Iran War Crisis How SEO Freelancers Founders Are Surviving This Economy - SEO Kwentuhan Podcast | Lyssna här

In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo dive into the real impact of the Iran war crisis on freelancers and agency founders. From rising expenses to losing clients, they share how they’re adapting, cutting costs, leveraging AI, and finding ways to stay afloat in a tough economy.

If you’re feeling the pressure, questioning your next move, or simply looking for practical ways to survive (and even grow) during uncertain times—this conversation is for you.

Tune in and discover how to stay resilient when everything around you is changing.

Transcript Summary

00:00 – 00:40

Gelo opens the comeback episode of SEO Kwentuhan.
Gab introduces the topic: the Iran war crisis and its economic impact.
Focus: how SEO freelancers and agency founders are adapting and surviving.

00:41 – 01:22

Discussion begins with rising fuel prices (diesel potentially reaching ₱150–₱200/liter).
Gab highlights uncertainty in pricing.
Gelo notes transportation costs as one of the first major impacts.

01:23 – 03:05

Reduced travel and more time spent at home.
Shift in food consumption:
Less meat, more fish and vegetables
Energy-saving habits:
Limiting appliance use
Setting aircon to 24°C
Early monitoring of electricity bills.

03:06 – 04:19

Gelo emphasizes awareness of:
Electricity usage
Water waste (e.g., open faucets)
Small habits can lead to significant savings.

04:20 – 06:13

Discussion on fuel “price lock” strategies.
Pros:
Protection from price increases
Cons:
Risk if prices drop
Observation: smaller gas stations often have longer queues.

06:13 – 07:29

Gab shares mindset changes:
Teaching kids to avoid waste
Buying only what is necessary
Focus on eliminating excess consumption.

07:30 – 08:37

Gab (agency perspective):
Focus on long-term clients
Avoid clients expecting quick SEO results
Prioritize resilient industries:
Strong: solar, essentials
Weak: luxury, non-essential sectors

08:37 – 12:08

Gelo’s strategies:
Increasing emergency fund (up to 12 months)
Using high-yield savings accounts
Cutting unnecessary AI/LLM subscriptions
Strong shift to AI automation:
80% execution via AI
10% strategy
10% validation
Goal: save time and reduce costs.

12:08 – 13:33

Importance of health during crisis:
Illness increases financial burden
Rising healthcare costs
Advice: prioritize physical health and consistency.

13:34 – 16:12

Water-saving approach:
Installing deep wells (province setup)
Electricity-saving approach:
Exploring solar panel installation
Goal: reduce dependence on utilities.

16:12 – 18:02

Aircon optimization techniques:
Set to 24°C
Use timers (off at 4 AM, on at 7 AM)
Balance between comfort and efficiency.

18:02 – 20:08

Community tips:
Meal planning
Avoid unnecessary purchases
Reduce subscriptions
Start home gardening or aquaponics
Key idea: reduce expenses while increasing income.

20:08 – 23:14

Gelo:
Lost a client and chose to reassess
Exploring collaborations and new opportunities
Gab:
Evaluate client industries before accepting work
Focus on essential sectors
Avoid vulnerable industries like travel
Target stable markets.

23:14 – 25:38

Advice to freelancers:
Upskill, especially in AI
Improve systems and workflows
Market becoming more competitive due to layoffs
Shift toward an AI-first approach.

25:38 – 27:40

Lifestyle changes:
Fewer outings
More home-based activities (e.g., board games)
Cost-saving habits:
Brewing coffee at home
Cooking instead of ordering.

27:40 – 30:19

Gab (agency adjustments):
Slight price increases due to inflation
Providing team support/allowances
Less flexibility in negotiations
Focus on sustainability.

30:19 – 32:58

Emotional challenges:
Frustration with rising costs and policies
Personal struggles:
Health issues affecting productivity
Emphasis on resilience.

32:58 – 35:54

Discussion on taxation:
Comparison with lower-tax countries
Concern over heavy tax burden in the Philippines
Impact on small businesses.

35:54 – 37:23

Strong emphasis on emergency funds:
Personal savings
Business buffer (3–6 months).

37:23 – 40:05

Introduction of “FU Money”:
Fund for opportunities or emergencies
Advice:
Save consistently
Prepare for client loss scenarios.

40:05 – 43:23

Investment perspectives:
Conservative approach: hold cash
Opportunistic approach: invest in declining markets
Examples:
Solar-related stocks
High-yield savings accounts.

43:23 – 45:04

Advice for overwhelmed freelancers:
Read mindset-focused books
Improve skills and portfolio
Explore alternative career paths.

45:04 – 47:13

Actionable steps:
Audit finances and skills
Reflect on past performance
Take ownership and act
Avoid victim mindset and focus on solutions.