"arve-youtube-ibenduebpmo\" style=\"max-width:900px;\" class=\"arve\">\n\t<div class=\"arve-inner\">\n\t\t<div style=\"aspect-ratio:500\/281\" class=\"arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"arve-ar\" style=\"padding-top:56.200000%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<iframe allow=\"accelerometer 'none';autoplay 'none';bluetooth 'none';browsing-topics 'none';camera 'none';clipboard-read 'none';clipboard-write;display-capture 'none';encrypted-media 'none';gamepad 'none';geolocation 'none';gyroscope 'none';hid 'none';identity-credentials-get 'none';idle-detection 'none';keyboard-map 'none';local-fonts;magnetometer 'none';microphone 'none';midi 'none';otp-credentials 'none';payment 'none';picture-in-picture;publickey-credentials-create 'none';publickey-credentials-get 'none';screen-wake-lock 'none';serial 'none';summarizer 'none';sync-xhr;usb 'none';web-share;window-management 'none';xr-spatial-tracking 'none';\" allowfullscreen class=\"arve-iframe fitvidsignore\" credentialless data-arve=\"arve-youtube-ibenduebpmo\" data-lenis-prevent data-src-no-ap=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/IBEnDuEbpmo?feature=oembed&amp;iv_load_policy=3&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;rel=0&amp;autohide=1&amp;playsinline=0&amp;autoplay=0\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"505.8\" loading=\"lazy\" name referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/IBEnDuEbpmo?feature=oembed&amp;iv_load_policy=3&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;rel=0&amp;autohide=1&amp;playsinline=0&amp;autoplay=0\" title width=\"900\"><\/iframe>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_qmoxeq2d7ukc\"><\/a>c) Update content with low-hanging fruit opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For an established website with a decent amount of existing content, you can also look for opportunities to quickly update existing content and boost performance with little effort.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  In Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\">Site Explorer<\/a>, check out your pages that are already ranking in positions 4-15 by using Opportunities &gt; Low-Hanging Fruit Keywords:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1101\" height=\"770\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-low-hanging-fruit-keyword-in-ahrefs-.png\" alt=\"Finding low hanging fruit keyword in Ahrefs.\" class=\"wp-image-176187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-low-hanging-fruit-keyword-in-ahrefs-.png 1101w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-low-hanging-fruit-keyword-in-ahrefs--608x425.png 608w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/finding-low-hanging-fruit-keyword-in-ahrefs--768x537.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1101px) 100vw, 1101px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Find pages with many keywords in this range and try to close topic gaps on those pages. For example, let\u2019s take our post on <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/affiliate-marketing\/\">affiliate marketing<\/a> and look at its low-hanging fruit opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  We could isolate similar keywords that don\u2019t already have a dedicated section in our article, like the following about becoming an affiliate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1126\" height=\"809\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-low-hanging-fruit-keywords-to-add-to-an.png\" alt=\"Example of low hanging fruit keywords to add to an article.\" class=\"wp-image-176188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-low-hanging-fruit-keywords-to-add-to-an.png 1126w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-low-hanging-fruit-keywords-to-add-to-an-592x425.png 592w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-low-hanging-fruit-keywords-to-add-to-an-768x552.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1126px) 100vw, 1126px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These are already hovering around the middle of page one on Google. With a small, dedicated section about this topic, we can likely improve rankings for these keywords with minimal effort.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"4. Create a library of repeatable task templates\" data-section=\"create-a-library-of-repeatable-task-templates\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_w5vssh3hubag\"><\/a>4. Create a library of repeatable task templates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Most tasks aren\u2019t a one-time thing. For example, you\u2019ll probably create or update multiple pieces of content during an SEO project.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  So, the next step is to create a library of repeatable task templates that you can duplicate in your project.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"432\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-seo-task-templates-using-clickup-.png\" alt=\"Example of SEO task templates using ClickUp.\" class=\"wp-image-176189\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Screenshot taken in ClickUp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  If you don\u2019t do this and just assume your team knows what to do, it can cause chaos, and there\u2019s a high chance your project won\u2019t succeed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Here\u2019s what you should add to each task template:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Who<\/strong> \u2192 assignees, reviewers, watchers, key stakeholders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What<\/strong> \u2192 what\u2019s the goal of the task + what exactly needs to be&nbsp;done<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When<\/strong> \u2192 dates to start and finish a task, estimated hours to complete<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Where<\/strong> \u2192 what tools should be used, where should deliverables be added, where can templates\/relevant info be&nbsp;found<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Why<\/strong> \u2192 connect the task to a strategic objective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How<\/strong> \u2192 SOP or process outlined in a clear and detailed brief<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Obviously, the exact details for some of these will need to be filled in on a task-by-task basis as you duplicate them into your project. For example, instead of assigning the template tasks to a specific person, indicate the role that is responsible for the task until you\u2019re ready to assign it to someone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Likewise, with the due dates. In the template, instead of adding exact due dates, indicate an estimated length of time each task should take and a general rule for when the task is due after it\u2019s been assigned.