Pri Kruijen - SEO Strategist
This Freelance Insights interview features SEO strategist Pri Kruijen.
I first came across Pri on Instagram last year and started following her for SEO tips because I, like many freelancers, know absolutely zero on the topic. But through our interactions around this interview, I found that she’s an inspiration when it comes to having strong boundaries in business (see her answer to my question about her normal working day). I loved that I got a clear auto-reply to my emails telling me when I could expect a response, based on the type of query I had. Why don’t more of us do that?!
Pri is offering readers her free Simple SEO Sales Page Checklist to show you how to optimise your sales page and encourage conversion. You can download it by clicking the button further down this page.
How do you describe what you do for work?
I am an SEO strategist for two different types of people whose journeys merge. I support course creators early on in their careers, whether they’ve had successful or not quite so successful launches. And then, later on, I support them in the CEO phase of their businesses when I’ll come on board, train their teams in SEO and set up their reporting to give them an overview of what’s working.
What's your favourite thing about working freelance?
It’s the freedom. I’ve spent a lot of time really figuring out my why, which comes down to three values: freedom, security and sustainability. And all of them do have an underlying element of money. I always stick to my ethics, but I am money driven because, to me, that opens up a lot of opportunities. I like having the freedom to earn as much as I want and to take a day off if I don’t feel that great.
Where do you usually work from?
I’m in Putney and I used to work in Soho in London. I only went freelance full time at the beginning of this year, but I think, after lockdown, I’ll be quite flexible. I’ve got the equipment to go and sit in a coffee shop, and I’ve also built quite a strong community of other freelancers who live in and around London. So I’ll definitely reach out to them to meet up.
What does a normal working day look like for you?
I’ve realised that I can’t actually concentrate for more than five hours a day, so I don’t really need to work nine to five. I keep the mornings for personal time, doing stuff around the house, sorting out what I need to fill my cup, and then I start working at 1pm until 5.30/6pm. I’ve also been trying lunar living, so my schedule and tasks for the month depend on my birth chart.
What one tip would you give other freelancers about running a freelance business?
For you to run a successful business, you need to fill your own cup first. I think the most successful freelancers, CEOs, business owners, whatever we want to call them, are people who always prioritise themselves when it comes to their well-being and self-care. Once you get that sorted, a lot of the other things will fall into place.
Free resource
Pri is providing readers with her Simple SEO Sales Page Checklist where she sets out six steps that she’s used to improve conversion for hundreds of sales pages. Click on the button below to access it.