Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: "First Thing To Do If You're Starting SEO From Scratch"

Podcast: Voices of Search – A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast
Date: May 15, 2026
Host: Tyson (from PreVisible IO)
Guest: Jade Pruitt, Founder of hello SEO

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tyson sits down with Jade Pruitt, founder of hello SEO, to explore the crucial first steps for anyone starting SEO from scratch. They discuss the enduring importance of SEO fundamentals, how emerging AI technologies are reshaping the field, and what it really takes to generate tangible results in today’s search landscape. The episode zeroes in on actionable strategies for laying a solid SEO foundation, prioritizing technical SEO, and transforming both Google and AI-driven search into quantifiable business growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Should You Do First When Starting SEO?

Timestamp: 00:56 – 02:35

Jade’s Perspective:
Jade emphasizes that if she were to start SEO from scratch today, she would focus first on technical SEO rather than on-page elements:

"I think I would start with technical SEO as opposed to on page which is where I did start. Keywords and putting them places is going to maybe do something for you, but..."
(Jade, 00:56)
The rationale: Technical SEO creates the foundation for everything else—if your website isn’t crawlable or discoverable by search engines, subsequent content and keyword efforts may never reach their potential audience.

2. Why Technical SEO is the Modern Priority

Timestamp: 02:35

Jade elaborates on the importance of technical groundwork:

"Making sure that you know the site has a seat at the table and can be seen and is like is crawlable will go a much a much longer way."
(Jade, 02:35)
The take-home message: No matter how compelling your content, technical barriers can keep your site from being found—address these first for maximum impact.

3. Changing Landscape: AI and SEO Fundamentals

Timestamp: 00:22

Tyson and Jade touch on the evolving landscape, noting that while AI is changing how we evaluate and measure SEO efforts, the fundamentals—like site accessibility, crawlability, and user-focused content—remain highly relevant.
The conversation reinforces that successful SEO strategies now require balancing both tried-and-true basics and newer AI-driven considerations.

4. Driving Real Results in Modern SEO

Jade’s agency, hello SEO, is highlighted as an ROI-driven operation—showing that the goal is always to tie SEO work directly to measurable business outcomes.
Tyson notes the importance of a strategy-first approach, referencing how his own agency helps clients integrate SEO into broader business functions for sustainable results.

Notable Quotes

Jade Pruitt on first steps:

"I think I would start with technical SEO as opposed to on page..." (00:56)
On site crawlability:

"Making sure that you know the site has a seat at the table and... is crawlable will go a much a much longer way." (02:35)

Important Segments & Timestamps

00:22: Introduction of Jade Pruitt and episode theme
00:56: Jade outlines her primary step for SEO beginners (focus on technical SEO)
02:35: Key insight on site crawlability and technical foundations

Memorable Moments

Jade’s candid reflection on pivoting from content and keywords to technical SEO as the true starting point echoes a growing consensus among SEO experts.
The episode underscores that SEO success is as much about what you do first (technical groundwork) as how you adapt to new technologies like AI.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a quick but insightful listen for anyone new to SEO—or looking for a reset. It drives home the message that while content remains important, technical SEO forms the bedrock of all effective strategies, especially as AI continues to transform the search landscape. The practical advice from Jade Pruitt means listeners leave with a clear, actionable starting point for their own SEO journey.

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Transcript6 lines

[00:00]
A
The Voices of Search Podcast is a proud member of the I Hear Everything Podcast network. Looking to launch or scale your podcast, I Hear Everything delivers podcast production, growth and monetization solutions that transform your words into profit. Ready to give your brand a voice then visit iheareverything.com my name is Tyson
[00:23]
B
from pre visible IO and joining me today is Jade Pruitt, Founder of hello SEO, a transparent ROI driven agency helping small business businesses turn both Google and AI search into measurable revenue. Today, Jade and I are going to be discussing why the fundamentals are still relevant within search, how AI is changing the way we look and measure the impact of SEO and what it actually takes to drive results in the modern search era. If you had to start SEO from scratch today, what is the first thing that you would do?
[00:57]
C
I think I would start with technical SEO as opposed to on page which is where I did start. Keywords and putting them places is going to maybe do something for you, but
[01:07]
D
like Time for a one minute break to hear from our sponsor Pre Visible. So you're looking for SEO help and you got a couple of options. You could start replying to spam from agencies that claim they can get you to rank number one on Google. You can pay an hourly rate for a consultant who will inevitably nickel and dime you with hourly charges. Or you can work with a cookie cutter agency to quickly launch a strategyless project with low success rate. None of those sound very good now do they? Well, that's where Pre Visible's integrated consulting model comes in. Pre Visible draws From a collective 40 years of SEO and digital marketing experience to unlock your organic growth opportunities. They build custom solutions that combine strategy, technical expertise, content and reporting to effectively operationalize and SEO for your business. Pre Visible's four stage approach ensures that your SEO programs thrive by starting off with a strategy first approach. Then they support you in your efforts to create quality content, help you identify technical issues, and most importantly, they'll work with your cross functional teams to integrate your SEO strategies to make sure that your SEO budget actually drives results, not just your agency's bottom line. So join brands like Yelp, eBay, Canva, Atlassian Square, all who rely on the SEO consultants at Pre Visible. For more information go to Previsible IO. That's Pre Visible. P R E V I S I B L E I O.
[02:36]
C
Making sure that you know the site has a seat at the table and can be seen and is like is crawlable will go a much a much longer way.
[02:46]
B
Thanks again to Jade, Founder of hello SEO for joining us. If you'd like to contact Jade, you can find a link to her LinkedIn profile in the show notes, or you can go on over and check out her company's website at. Hello SEO.com if you haven't subscribed yet and you want a daily stream of SEO and content marketing knowledge in your podcast feed or on YouTube, go ahead and hit that subscribe button in your podcast app or on YouTube. We'll be back in your feed in the following day. That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by and we will see you in the next episode.