Why SEO Isn’t About Rankings Anymore

In Conversation with John Hutson

In this episode of e-Coffee with Experts, host Ranmay chats with John Hutson, Head of Digital Operations at Ink Digital, to discuss how SEO has evolved and what that means for agencies scaling fast.

John shares his unconventional journey from building hobby websites to leading a full-service digital agency. He breaks down how Ink Digital doubled its team in 12 months without sacrificing quality, and why modern SEO success goes beyond Google rankings and organic traffic.

John explains why zero-click SERPs, AI overviews, and changing consumer behavior demand a complete rethinking of the SEO playbook. He also dives into how agencies should rethink reporting, track ROI with offline conversions, and educate clients stuck on outdated metrics.

Whether you’re running an SEO agency or managing marketing budgets, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a new lens on performance, growth, and client success.

TAKEAWAYS:

01

The Penguin update was a significant shift in SEO practices.

02

Agencies must regularly evaluate and improve their internal processes.

03

Scaling requires a consolidated project management approach.

04

SEO strategies must adapt to the rise of AI and zero-click searches.

05

Content should be repackaged for various platforms to reach audiences.

06

Success metrics should focus on revenue rather than just traffic.

07

Client education is crucial during transitions in reporting metrics.

08

John aims to impart knowledge to the next generation of marketers.

09

Building a legacy in marketing is about the impact on individuals.

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