How do I brief our IT department to support technical SEO projects?

To brief your IT department effectively for technical SEO projects, clearly outline the specific SEO tasks, their importance, and the expected outcomes. Ensure they understand the SEO basics and the technical aspects that need implementation. Regular communication and collaboration between marketing and IT are vital to achieve SEO success.

Why Technical SEO Matters

Technical SEO is the backbone of your website’s visibility on search engines. Without it, your shiny content might as well be invisible. Think of it as the foundation of a house — it holds everything up. If you’re running a B2B or SaaS company, you know how crucial it is to be found online. Your potential clients are searching, and if your site’s technical SEO is lacking, they won’t find you.

Consider a SaaS company that launched a new product but forgot to optimise their site speed and mobile responsiveness. Despite a hefty marketing budget, their site struggled to rank, and leads dwindled. Technical SEO ensures that your site is not only accessible but also fast and user-friendly. So, getting IT onboard is non-negotiable.

Steps to Brief Your IT Department

First things first, you need a plan. Your IT team isn’t psychic, and they’re certainly not mind readers. Here’s how to get them on the same page:

• Define the Project Scope: Clearly outline what needs to be done. Whether it’s improving site speed, fixing broken links, or ensuring mobile-friendliness, be specific.

• Explain the Why: Help them understand the importance of each task. For instance, improving site speed can boost user experience and rankings.

• Set Clear Deadlines: IT teams often juggle multiple projects. Establishing deadlines helps them prioritise.

• Provide Resources: Share relevant guides or tools that can assist them. This could be a checklist or even access to an SEO expert or search engine optimisation expert for guidance.

• Foster Open Communication: Encourage regular check-ins to discuss progress and any potential roadblocks. This keeps everyone aligned and proactive.

Once you’ve briefed your IT department, keep the conversation going. Regular updates and feedback loops can make a world of difference. Remember, they’re your partners in this SEO journey.

Bridging the Marketing-IT Gap

Now, here’s the thing. Marketing and IT often speak different languages. Marketing talks leads and conversions, while IT talks code and servers. Bridging this gap is key.

Don’t assume they know SEO jargon. Break it down. Use analogies if you must. Think of it like explaining a complex recipe to someone who’s never cooked before. Patience and clarity are your best friends here.

And hey, if you ever feel out of your depth, consider bringing in an seo optimisation agency. They can offer the expertise and support needed to get everyone on the same page. Ultimately, a well-briefed IT team can be the secret weapon in your SEO arsenal. So, get chatting, get aligning, and watch your rankings soar.