what is an SEO specialist?
As a search engine optimisation specialist, you analyse a client's website to determine areas for improvement. You analyse the search engine optimisation and implement the necessary changes to improve the website's rankings. As an SEO specialist, you work in-house as a company employee or for a consulting firm that offers SEO services to clients.
SEO specialists are experts in writing search-engine optimised copies and have extensive knowledge in keyword research. If a company relies on the website to make sales, an SEO specialist improves web traffic to increase sales and revenue.
what does an SEO specialist do?
If a company's website is not attracting targeted visitors and converting leads to customers, as an SEO specialist, you find ways to improve the outcomes of the website. You should find solutions to improve conversions and increase sales. When reviewing a website, it is important to understand its goals and compare them with performances. You should also understand your target audience before finding strategies to improve search engine rankings. Some strategies include adding content with specific keywords, rewriting HTML title tags and obtaining high-quality inbound links. You also test the website layout and optimise speed to increase conversion.
Would working in marketing as an SEO specialist suit your technical skills and exceptional marketing abilities? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an SEO specialist role.
SEO specialist jobsaverage salary of an SEO specialist
According to ONS, the average compensation package for SEO specialists is £32,500 per year. In entry-level positions, you earn £27,500 annually, while experienced SEO specialists take home over £45,000 yearly. The compensation package may be inclusive of various allowances and benefits. Some employers have medical and transport allowances, bonuses and other benefits.
what factors affect the salary of an SEO specialist?
The salary of an SEO specialist depends on work experience and company size. The compensation package usually increases gradually with your experience and qualifications. The employer usually considers the years you have worked when determining the salary structure. On the lower scale are those new in the field due to their minimal experience. However, the compensation package increases significantly over time as you accumulate experience. The employers you work for also determine the compensation package. When you work for a small start-up, your earnings may be slightly lower due to the limited resources in the company. Large companies have better compensation packages due to the unlimited resources and complexity of the roles. You also take on complex duties in large organisations, increasing your compensation package.
types of SEO specialists
Some of the types of SEO specialists include:
- on-page SEO specialist: as an on-page SEO specialist, you conduct search engine optimisation on the site or page. You optimise the on-site ranking factors to improve visibility and drive traffic to the website. You work on the meta descriptions, keywords, images and meta titles. Some of the activities for successful on-page SEO are keyword research, building internal links and writing quality content.
- off-page SEO specialist: as an off-page SEO specialist, you focus on all SEO activities outside the website to improve rankings. For instance, you write guest blogs to generate backlinks to your website. You also use search engine marketing tools like internet ads to improve traffic.
- technical SEO specialist: as a technical SEO specialist, you improve the technical aspects of a website to boost the user experience. Technical SEO activities make it easier for visitors to navigate the website. For instance, you improve the site load time and mobile compatibility.
working as an SEO specialist
An SEO specialist is an expert in improving rankings and website traffic. That is why they are an integral part of digital and content marketing. A successful SEO specialist improves sales and revenue by driving traffic to the website. Here are some of the duties and career prospects of SEO specialists:
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SEO specialist job description
The tasks of an SEO specialist usually depend on the industry or employer. Here are some of the duties of an SEO specialist:
- performing keyword research: as an SEO specialist, you conduct intensive research for key phrases and words. Keyword research is important for websites since it helps you find what customers search for on search engines. When you identify the best keywords to increase traffic, you can incorporate them into on-page SEO content, like meta titles and meta descriptions.
- publishing high-quality content: as an SEO specialist, you supervise the creation of relevant content. High-quality content improves rankings and provides value to customers. When you research keywords, you discover what customers want to know, and you can provide valuable content on the topics of interest. When you create quality content, you help build brand authority and improve traffic for your website.
- optimising html: as an SEO specialist, you should optimise your HTML to ensure the site is accessible for all users. With programming knowledge, you can improve accessibility to ensure better visitor interactions. Sometimes, you work on PDFs and videos or images.
