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For nearly three years, Mark A Preston was the voice of the Unscripted SEO Podcast — the founding host who sat across from dozens of the industry’s sharpest minds. In this episode the roles reverse. Mark becomes the guest, and incoming host Jeremy Rivera turns the microphone around to ask the founder what comes next. A British SEO veteran with more than two decades in the industry, Mark has founded and self-grown agencies with zero investment, trained hundreds of digital marketers, and now works as a growth partner who takes equity stakes in the companies he advises. The result is a candid look at his move toward semi-retirement — and a challenge to every SEO who still trades hours for money.
I have a seat on the board. I own part of the business. I am in the board meetings. I have decision-making abilities. That’s a totally different scenario.
Mark A Preston
Mark’s message is blunt: freelancing and commission-only deals are not the same as ownership. After 23 years running his own businesses — including a large franchise network and work inside nine-figure companies — he has reached a point where founders bring him in not as an SEO, but as a crucial advisor with a seat at the table. He explains the revenue-sharing model, the board-seat strategy, and the mindset shift that made stepping back possible on the 1st of July 2025.
When business owners offer me a percentage, they don’t see me as an SEO — they see me as a crucial advisor.
Mark A Preston
He also hands over the show with characteristic generosity, thanking every past guest and backing Jeremy Rivera to take Unscripted SEO further than he had time to himself. Here is the full conversation.
The full conversation
What does life look like now you’ve stepped back from hosting?
Well, I’ve gained more time to spend with the family. It’s strange because my Saturdays are so different now — I’m not doing all the post-editing work anymore.
So what are you working on next?
Well, I am on a mission to semi-retire on the 1st of July 2025. I need to hyper focus down on getting myself from where I am now to that point — only concentrating on things that are going to help me get there.
When you say semi-retire, what is the goal or plan?
I have shares in different businesses that I advise, and I have time plans attached to each business. I know that this time next year, I will have payouts from some of them, which will allow me to take things a bit easier and concentrate on the more enjoyable things rather than things I do just because we need to earn money.
How should SEOs think about long-term career models?
It’s very important for people to understand that commission-only models are not the same as having shares in a business. With a commission model, they could pull the plug instantly. The way I approach it — I have a seat on the board. I own part of the business. I am in the board meetings. I have decision-making abilities. That’s a totally different scenario.
Also, as I advise, it goes far deeper than just SEO. I need to understand the business principles, the systems and processes. It’s like having my own company where I don’t pay the wages — I’ve got a ready-built team that just needs a little direction to make positive things happen.
What let you move from contractor to business partner?
For the past 23 years, I’ve run my own businesses — agencies, a large franchise network. I’ve worked within companies at nine figures. I’ve built things with zero investment. Those experiences give me the ability to understand challenges within a business that go far beyond SEO. When business owners offer me a percentage, they don’t see me as an SEO — they see me as a crucial advisor. That’s the reason why. And two: are you willing to sacrifice short-term income for long-term gain?
Mark’s parting message to the Unscripted SEO community
I’ve had such a fantastic time hosting the Unscripted SEO podcast. But I am 100% confident that Jeremy is going to take it to a whole new level that I just didn’t have time to take it. I’d just like to thank all the previous guests and everyone who continued watching and listening. Don’t stop just because I’m not the host anymore — it’s only going to get better.
Connect with Mark A Preston
- Website: markapreston.com
- Founders Growth Partner: Equity-based growth advisory
- Connect Those Dots: The Connect Those Dots Growth Framework
- LinkedIn: /in/markprestonseo
- X: @MarkPreston1969
More from the Unscripted SEO Podcast
- Kevin Indig on Growth Advising and Making the Business Case for SEO
- Adrian Nikolov on Organic Growth Engineering
- Rob Bonham on SEO in the Agentic Age
Turn conversations like this into rankings
The Unscripted SEO Podcast is produced by SEO Arcade. If you want expert interviews working as an SEO and link-building engine for your brand, explore podcast-powered link building or book a call with Jeremy Rivera.
