Join Aaron Basil in this captivating episode of “SEO On-Air” as he sits down with James Reynolds, the Managing Director at SEO Sherpa, to uncover the incredible journey of building a digital empire. James shares his fascinating career path from semi-pro rugby player and photography assistant to becoming a powerhouse in the SEO industry. Dive deep into the challenges and triumphs that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, including the pivotal role of mentorship, the art of building a robust team, and the critical decisions that fueled the growth of SEO Sherpa. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire and equip you with the knowledge to elevate your business.
Key Topics Discussed:
Career Transition and Early Challenges: James shares how his early passions in rugby and art eventually led him to the world of sales and marketing, setting the foundation for his future success in SEO.
The Role of Mentorship: James emphasizes the importance of having mentors, offering advice on how to find the right mentor and what to look out for to avoid pitfalls.
Building SEO Sherpa: Explore the origins of SEO Sherpa, including the strategic moves and challenges James faced, such as cash flow management, vertical integration, and managing a growing team.
Lessons from Scaling a Business: James reflects on what he would do differently, including the importance of hiring top talent early on and learning to delegate tasks effectively.
Sustaining Long-term Success: Insights on how James has maintained SEO Sherpa’s growth over 12 years, and the mindset required to keep a digital agency thriving.
Don’t miss out on these valuable lessons from a true industry leader!
Meet the speakers

Aaron Basil
Podcast Host
James Reynolds
Managing Director
Guest Bio
James Reynolds
Managing Director
James Reynolds is the Founder and Managing Director of SEO Sherpa, an award-winning organic search engine marketing agency. Established in 2012, SEO Sherpa has partnered with prominent brands such as PrettyLittleThing, Farfetch, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Nissan, Guinness World Records, and Bulletproof. Under James's leadership, the agency has received multiple accolades, including the 2023 Global Search Awards' Best Large SEO Agency and three-time recognition as Best Large SEO Agency at the MENA Search Awards. In 2019, James was honored as the MENA Search Personality of the Year for his significant contributions to the search engine marketing industry. Beyond his agency work, James shares his expertise through contributions to publications like Entrepreneur and mentoring startup companies. He is also active on social media, offering practical techniques to drive inbound traffic and conversions.
