Balancing the competing demands of SEO and Information Architecture requires a nuanced strategy that aligns with stakeholder priorities while enhancing user experience. Start by assessing which adjustments can simultaneously uplift user engagement and SEO performance. Keep dialogue open with stakeholders to understand their primary goals and look for intersections. Most importantly, adopt an iterative approach: introduce changes gradually, evaluate their impact through data analytics, and adjust accordingly. This method not only keeps projects aligned with both SEO and IA objectives but also promotes continuous improvement and stakeholder satisfaction.

Since improving user experience is the ultimate goal of both SEO and IA, balancing their demands requires a user-first strategy. Iterative testing that prioritizes data-driven judgments aids in finding adjustments that maintain IA integrity while being in line with SEO objectives.

I would strive to Identify Common Ground. Business goals must overlap at some point and that is what I need to find out first. Common Ground is key, therefore, I would conceive a Workshop with the main stakeholders in order to: - 1) Define shared goals: Emphasize that SEO and IA should work together to achieve user satisfaction and business objectives (e.g., increased conversions, brand awareness, etc.). - 2) Prioritize user needs: Focus discussions on user research findings and how to best serve user needs within the constraints of SEO. - 3) Explore trade-offs: Openly but firmly discuss potential compromises and prioritize solutions that best balance user experience and SEO requirements. Afterwards, start developing a Data-Driven Approach

I sujest including also some user testing sessions with targeted personas and keyword search volumes to gather inputs to help to decide