Interview

Forced into Pivot

with

Nick Swan (SEOTesting.com)

Introduction

I suppose it's every founder's nightmare - A sudden market shift or technology change renders your product obsolete and you're left with nothing.

Or are you?

In this chat, you'll discover how Nick Swan, the founder of SEOTesting.com has dealth with a change with their data provider that indeed rendered his product obsolete.

Enjoy the interview

About the guest

Topics discussed

Being Forced to Pivot from Sanity Check to SEOTesting:

  • Adapt to Market Changes: When Google released 16 months of data in Google Search Console, reducing the need for Sanity Check, Nick pivoted to focus on SEO Testing based on customer feedback.
  • Respond to Feedback: Using customer insights, Nick identified a new product direction that pretty much saved the company.

Navigating the Challenges of SEO Testing:

  • Understand Testing Differences: Nick outlines the challenges of SEO testing compared to traditional A/B testing, including unique methods like time-based SEO testing and split testing.
  • Master Specialized Techniques: Familiarizing yourself with the specific methods and challenges of SEO testing can help in developing effective strategies and tools for SEO.

Targeting SEO Professionals Effectively:

  • Define Your Audience: SEO Testing targets SEO professionals, agencies, in-house SEOs, freelancers, and publishers, differentiating itself from general SEO tools.
  • Position Your Product: Clearly defining and targeting your audience helps in positioning your product effectively in the market and addressing specific needs.

Leveraging Early Growth Strategies:

  • Utilize Community Channels: Nick acquired initial customers through SEO communities, Facebook groups, and word of mouth, despite the challenges of gaining organic traffic.
  • Expand Through Networks: Engaging with niche communities and leveraging personal networks can be effective strategies for initial customer acquisition and growth.

Rebranding to Clarify Your Product:

  • Execute a Successful Rebrand: The rebranding from Sanity Check to SEOTesting was crucial in clearly communicating the product’s functionality and supporting growth.
  • Enhance Brand Clarity: A well-executed rebrand can help in distinguishing your product from competitors and making its purpose more apparent to potential users.

My favorite quote

"Google did make 16 months worth of data available in Search Console...But there were some customers who were sticking around and were still using a tool, and so, as any good SaaS founder should do, I did some customer interviews."