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every project will need every task, so the idea is to pull in what\u2019s required as needed and have the bulk of the info pre-filled to reduce the time it takes to brief the&nbsp;task.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"5. Give your team ownership of their tasks and processes\" data-section=\"give-your-team-ownership\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_w8phdxfrpv2y\"><\/a>5. Give your team ownership of their tasks and processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  With your tasks set and templates created, it\u2019s now time to start <em>doing<\/em>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where things can often fall apart unless you distribute responsibility and ownership of tasks and processes throughout your&nbsp;team.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"small\"><div class=\"quote-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>SEO project management doesn\u2019t fail because there aren\u2019t SOPs and processes in place. It fails because the people executing the processes aren\u2019t given ownership of&nbsp;them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><div class=\"quote-info clearfix\"><div class=\"quote-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mads Singers\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mads-singers.jpeg\"><\/div><div class=\"extra-box\"><span class=\"quote-author\">Mads Singers,<\/span> <span class=\"quote-author-job\">Management Consultant <a href=\"https:\/\/madssingers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">MadsSingers.com<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Here are 3 reasons why this can happen:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Without clear ownership, all team members rely on you for approvals before they can complete a task or start another. It slows everything down, and very little gets done efficiently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A \u201cnot my job\u201d mentality can take root in your team. Unless team members take ownership of their tasks, you will be responsible for micromanaging everything to ensure your team is doing what it\u2019s supposed to&nbsp;be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The people best placed to decide upon and update processes aren\u2019t the ones doing so. They\u2019re just doing whatever \u201cmanagement\u201d tells them to do even if they see a better way.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  You can solve the first two problems by clearly identifying who is responsible for specific tasks and processes and allowing them to get on with those tasks without having to run every tiny thing through you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  You can solve the third problem by letting the people on the ground decide how their tasks are done and giving them responsibility for updating SOPs and relevant task templates. This again frees up your time and attention to focus on strategy, not micromanaging.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"recommendation\"><div class=\"recommendation-title\">PRO TIP<\/div><div class=\"recommendation-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>It also helps to break up bigger tasks into sub-components when multiple people are involved, like:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Briefing \u2192 SEO Strategist or Account Manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implementation \u2192 often, a non-SEO professional like a writer, developer, or designer&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review \u2192 Senior SEO<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final approval \u2192 Client<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1050\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-seo-project-management-timeline.png\" alt=\"Example SEO project management timeline\" class=\"wp-image-176190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-seo-project-management-timeline.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-seo-project-management-timeline-648x425.png 648w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-seo-project-management-timeline-768x504.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-seo-project-management-timeline-1536x1008.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"6. Choose tools with scalable features and automation\" data-section=\"choose-tools-with-scalable-features-and-automation\"><a id=\"post-176176-_iexbincujzcx\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Choose tools with scalable features and automation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For the love of all things good, please don\u2019t manage SEO projects via email. It\u2019s horrible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Invest in setting up a proper project management tool to scale with you. Consider your needs before you start planning all your tasks and projects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  There\u2019s no tool that\u2019s best for everyone, but I recommend you check out Asana, ClickUp, or Monday to get you started.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  In any of these tools, you can easily set up separate projects and task templates. For example, here\u2019s a basic setup of the first month\u2019s tasks you can consider in Clickup:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"711\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-month-1-seo-tasks-created-in-clickup-.png\" alt=\"Example of Month 1 SEO tasks created in ClickUp.\" class=\"wp-image-176191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-month-1-seo-tasks-created-in-clickup-.png 711w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-month-1-seo-tasks-created-in-clickup--680x400.png 680w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Within each task, you can pre-fill certain fields and add a description, like&nbsp;so:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1135\" height=\"1115\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-a-task-template-for-seo-project-managem.jpg\" alt=\"Example of a task template for SEO project management.\" class=\"wp-image-176192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-a-task-template-for-seo-project-managem.jpg 1135w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-a-task-template-for-seo-project-managem-433x425.jpg 433w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/example-of-a-task-template-for-seo-project-managem-768x754.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1135px) 100vw, 1135px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where you can add your brief, relevant links, and the essential details needed to turn the task into a template. Of course, there are nuances of how this works between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.workamajig.com\/blog\/project-management-tools-for-creative-agencies\">different project management tools<\/a>, but the basic idea remains the&nbsp;same.