As I reminisce about my undertaking, I can’t help but swell with pride at the triumph achieved with the “GitHub vs GitLab” SEO project. It wasn’t just another task on my plate; it was a project highly scrutinized as the CEO’s pet project and a collaborative effort that brought together the finest minds at GitHub to confront a challenge head-on and emerge victorious.

The inception of the Project

It all began with a directive from our CEO: a page that would claim the spotlight for the search term “GitHub vs GitLab.” As the full-time individual contributor SEO Manager at GitHub, I took the reins of this ambitious endeavor.

My journey commenced with a deep immersion in research. I dove into our analytics platform, ran SQL queries, sifted through third-party customer research, and interviewed users of GitHub and GitLab. This groundwork was pivotal in deciphering user intent and formulating a strategy that profoundly resonated with the GitHub audience.

Collaboration and Hurdles

Collaboration was the key to success. I worked hand in hand with teams across the organization, aligning stakeholders and navigating the complexities of a project with sky-high visibility and significance. Despite encountering inevitable technical challenges along the way, the team banded together with unwavering resolve.

Erdem Menges, Director of Product Marketing at GitHub, fittingly characterized the journey: “Jenn, the SEO wizard, worked her magic as our fearless leader.” His words encapsulate the essence of my ability to collaborate: strategic, cohesive, and propelled by a shared vision.

Execution and Triumphs

With meticulous attention to detail, we crafted a comprehensive product requirements document that served as our guiding light throughout the project.

The outcome?

A page that soared above our competitors and substantially heightened organic search visibility and traffic to our site.

Yet, this project’s success transcends mere metrics. It fortified our brand authority, fostered enhanced collaboration across teams, and, above all, elevated the user experience with exhaustive, enlightening content.

Throughout the completion of the project, I meticulously directed each section, ensuring alignment with our objectives.

Here’s how I guided the development of each component:

URL: The project’s URL was meticulously crafted to optimize visibility and keyword relevance. With a focus on “github compared” and related terms, I ensured that the URL, resources.github.com/devops/tools/compare, reflected the project’s content goals.

Keyword Focus: By identifying high-volume keywords like “github vs gitlab” and “azure github,” I strategically incorporated them into the sub-pages while mentioning essential terms like “integration” and “devops” across all sections to enhance searchability and user relevance.

Meta Tags: I carefully curated meta tags to encapsulate the essence of the content, optimizing title and description tags for search visibility and user engagement. The title, “How does GitHub compare to other DevOps tools?” succinctly encapsulated the comparative approach, while the description provided an enticing overview of our content offerings.

In-Page Jump-to Links: To facilitate navigation and improve SEO, I implemented in-page jump-to links, strategically placed to enhance user experience and provide Google with valuable ranking opportunities.

Structured Data: Leveraging structured data, I structured the content in a FAQ format which was supported by Google at the time (though Google has changed their standing on FAQs on a non-FAQ page), enriching search results and providing users with informative snippets directly on the SERPs.

People Also Ask: I ensured comprehensive coverage of topics like GitHub integration, migration, and compatibility with other platforms, enhancing user engagement and addressing potential pain points that were identified in the user feedback for both GitHub and GitLab.

Content Direction: Guided by content checklist and guidance, I oversaw the creation of informative, user-friendly content, leveraging insights from user feedback and data analysis to tailor our messaging effectively. From content kick-off to final approval, I ensured adherence to our content strategy and SEO best practices.

Design and Engineering Guidance: Collaborating closely with design and engineering teams, I provided clear direction for page layout, visual elements, and technical implementation. From header icons to structured data integration, every aspect was meticulously planned to enhance user engagement and SEO performance.

By meticulously directing each section of the project and ensuring alignment with the businesses objectives, I successfully delivered a comprehensive, user-centric resource that provides valuable insights into GitHub and its comparison with other DevOps tools.

Lessons Learned and Future Horizons

As I gaze into the future, I’m reminded of the invaluable lessons learned during this journey. From the importance of thorough research to the potency of effective collaboration, each stride has left an indelible imprint on my approach to SEO.

Ultimately, the “GitHub vs. GitLab” SEO project is a testament to what can be accomplished when expertise, collaboration, and a shared vision converge under my direction. It’s more than just a page on the Internet; it’s a testimony to my unwavering commitment to excellence. I’m profoundly grateful for the privilege of having been part of this extraordinary journey.