I've worked with hundreds of SEO specialists throughout my career, and I can bucket them into 5 levels using Shaan Puri's triangle of talent.
Here's the breakdown:
Level 1:
30% of the SEO specialists I have come across are at level 1.
These are the dinosaurs still building Web 2.0s, social bookmarks and comment links. They're essentially useless in today's SEO landscape.
If you are at this level, you have some serious thinking to do.
Level 2:
About 50% of them are task monkeys.
They need detailed SOPs, constant supervision, and regular standups and follow-ups to deliver results. Unfortunately, most SEO specialists never progress beyond this stage.
Level 3:
About 15% of the people are problem solvers.
Throw a problem at them and they will come back with a solution, but they won't lift a finger if you don't ask them to.
Level 4:
Only about 4% are systems thinkers. These specialists don't just solve problems - they consider resources, create processes, and build sustainable solutions that work without their constant involvement.
Level 5:
The top 1% SEO superstars. These rare individuals are both problem solvers and problem identifiers.
They spot and address issues before others even recognise them.
They demonstrate high agency in everything they do.
They work autonomously and create a massive business impact.
So, how do you become an SEO superstar?
Everyone starts somewhere, and Level 2 is a perfectly acceptable entry point.
Spend a year or two there, but remember - the jump to Level 5 isn't as huge as you might think.
While in Level 2 or 3, start showing glimpses of superstar potential.
Most people stay stuck in Level 2 (or 3) because they're waiting for someone else to solve problems or give them permission to act.
Break this mindset by taking initiative.
Start by making your manager's life easier.
Look for inefficiencies in existing processes and improve them.
Identify issues that can move the needle.
Pick up those deprioritised problems that everyone sees but no one addresses.
I've witnessed SEO specialists make this leap from task executors to superstars.
The path is clear, and the gap isn't as wide as it appears.
Either you take the leap of faith from level 2 to level 5
OR
See yourself rot in level 2 and eventually slip to level 1.
So tell me honestly, which level are you at?
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