How to become a SEO Specialist

A search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist works to improve the search engine ranking results of websites. They often work as a part of a digital marketing team and create strategies that cover the full scope of content and on-site and off-site rankings factors.

Personal requirements for a SEO Specialist

  • Good technical knowledge of website construction
  • A passion for the internet and internet marketing
  • Patience and attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Self-confidence

Education & Training for a SEO Specialist

You can work as a SEO specialist without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry into the occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You can become a SEO specialist by studying advertising, marketing, communications or computing and IT. A SEO specialist combines a number of crossover skills that aren't offered in a vocational program, which means that you will be self-taught to an extent. This makes it important to have an interest and passion for the field. As SEO is a relatively new industry and subject to a lot of change on a month to month basis, specialists are required to stay up-to-date with new developments, as well as conduct their own research.


Duties & Tasks of a SEO Specialist

SEO specialists:

  • Streamline website functions to improve search bot crawling efficiency
  • Reduce image sizes to improve page-loading times
  • Plan keyword strategies based on research and insights
  • Write or outsource content that correctly uses the keywords and phrases
  • Outreach to build a link profile that will assist with rankings results
  • Monitor rankings for opportunities and make adjustments
  • Optimise metadata based on best practice guidelines
  • Stay up-to-date with latest developments and rankings techniques

Working conditions for a SEO Specialist

SEO specialists work in a range of settings, including marketing agencies, as an in-house specialist for businesses across every industry and in a freelance, self-employed capacity.


Employment Opportunities for a SEO Specialist

SEO specialists may be employed by companies that manufacture or distribute consumer or industrial goods, or companies that provide private business services. They may also work in advertising, promotions, insurance and banking organisations. Increasingly, SEO specialists are employed by government departments and enterprises. Their work will encompass a number of search marketing aspects such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and Pay Per Click (PPC), social media, outreach and site analytics. There is also a lot of scope for freelancing and contract work.


Specializations

SEO Specialist

A search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist works to improve the search engine ranking results of websites. They often work as a part of a digital marketing team and create strategies that cover the full scope of content and on-site and off-site rankings factors.

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