🎙️ Unscripted SEO Podcast
The Brutal Reality of Generating 6-Figures as an SEO Freelancer with Ryan Darani
Search Strategy Director at Rise at Seven on the sacrifices behind six-figure freelancing, why commercial thinking beats technical knowledge, and why he walked away from a thriving consultancy.
Ryan Darani, Search Strategy Director at Rise at Seven
With nearly a decade of experience in the SEO industry, Ryan Darani has become a master of generating organic growth and revenue for a diverse range of clients. Ryan’s journey began in 2011 or 2012, transitioning from paid acquisition at an insurance company to the dynamic world of SEO. He ran a highly successful freelance SEO consultancy for three and a half years, focusing primarily on the US, Canada, and the UK, generating over $10,000,000 in revenue for his clients in five years, before transitioning into the role of Search Strategy Director at Rise at Seven.
“Mark A Preston — The Unscripted SEO Podcast Changes Hands” — the founding host passes the mic to Jeremy Rivera and shares his candid thoughts on semi-retirement, revenue sharing models, and what he’d tell SEOs thinking long-term about their careers.
— Mark A Preston | Listen: Mark A Preston on Semi-Retirement & SEO →
Interview Q&A
Do you think having a background in paid acquisition has significantly helped you in conquering the SEO space?
Absolutely. The advantage of having worked in paid acquisition is that I can communicate commercially with brands. They understand the concept of dollars in versus dollars out. This is often a blind spot for some SEOs — many struggle to speak in commercial terms. If you can discuss dollars and pounds, you’ll be a far more effective SEO than if you focus solely on title tags and meta descriptions.
What was the reality of growing your own freelance SEO business?
The reality is that the image of success portrayed on social media is often a facade. Building my business meant less time with my fiancée, family, and friends. I missed out on holidays, occasions, parties, and even Christmases because I was wholly focused on growing my business. I dedicated 150 percent of myself every day, which was exhausting. People often desire the end result — earning £10,000 or £20,000 a month — but are not willing to invest the 200, 300, or even 500 hours needed to become proficient in one area.
What has been your biggest learning curve throughout the journey?
The biggest challenge by far has been my ability — or rather my lack of ability — to delegate. It took me a good 18 months to realise that there are tasks I simply couldn’t handle all the time. Delegating definitely helped free me up to focus on more critical tasks like securing new business or speaking at conferences.
Why did you decide to get an agency job at Rise at Seven when you were running your own successful freelance business?
About a year and a half ago, I fell out of love with freelancing — the headaches, the constant pressure, being the client’s punching bag. I wanted more time with my wife, my dog, family, and friends. Financial success doesn’t define you as a person. If you start a business and stop enjoying it, there’s no rule that says you can’t change direction.
What is the biggest piece of advice you can give to an SEO freelancer?
Specifically for freelancers: making a million pounds is cool, but making money on your own terms for the rest of your life is even cooler. Don’t focus on shortcuts or listen to gurus and course sellers. Instead, figure out how to sustainably generate income every month for the rest of your life. That’s the truly impressive goal.
Connect with Ryan Darani
- Website: ryandarani.com
- Twitter/X: @SearchForRyan
- LinkedIn: Ryan Darani
The Unscripted SEO Podcast features candid, unscripted conversations with SEOs and digital marketers. Hosted by Jeremy Rivera.
