Public speaking at SEO conferences is something many in the industry dream about but often struggle to break into. The idea of standing on stage, sharing knowledge, and becoming a recognised voice in SEO is exciting—but how do you get started? And once you do, how do you keep landing speaking gigs?
In this episode of SEOs Getting Coffee hosts Sean and Emina sit down with Gus Pelogia, Senior SEO Product Manager at Indeed. Gus spoke at an impressive seven conferences in just one year, and he’s here to share how he made it happen.
If you’ve ever considered stepping onto the SEO speaking stage, this episode is packed with insights. Let’s dive in.
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Public Speaking as an SEO | SEOs Getting Coffee Ep.35
How Gus Got Started with Public Speaking
Like many SEOs, Gus once sat in the audience at conferences, admiring the experts on stage. He quickly realised that most of the people he looked up to were also speakers—so why not join them?
His first speaking opportunity wasn’t at a major event like BrightonSEO but at a local SEO Dublin meetup called Pint Size Marketing. Even though he helped organise the event, he had to persistently ask for a slot before finally getting his chance.
One of his early lessons was realising that nerves can be unnecessary. While rehearsing at home, he found himself getting stuck and stressed about timing. Then it hit him:
“Why am I nervous? There’s literally no one here.”
Later, he had another key realisation:
“If people came to watch you, they’re interested and they want you to succeed. It’s not like football, where half the crowd is waiting for you to fail.”
Small Stages vs. Big Stages: What’s More Nerve-Wracking?
Fast forward to today, and Gus has spoken at major SEO events, including BrightonSEO. So, which is scarier—small, local SEO meetups or giant conference halls?
Surprisingly, size doesn’t make much difference.
- Small meetups: You see every reaction up close.
- Large conferences: You get into “conference mode” where the talk flies by, and suddenly, it’s over.
At first, he would stumble in the first couple of minutes, looking too much at his slides. But once he found his rhythm, it flowed naturally.
The Art of Securing Speaking Gigs
So how did Gus go from a small Dublin meetup to an international SEO speaking tour? Here’s his approach:
- Pitch Relentlessly – Actively seek out events looking for speakers.
- Start Small, Then Go Bigger – Attend and speak at meetups to gain experience.
- Network Like a Pro – The more SEOs you meet, the more opportunities arise.
- Write & Share Knowledge – Publishing insights can help event organisers recognise your expertise.
Speaking creates more speaking opportunities. After his BrightonSEO talk, someone from an agency in Norway invited him to speak in Oslo.
How to Prepare for a Conference Talk
Even experienced speakers feel the pressure. Here’s how Gus preps to stay calm on stage:
Test the tech beforehand
- Check if the clicker works and how it works.
- Know whether the monitor shows your current slide or the next one and get to know your preference.
- Test the microphone (handheld or lapel).
Walk the stage before the event
- Get a feel for the space before the audience arrives.
Rehearse properly
- Practise in a real-world setting.
- Use a clicker and present as if a real audience is there.
- Time yourself—if you’re getting bored, so will your audience.
Less is more
- People only remember two to three key takeaways from a talk.
- Don’t overload your slides with too much information.
“Think of your talk as telling a story, not teaching an entire topic. Your job is to spark curiosity, not give a full SEO masterclass.“
How to Handle Rejection from Conference Organisers
Not every pitch gets accepted. Even Gus has had plenty of rejections.
His approach?
“I get sad for a day, and then I move on.”
Some conferences receive hundreds of pitches. Sometimes, it’s not about the quality of the pitch but whether it fits the event’s theme that year.
Practical Advice for Handling Rejection:
- Keep a record of your pitches—a rejected talk for one event might be a perfect fit for another.
- Repurpose ideas instead of starting from scratch.
Dealing with On-Stage Mishaps
Even seasoned speakers run into technical issues or awkward moments on stage.
One of Gus’s most embarrassing moments?
“At my first big event, I didn’t realise the monitor was showing my next slide instead of my current one. I was talking about something the audience couldn’t see for a solid 30 seconds.”
His solution? Keep going.
- If something goes wrong (clicker failure, wrong slide, tech issues), don’t panic.
- Most people won’t even notice.
- The audience is on your side—they’re not judging you.
Final Words of Advice for Aspiring SEO Speakers
Before wrapping up, Gus shares the biggest lesson he wishes he had known earlier:
“Don’t try to say everything in one talk. People will only remember a couple of things. Keep it focused.”
If you’re considering speaking but feel unsure, his advice is:
“Just do it. The worst that can happen? You try it once and decide it’s not for you. But if you enjoy it, it can be an amazing experience.”
Or, as he puts it:
“It’s like a rollercoaster. Halfway through, you regret it. But as soon as it’s over, you want to go again.”
Room 404: What Gus Would Like to Banish Forever
At the end of each episode, SEOs Getting Coffee features Room 404, where guests can send something frustrating from the SEO world into exile.
Gus’s pick?
The endless HubSpot SEO drama.
For weeks, the SEO community has been obsessed with analysing HubSpot’s traffic decline. Gus believes that while it’s an interesting case study, the sheer volume of hot takes—many from people who aren’t inside the company—has become overwhelming.
“Everyone has an opinion, and most of them are probably wrong. HubSpot isn’t going to collapse overnight. They’ll adapt, just like any big company.”
While healthy discussions about SEO case studies are valuable, Gus thinks it’s time to move on from the non-stop speculation.
Final Thoughts
Speaking at SEO conferences isn’t just for the “big names.” If you have valuable insights to share, there’s a place for you on stage.
- Start small.
- Keep pitching.
- Network and share your expertise.
- And most importantly—enjoy the ride.
Got questions or want to share your public speaking experiences? Get in touch! And if you’re thinking about pitching your first conference talk, go for it—Gus (and the SEO community) is cheering for you.
For more insights and in-depth conversations on the latest in SEO and digital marketing strategies, stay stuned for upcoming episodes of “SEOs Getting Coffee.” Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and expert opinions.
