🎙️ Unscripted SEO Podcast
Mark A Preston: Transitioning From Full-Time SEO to Semi-Retirement
The founding host passes the mic to Jeremy Rivera — and shares the revenue-sharing model, board-seat strategy, and mindset shift that made early retirement possible.
In this episode, the Unscripted SEO Podcast changes hands, and the new host, Jeremy Rivera, interviews Mark A. Preston. It’s a candid conversation that dives into Mark’s new semi-retirement, alternate ways for SEOs to consider their career and to look for revenue sharing or becoming part owners in businesses instead of looking for hourly income.
“Mastering the ROI Mindset to Boost SEO Agency Profits” — Liam Quirk, MD at Quirky Digital, on building a 15-person Liverpool agency from a bedroom during COVID and why ROI thinking is the only thing that matters.
— Liam Quirk, Quirky Digital | Listen: Liam Quirk on the ROI Mindset →
The Conversation: Jeremy Rivera & Mark A Preston
Jeremy Rivera: Hello and welcome. I’m Jeremy Rivera with the Unscripted SEO podcast. We’re going to be doing an interview today with Mark A. Preston, the former host of the Unscripted SEO podcast, to find out what he’s doing next and learn about his journey.
So the first thing I’d like to ask Mark is — what would you say you do here now that you don’t host this podcast?
Mark A. Preston: 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.
Jeremy: So what are you working on next? Do you have projects currently in progress?
Mark: 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.
Jeremy: When you say semi-retire, what is your goal or plan?
Mark: 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.
Jeremy: What’s your opinion on alternative models for SEOs thinking about long-term career planning?
Mark: 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.
Jeremy: What brought you to the point where you can propose becoming part of a business rather than just being a contractor?
Mark: 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 final thoughts: 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
- LinkedIn: Mark A Preston
The Unscripted SEO Podcast features candid, unscripted conversations with SEOs and digital marketers. Now hosted by Jeremy Rivera.
