My Journey from Programmer to SEO Expert

BCA Degree and My Initial Struggles

My Bachelor in Computer Application (BCA) took five years to complete due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, I started hustling in web development, learning frontend, backend, and databases like SQL. I tried PHP development, but it didn’t work out. Then I moved on to Next.js and TypeScript, but still, I couldn’t make a breakthrough.

Exploring Programming Fields

In my 6th semester, I developed a quiz app in Java using Firebase for my project. This project made me fall in love with Android development, so I focused on learning Java extensively. However, by the 8th semester, I got fascinated by Python and machine learning, leading me to create a hand-gesture-controlled virtual mouse. It was an exciting project, but once again, I pivoted back to app development.

The Flutter and .NET Phase

Hoping to build a sustainable career, I started learning Flutter to develop cross-platform applications. I invested more time into Flutter than any other skill, even securing an internship. Additionally, I also did a .NET internship, believing it would help me land a stable job. However, none of these efforts resulted in a major career breakthrough.

Discovering SEO

One morning, I stumbled upon a reel by Rambabu Thapa, the founder of Orka Socials. His words sparked my enthusiasm for SEO. Without hesitation, I enrolled in his SEO course. From keyword research to on-page and off-page SEO, local SEO, and technical SEO—I dived deep into everything. This journey led me to start "The E-Com," where I showcase my SEO learnings and experiments.

Challenges I Faced

• Lack of clear career plans.
• Jumping between multiple skills without mastering any.
• Trying to be a generalist instead of a specialist.

Message to Readers

Take charge of your career. Keep learning but focus on mastering one skill at a time. Analyze trends, pick the right path, and don’t just aim to get employed—aim to create employment. Your mentality is everything.

Can a Programmer Learn SEO?

Absolutely! Programmers, especially web developers, have an advantage in SEO because they understand the technical aspects of websites. If you are a developer, learning SEO can complement your skills, making you more valuable in the digital space. You can even start SEO as a side hustle while continuing development.

What’s Next After SEO?

After mastering SEO, you can specialize in different areas such as:

• Technical SEO Specialist
• On-Page SEO Expert
• Link Building Strategist
• Content Writing & Optimization
• Starting Your Own SEO Agency
• Freelancing as an SEO Consultant

Conclusion

My journey from a struggling programmer to an SEO expert has been full of challenges, but it taught me the importance of specialization. If you’re transitioning to SEO, take it step by step, stay consistent, and embrace opportunities. Your breakthrough will come!