- metadata and image optimisation: metadata is important in improving rankings since it often includes keyword phrases. You should add relevant phrases to the meta description and title when optimising the metadata. Image optimisation helps your images appear on the search list, and customers can click on them to access the website.
- engaging with other businesses for link-building: as an SEO specialist, you should take advantage of any opportunity to improve the website's backlinks and drive more customers to your site. You should use guest blogging to build backlinks.
- improving the user experience: ensuring the users have a good experience on the company's website is important. For instance, improve the page speed and incorporate mobile optimisation to encourage more customers to browse on the go.
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work environment
As an SEO specialist, you work in marketing consultancy, technology and retail firms. Some SEO specialists work in-house in the marketing department, assisting with digital marketing. Other SEO specialists work for consultancy firms and serve various clients. The SEO specialist role is a desk job, and you spend most of the time working in an office environment. Most companies strive to provide creative spaces for digital marketers like SEO specialists. When you work with multiple clients, you travel a lot to meet them. Most of the tasks for SEO specialists can also be done remotely, making it easier to work from home.
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who are your colleagues?
As an SEO specialist, your colleagues might include digital marketing managers, social media managers and content writers. You may also work with marketing executives, marketing coordinators, and content marketing officers, as well as other specialists that could include web developers, web designers and multimedia specialists.
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work schedule
The work schedule of an SEO specialist is quite flexible, depending on the project you are working on. Normal working hours in the role run from 9 am to 5 pm, with an occasional evening or weekend meeting with clients. When you work a full-time position, the work hours are over 40 hours a week. However, in part-time roles, you have flexible time schedules. Some SEO specialists are freelancers or work on short-term contracts through recruiting agencies. The flexible work patterns for freelancers make it easier to work from home.
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job outlook
SEO specialists enjoy exciting career paths. When you start in a junior role, you move to an SEO executive before becoming an SEO specialist. From the role, you can progress to SEO manager or account manager roles or the head of digital marketing. When you join management roles, you take on additional responsibilities like mentoring or training junior SEO staff.
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advantages of finding an SEO specialist job through randstad
Finding your SEO specialist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an SEO specialist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
To become an SEO specialist, you require the following educational skills:
- education: most employers require SEO specialists to have an undergraduate degree in digital marketing or web development. The courses improve your search engine optimisation knowledge and equip you with the necessary skills for the role.
- work experience: to become an SEO specialist, you need relevant work experience. You can gain experience through internships and graduate trainee programmes. An entry-level job in digital marketing also improves your skills.
SEO specialist skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an SEO specialist include:
- critical thinking skills: as an SEO specialist, you require critical thinking and analytical skills to review the website's performance. Your analytical skills help you identify problems in a website and find the best solutions.
- writing and communication skills: as an SEO specialist, you require writing and editing skills. Writing skills help you write high-quality content. Communication skills also help you distil complex ideas into simple languages that customers can easily understand.
- technical skills: as an SEO specialist, you require technical skills to handle complex optimisation tasks. For instance, knowledge of programming language helps you optimise HTML and improve the technical features of your website.
- adaptability: as an SEO specialist, you should be adaptable to changes since search engine algorithms change constantly. It is important to enhance your SEO skills constantly.
- inquisitive mind: search engine optimisation requires regular website review to identify problems that could slow down its performance. Having an inquisitive mind helps you discover the best solutions.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an SEO specialist
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what does an SEO specialist do?
An SEO specialist improves a website's performance through keyword research and technical SEO. They aim to improve the website ranking and drive traffic to increase sales.
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is SEO a high-paying job?
As an SEO specialist, your compensation package gradually increases depending on the role's complexity and your experience. Experienced SEO specialists take home salaries of over £45,000 per year.
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is SEO a good career?
With customers relying on search engines to find information and purchase products, working in SEO is a lucrative and promising career. You have numerous growth opportunities.
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what skills does an SEO specialist need?
An SEO specialist requires analytical skills and critical thinking to resolve problems on a website. You also need writing skills to create quality content.
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how do I apply for an SEO specialist vacancy?
Applying for an SEO specialist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our SEO job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
