I’ve returned from my 8th participation in the BrightonSEO conference, definitely the sunniest one yet! 😎 Having the conference this early after Summer feels like a small continuation of holidays, with the beach and the ginormous seagulls. But hey, I wasn’t there just to enjoy the lovely weather, but also to keep on track with what has been going on in the SEO industry, and make new friends.

Setting the Scene: The Evolution of AI in SEO

In the past year, AI has been the main topic of discussion in the industry. From ChatGPT to Bing, Bard and the Search Generative Experience, the past few months have been dense with new features, techniques and speculations.

I was wholly expecting AI to be a primary topic for this edition, and I was not mistaken. A lot of talks were about AI this time around and it’s interesting to see how the conversation is shifting.

Why BrightonSEO Is Crucial for an International SEO Consultant

So, why do I keep coming back to BrightonSEO? As a one-woman operation, it's my responsibility to stay updated for both myself and my clients. Whether it's listening to experts or having face-to-face chats with them, this is where I find the golden nuggets of information that I can directly apply to my client projects.

Typically, Digital PR is not my specialty, and I was able to get some amazing insights from Jo O’Reilley on the topic for a client of mine. In the midst of the conference I also had to send out an important proposal draft for a big project, and was able to exchange with other independent consultants to improve my initial draft.

Key Themes and Trends: AI, Sustainability, and More

This time around, the conference offered a variety of topics. Sustainability in SEO was one topic that particularly caught my attention. The discussion around environmentally-friendly practices in SEO is not only necessary but aligns with my values as well.

Another focus was on business development specifically for consultants, offering actionable advice on how to grow our practices a stressless way.

I was also invited to participate in a freelance roundtable where we discussed common challenges and solutions in our line of work.

These sessions added layers of depth to my understanding of where the industry is headed and how my daily work can have a positive impact.

Meeting and making friends

This edition was primarily about meeting friends and colleagues or making new friends, than about attending all talks. Thanks to the power of replay, I got to dedicate time to having deep conversations, sometimes way deeper than expected! From the struggles of freelancing to celebrating wins, it’s amazing for me to be able to connect authentically with people who share the same vision of SEO.

More importantly, the networking / friendship opportunities extend beyond the conference. They lead to long-term professional relationships. The insights and feedback I received from peers are invaluable, especially when dealing with big client proposals and strategic decisions.

Learning and Takeaways: Practical Knowledge for Immediate Use

Several talks and workshops were incredibly impactful. Alice Rowan's presentation about creating authentic content provided actionable advice and additional resources for further reading. Another session about measuring SEO sustainability by Ellie Connor offered insights that I can immediately include in my SEO strategies.

The talk on SEO forecasting by Hannah Rogers introduced a straightforward framework, providing me with another tool to better serve my clients.

Lastly, the keynote by Professor Hannah Fry helped me better understand the importance of interpreting data on a large scale.

Impacts and Next Steps

My takeaway from this year's BrightonSEO is twofold: One, although the introduction of AI into SEO can seem overwhelming, we are all learning and adapting together. Two, the SEO community is diverse and abundant with opportunities for everyone.

In terms of next steps, my focus will be on maintaining the valuable relationships I've built and integrating the new tools and strategies I've learned into my work.

To sum up, BrightonSEO September 2023 was a comprehensive learning experience. The conference remains a crucial event for anyone in the SEO industry and is a catalyst for professional growth and meaningful connections. I’ll be back in April 2024 to find out if AI overlords have indeed taken over 😉

Check out my previous articles on BrightonSEO ↓

If you have questions or would like to discuss more about the future of SEO, I'm just an email away.