Cosmic Development isn’t just about delivering exceptional IT solutions; it’s about celebrating the people who make it happen. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on Igor Stojanov, one of our SEO specialists whose story is as inspiring as it is insightful. From his early days building Facebook fan pages to becoming a master of digital discovery, Igor’s career has been a thrilling ride through the ever-changing world of SEO.
His story reminds us that success in this field goes beyond algorithms and keywords—it’s fueled by passion and a forward-thinking mindset. At Cosmic Development, we’re proud to have Igor on our team, and his expertise and dedication continue to elevate our digital presence.
Here’s what he had to share.
What inspired you to pursue a career in SEO, and how did your journey in the digital marketing world begin?
My journey into SEO began organically, intertwined with the rise of social media in the early 2010s. As a digital marketing enthusiast, I found myself deeply immersed in the rapidly evolving online landscape. My initial foray was managing a Facebook fan page dedicated to music, which gradually evolved into a comprehensive blog showcasing local bands and artists from the ex-Yugoslav region. This project’s success led to its further expansion into an online radio station, broadening our digital footprint.
During this growth period, I recognized the critical importance of search discoverability. The need to make the content accessible to a broader audience naturally led me to develop my initial SEO skills, focusing on optimizing the website to reach broader local audiences. This hands-on experience ignited a passion for understanding and leveraging search engines effectively.
As my interest in SEO deepened, I actively sought out various projects in the field to gain some expertise. My academic background in Computer Science provided a strong technical foundation. Moreover, the opportunity to complete an SEO Specialization at UC Davis through a scholarship was a pivotal moment, solidifying my decision to pursue SEO as my primary career path.
How has working at Cosmic Development helped you grow further professionally?
The collaborative culture at Cosmic Development has played a crucial role in expanding my skill set. As a core member of the SEO team, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the PPC team, fostering a synergy that has deepened my understanding. This cross-disciplinary collaboration has refined my SEO expertise and broadened my perspective on how various digital marketing disciplines interconnect.
Collaboration with developers across various platforms has provided invaluable technical skills, enabling me to effectively bridge the gap between marketing strategies and their technical implementation.
Cosmic Development’s commitment to professional growth has also been integral to my personal Development. The company’s investment in my continuous education through specialized courses has ensured I remain at the forefront of SEO and PPC trends. Beyond that, the mentorship I’ve received from industry experts with decades of experience has had the most impact on my growth. Their insights have refined my strategic thinking, expanded my industry knowledge, and equipped me to tackle challenges effectively. This guidance has enhanced my decision-making and shaped my leadership style, which is focused on collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving.
What do you find most exciting about the ever-changing landscape of SEO, and how do you stay updated with the latest trends and algorithms?
The evolving landscape of SEO is incredibly dynamic, and I’m drawn to how technological advances are reshaping search strategies. The recent dip in Google’s search market share—dropping below 90% for the first time since 2015—goes beyond numbers; it points to a fundamental transformation in how users discover and interact with online content.
AI’s emergence is compelling. These updates aren’t just incremental but represent a complete reimagining of how searches operate. We’re shifting from keyword-driven results to intelligent, context-aware answers that grasp user intent at a deeper level.
This has substantial implications for SEO. Websites will need to cater to both human readers and AI systems, requiring a more precise, structured approach that balances technical accuracy and genuine user value.
Platforms like TikTok also affect search patterns among younger audiences, which calls for flexibility and insight across different channels. Staying effective in SEO means following industry leaders, attending targeted events, and maintaining an active curiosity about new technologies.
This isn’t just about keeping up with changes – it’s about anticipating and shaping the future of digital discovery.
Can you share an example of an SEO strategy you implemented for a client that delivered outstanding results?
In the complex world of digital marketing, some projects pose more intricate challenges than others. The work with a multi-channel retailer is a clear example—success hinged on boosting online visibility while ensuring customers walked into the physical stores.
Picture a local business aiming for a strong online presence and higher foot traffic. Basic SEO alone wasn’t enough. Our first step involved improving the site’s technical foundation to ensure pages were optimized for user experience and search engines.
From there, we went beyond conventional keyword tactics. We used a semantic strategy, focusing on search intent instead of chasing high-volume terms. Detailed competitor research and local search analysis guided a plan that spoke directly to potential customers ready to act.
Treating each store location as its own environment was another vital element. We crafted hyper-local content tuned to community interests, fine-tuned Google Business Profile listings, and maintained a personal feel across all digital channels. The results were transformative. Search rankings climbed, store visits increased, and we witnessed a tangible connection between digital strategy and offline business performance. More importantly, we demonstrated that effective SEO is about understanding human behavior and creating seamless digital experiences.
What is your biggest challenge as an SEO specialist, and how do you overcome it?
As an SEO specialist, one of my primary challenges is keeping pace with ever-evolving search engine algorithms. Frequent updates—particularly from Google—require swift adjustments to maintain effective strategies. I regularly consult leading industry sources, including authoritative blogs and forums, to meet this need and attend relevant webinars. Additionally, collaborating with peers to exchange insights and best practices helps me stay ahead of emerging trends. Testing and refining strategies in real time are essential to ensure alignment with the latest algorithmic changes.
Another area of focus is managing client communication, especially when setting realistic expectations. SEO is an inherently long-term endeavor, and while clients often seek rapid outcomes, it is crucial to emphasize that substantial results require time. I prioritize transparent communication by providing consistent updates and progress reports. By clarifying the intricacies of SEO and highlighting key milestones, I help clients feel well-informed and confident of the results that well-implemented SEO techniques will provide.
Stories like Igor’s show how dedication and creativity can shape a career.