Rotem Gal, Head of SEO at WalkMe, shares his expertise in managing cross-functional teams within SEO. He discusses the challenges of aligning diverse team members, emphasizing the importance of communication and a shared vision. Strategies for leading remote teams are explored, highlighting the significance of personal connections and team culture. Rotem also addresses managing freelancers, focusing on motivation and understanding individual goals. Additionally, he shares insights on integrating SEO strategies for enhanced engagement and productivity.
Effective cross-functional team management in SEO requires fostering strong communication and camaraderie among diverse members to enhance collaboration.
Accommodating varying expertise levels within a team helps create an environment for shared knowledge, empowering individuals to meaningfully engage with their contributions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Cross-Functional Collaboration
Cross-functional team management is vital in SEO as it requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders such as marketers, content creators, engineers, and other departments. Effective communication is crucial for building a strong team atmosphere, especially when team members are working remotely or across different time zones. Creating informal channels of communication, such as WhatsApp groups, can foster personal connections and enhance team morale by allowing members to share non-work-related updates. This strong sense of camaraderie facilitates smoother collaboration and ensures that everyone feels included and engaged in the overall SEO strategy.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Diverse Teams
To work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds, it's important to accommodate varying levels of expertise within your team. By understanding each team member's strengths and weaknesses, leaders can create an environment where knowledge is shared, and everyone contributes to the overall SEO objectives. Providing context about how individual contributions fit into larger company goals can inspire team members to engage with their work more meaningfully. Encouraging open discussions about results and creating opportunities for professional development not only builds confidence but also empowers team members to contribute creatively beyond their assigned tasks.
Challenges and Strategies with Freelancers
Managing freelancers presents unique challenges, particularly related to commitment and maintaining productivity consistency. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers may juggle multiple clients, which can lead to distractions and varying levels of focus on tasks at hand. To cultivate loyalty and long-term collaboration with freelancers, it’s essential to establish a clear framework that includes specified KPIs, regular feedback, and opportunities for career growth within the partnership. By treating freelancers as integral team members and investing in their development, employers can enhance overall performance and achieve more consistent results.
Rotem Gal, Head of SEO at WalkMe, delves into cross-functional team management. While SEO thrives on collaboration, aligning content writers, developers, designers, and other players can be tricky. Achieving a shared understanding of the overarching strategy and how each individual's contribution supports it becomes a challenge when SEO expertise levels vary. Today, Rotem discusses how to manage a cross-functional team.