Jacky Chou has over 30,000 SEO followers on Twitter, has been producing a ton of actionable SEO YouTube videos lately, runs MarketingLetter.com, and is the founder of Indexsy.
We decided to have him on the podcast lately as he’s been dropping some super-interesting stuff on YouTube we wanted to chat about! Listen as we talk to Jacky about how he’s monetizing his SEO efforts.
We can guarantee you he’s doing things differently from you, and he would probably say you are “under-monetized” AF!
Think you’d be a great addition to our podcast, or have a request for someone to be featured? Head over to our podcast discovery page.
Watch the Podcast:
Podcast Summary:
Jacky’s Start in SEO and Transition to E-commerce
Jacky Chou’s journey into SEO began during his university years, following a failed midterm. Discovering Black Hat World, he delved into local SEO and dropshipping, eventually making his first million dollars online through the latter. His initial focus was on local SEO, primarily working with real estate agents, and then transitioning to e-commerce, where he found significant success with a cutlery set product.
The Shift to Enterprise Clients and Affiliate Marketing
After selling his e-commerce business to a private equity firm, Jacky shifted his focus to his SEO agency, attracting enterprise clients like Fool.com. However, he soon discovered affiliate marketing and niche sites, which led him to pivot again. Despite some setbacks with Google updates, he managed to blend client work with niche sites and partnerships.
Innovative SEO Strategies and Partnerships
Jacky shared his unique approach to using PBNs (Private Blog Networks) as citations and unlinked mentions to boost local SEO. He emphasized the effectiveness of this strategy, which is both cost-effective and impactful. Additionally, he discussed his success with partnerships, where he collaborates with companies whose core product isn’t related to display ads or affiliate revenue, creating a win-win situation.
The Challenges and Rewards of Niche Sites
While niche sites have been profitable, Jacky acknowledged the risks involved, especially with Google updates. He advised caution and strategic exits to maximize profits from these ventures.
The Future of SEO and Personal Branding
Looking ahead, Jacky sees potential challenges for niche sites, especially those reliant on informational content, due to advancements in AI and changes in ad tracking technologies. He also highlighted the importance of personal branding in attracting lucrative partnership deals and shared his plans for future ventures, including possibly retiring in five years.
Team Management and Delegation
Jacky manages his diverse ventures by delegating tasks to a team of 17 people, including a director of operations and an executive assistant. He focuses on efficiency, ensuring that he doesn’t repeat tasks and uses tools like Missive for email management.
Final Thoughts and SEO Insights
In closing, Jacky critiqued common SEO misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of links and dismissing the notion that “content is king” as overly simplistic. He challenged anyone to prove him wrong on the significance of backlinks for high-volume keywords.
Jacky Chou’s approach to SEO and digital marketing showcases a blend of innovation, risk-taking, and strategic thinking, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to succeed in the ever-evolving world of online marketing.
