As an SEO expert, you’ll likely be able to accomplish the majority of your responsibilities remotely. With a computer and an internet connection, you can write content, research keywords, recode a site, and measure your results fairly easily. But if you’re constantly working from home, you’ll need to spend time optimizing your work environment for both productivity and morale; in other words, you’ll need to upgrade your home office to work more efficiently.
Let’s take a look at some of the key ways you can tailor your home office to boost productivity.
Designate a Space for Work
One of the best things you can do is give yourself a designated space for your work. If you’re used to trying to work at the dining room table, or on the couch, you’re eventually going to have a hard time separating your work life and personal life (which is important for your psychological health, as well as your productivity). If you have a spare room of your house, turn it into a full-fledged office, and use it exclusively for work. If you don’t have much space to work with, you can use a curtain or a blocking wall to segment a space for your work.
Get a Room With a View
If possible, try to make your workspace a room with a window that looks out into the world. The natural light from sunny days will boost your mood and make you more productive, and in between tasks, you’ll be able to relax your eyes and look outside—reducing the possibility of computer vision syndrome and helping you decompress.
If this isn’t an option for you, try to find other ways to make your surroundings interesting. For example, you might hang artwork or invest in better lighting.
Master Temperature Controls
The temperature of your workspace can have a massive impact on your productivity. If you’re too hot or too cold, you won’t be able to focus. The easiest suggestion here is to keep an eye on your thermostat; get an understanding of your “best” personal temperature, and keep the thermostat set there. If you have trouble with energy efficiency, you may be able to invest in better insulation, better windows, or other upgrades that keep your internal temperature consistent.
Alternatively, you can invest in a window AC unit or a fireplace to keep a single room more temperature-ideal. With the number of modern fireplace designs available, there are options for everybody.
Give Yourself Physical Space
It’s also helpful if you give yourself more physical space in and around your workroom. This way, when you encounter a challenge in the course of your SEO responsibilities, you’ll have room to move around. A few quick jumping jacks or pushups can reinvigorate you, eliminating stress and improving your energy levels while reducing the strain on your body from sitting. You may also be able to stretch, increasing blood flow throughout your body.
Keep a Houseplant (or Two)
If you have the space for them, invest in a houseplant or two for the home office. Ideally, these will be real plants, rather than plastic decorations. Multiple studies have suggested that the presence of plants can increase productivity. The exact mechanism for this is debated; some claim it’s simply because human beings like to be around nature, while others suggest it might be due to a natural air filtering effect that plants offer. Whatever the case, a couple of plants can make you a more effective, happier worker.
Invest in Sound Quality
It’s also a good idea to invest in the quality of your sound. Even if you don’t listen to music frequently, a bit of background noise can help you concentrate on your work. Some of your favorite music, or a collection of natural noises (like ocean waves) can help you drown out distractions and stay entertained. The better your speakers are, the more you’ll appreciate it.
Declutter (and Stay Clutter-Free)
Be careful to keep your workspace free of as much clutter as possible. This is especially important if you’re moving your home office into a previously unused room of your home; old boxes and unused furniture can distract you while you’re trying to work, and make it harder to feel like you’re truly “at work.”
Search optimizers have lots of responsibilities, and aren’t always able to manage their time or resources effectively. A better home office won’t necessarily make you smarter or more experienced, but it will increase your morale and improve your productivity. Spend the time and effort necessary to make your home office more comfortable—especially if you know you’ll be spending most of your time here in the future—and be willing to make more upgrades in the future.