Meet Michael Hickey | SEO Manager at Own Your Space

About me

I’m Michael Hickey, the SEO Manager at Own Your Space, also known as Mk Hk or The Devil’s ADvocate. With over 13 years of experience in SEO, I only care about helping businesses achieve exceptional organic growth. I’m passionate about connecting SEO with what matters most to business owners – more revenue and business for their digital brand. I leverage my in-depth knowledge of search engine algorithms to craft comprehensive traditional and cutting-edge SEO strategies that consistently deliver results. Whether it’s dominating local search or transforming fresh domains into regional powerhouses, I’m committed to excellence.

My expertise spans a wide range of SEO techniques, from crafting long term strategies down to improving how efficiently we can execute the optimisations. I conduct thorough technical SEO audits and implement solutions to ensure optimal website architecture, crawling, indexing, and ranking. I meticulously optimise on-page and off-page elements, including content and high-quality backlinks, to enhance website authourity and visibility. Through detailed keyword research and competitive analysis, I identify the most impactful growth opportunities that put ROI first.

I go beyond basic keyword targeting by creating in-depth topical maps that delve into the semantics of a niche, ensuring content resonates with user intent and search algorithms. My targeted link-building and outreach campaigns establish websites as trusted authorities within their industries, focusing on what actually works rather than strictly adhering to Google guidelines.

At Own Your Space, I prioritise client education and collaboration, fostering strong relationships across teams to create an integrated approach to digital marketing. I stay ahead of the curve by utilising industry-leading tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Search Console, and I’m always exploring emerging technologies like ChatGPT and Answer The Public to generate innovative content strategies.

Get To Know Me

How do you stay updated with the latest trends in digital marketing?

I have Social Media accounts that only follow SEO thought leaders and outside-the-box industry heavyweights. I read and watch articles, videos, and forums every day. It’s vital you follow the right sources, as there is so much poor, conflicting SEO information to be found online.

Do you have a favourite book, movie, or TV show?

Favourite Book – A Song of Ice & Fire – I’ve been waiting 12 years to find out who wins the battle of Winterfell. Will Wyman Manderly betray the Boltons?!😭

Favourite TV Show – Always Sunny In Philidelphia – the funniest sitcom ever made, change my mind.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

Your career is in your hands. Work harder, work smarter and take risks – you’ll have no regrets.

Do you have any hobbies or interests that people might find surprising?

I’m a bit of a history bug, ask me how many times a minute I think about the Roman Empire.

What’s the last book you read or podcast you listened to?

The Trading Game: A Confession – a book that seeks to explain and understand the UK’s growing wealth inequality as well as a peak behind the curtains of financial markets as told through the eyes of a working-class lad, who went on to become Citibank’s top Forex trader.

Projects Worked On