How to improve your Panel Moderating Skills in the SEO Industry

A panel discussion provides business people and experts in a given field the opportunity to discuss their industry at conferences, conventions, and occasionally on television. Being invited to either take part or lead a panel discussion is a huge honor and, as such, it’s important to be prepared in advance. Read our guide and learn more about how to improve your panel moderating skills.

Read up on industry-relevant blogs

Being asked to take part in a panel discussion is a sure-fire signal that you’ve worked your way to the upper echelons of your industry. If you’ve been working in the SEO industry for some time, you’re probably familiar with the likes of Search Engine Journal, Moz and the firm favorite, John Mueller. When it comes to being a panel moderator, you’ll want to know your Penguins from your Core Updates and brushing up on your SEO industry knowledge with a trip to some of the leading blog pages won’t go a miss.

Brush up on your skills and experience

In 2018 alone Google reported a total of over 3000 updates to its ranking algorithm. Some of these changes are small, while some are much larger and have a dramatic impact on how websites appear in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). The SEO industry changes at lightning pace and what was true last year, or even last month, can be completely outdated today. Make sure you take some time to refresh your knowledge of the industry as asking outdated questions during a panel discussion could be embarrassing, to say the least.

Check your own website for SEO mistakes

When you’re busy in business, it’s often your own website that’s the last to receive your attention but if you’re raising your public profile in a panel discussion then it needs to be on-point. If you’ve been asked to moderate a panel discussion, there’s a real chance of exposure for your own personal brand and potentially your business. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels. It’s important to make sure your own website is on top of its game. Take a moment to look at clickintelligence.co and see what they can offer you. They could do a full SEO audit and then help you to fix any issues identified, for example. If you don’t, you risk these issues coming up in your panel discussion. If you’ve been earmarked as an expert don’t let poor housekeeping of your own site show you up.

Research the guests you’ll be interviewing

If you’re going on stage to either lead or take part in a panel discussion, you’ll want to have an in-depth knowledge of the other guests taking part. A panel discussion provides a great opportunity to grow your network in the SEO industry, establish yourself as a professional and further your career. Take this opportunity seriously and thoroughly research those taking part alongside you. Not only will you likely learn more about the industry you’re in but it’s respectful to be aware of the work of your peers.