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth spending time setting up your tasks and templates correctly so you can save time down the track as your project or team&nbsp;grows.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"7. Measure your resources and results\" data-section=\"measure-your-resources-and-results\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_amjmfujlzagn\"><\/a>7. Measure your resources and results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  The last piece of this framework is tracking resources spent and results achieved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_kzsb7r36hv5l\"><\/a>Tracking resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  The easiest way to track resources is to create custom fields in your project management tool that measure specific resources allocated for each task. Some tools also let you build out reports to see how your resource allocation is going across different time frames, teams, or projects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  The types of resources you might consider tracking include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cost of the&nbsp;task<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planned time allocated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Actual time&nbsp;spent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost of tools required to do the&nbsp;task<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credits the task is worth (if you use a credit system)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sprint points (if you work in sprints)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For more in-depth insights on where your resources are going, consider tagging tasks according to whether they\u2019re strategic, implementation, or administrative. This way, you can quickly and easily spot imbalances like investing too much in tasks that don\u2019t contribute to results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_696j45sf00ox\"><\/a>Tracking results<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Measuring your results requires going beyond your project management tool and using a combination of your analytics software and an SEO tool like Ahrefs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  When you start working on a new campaign, make sure you record a benchmark of the existing performance of the website. Then, keep regular tabs on the metrics that matter for the project and performance milestones you\u2019ve achieved along the&nbsp;way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  For example, you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/webmaster-tools\">Ahrefs Webmaster Tools<\/a> to monitor performance across your entire portfolio for&nbsp;free.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  The dashboard allows you to quickly see how performance is trending for key SEO metrics across all projects you\u2019ve added:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1057\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-dashboard-showing-quick-performance-stats.png\" alt=\"Ahrefs' dashboard showing quick performance stats across multiple projects.\" class=\"wp-image-176193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-dashboard-showing-quick-performance-stats.png 1057w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-dashboard-showing-quick-performance-stats-680x342.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-dashboard-showing-quick-performance-stats-768x387.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ahrefs-dashboard-showing-quick-performance-stats-400x200.png 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1057px) 100vw, 1057px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176176-_x3zu0el7yjcy\"><\/a>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Results-driven SEO project management starts with the end in mind and works backward. It doesn\u2019t assume you\u2019ll see performance improvements just because you\u2019re doing lots of&nbsp;stuff.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  Instead, it is very intentional about figuring out exactly what needs to be done and linking those actions to realistic and achievable outcomes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the words of Mads Singers:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"small\"><div class=\"quote-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>The starting point is figuring out how to deliver a return on investment. This is the most important thing. Then it\u2019s about giving your team ownership and control over the tasks related to their&nbsp;roles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once these foundations are in place, only then is it about documenting processes. But it shouldn\u2019t be a business owner or manager who does the documentation. Processes should be owned by the people doing the work and who can keep SOPs current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><div class=\"quote-info clearfix\"><div class=\"quote-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mads Singers\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mads-singers.jpeg\"><\/div><div class=\"extra-box\"><span class=\"quote-author\">Mads Singers,<\/span> <span class=\"quote-author-job\">Management Consultant <a href=\"https:\/\/madssingers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">MadsSingers.com<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>\n  The process shared above allows you to do all of this and more. If you have any questions about your SEO project management goals or processes, feel free to contact me on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/despina-gavoyannis\/\">LinkedIn<\/a> anytime.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Below, I\u2019ll walk you through a 7-step process to do exactly that. Having clear goals keeps your team unified toward a specific direction. For example, if your boss allocates $5,000\/month for the SEO project, you need to translate this into<span class=\"ellipsis\">\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\">Read more \u203a<\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":195,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wp_typography_post_enhancements_disabled":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[335],"tags":[],"coauthors":[458],"class_list":["post-176176","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-seo","odd"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Results-Driven SEO Project Management: From Chaos to Cash<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The key to the puzzle: start with the end in mind and work backward.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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