Jobs In Search Engine Optimisation (And How To Get One)

Updated 5 February 2023

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Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a method that professionals use to cater to digital content to increase the likelihood that individuals view it. Many different types of professionals use this skill set in their roles, mainly those within the marketing industry. If you are interested in applying your SEO skills to your career, it may be helpful to learn more about jobs that require this skill. In this article, we explain what jobs in search engine optimisation are, share a list of job titles you might pursue and share steps on how to get an SEO job.

What Are Jobs In Search Engine Optimisation?

Jobs in search engine optimisation (SEO) entail research and content creation to work towards the goal of appearing higher on the results page of a search engine. This can allow the content that a company publishes on the internet to be more accessible to its audience. This can help the company reach sales goals, generate more web traffic and build brand recognition. Professionals who understand SEO can use their skills in a variety of ways and work in many different positions, mainly within the marketing and management field.

Jobs That Use SEO

SEO is a skill that many different professionals use in their jobs, including marketers, managers and content creators. If you are interested in using SEO in your career, you might consider pursuing one of the following positions:

Search engine marketer

A search engine marketer is a professional who applies principles of SEO and search engine marketing (SEM) to create paid advertisements to display at the top of search engine results. These professionals often have a bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, business or information technology. They may begin their career as an SEO specialist before earning promotions and switching to an SEM role.

Search engine marketers, also called SEM specialists, keep up-to-date knowledge regarding popular search engines and common internet search techniques to ensure the advertisements they create are competitive and helpful to the individual using the search engine. This can include conducting keyword research and understanding how keywords can affect SEO. For example, a company that sells hats that protect individuals from the sun might purchase an ad placement for any search that includes keywords such as sunblock or sun protection.

Business marketing consultant

A business marketing consultant is a professional who provides advice and direction to companies that are trying to generate online traffic for their website. Business marketing consultants help create both short-term and long-term marketing strategies for their clients, often using SEO data and principles. Business marketing consultants can also help their clients advertise on other digital platforms, such as on websites, search engines, applications and social media posts. These professionals typically hold a bachelor's degree in marketing, business or a related subject.

Business marketing consultants are mid-level or senior professionals who have experience in SEO roles and business planning. They may work as a full-time employee within a company, such as a marketing firm. They can also work as contractors and find their own clients.

Content marketer

A content marketer is a professional who creates or edits content to generate website traffic. They may participate in the creation of blog posts, articles, social media updates and other digital forms of copy. Content marketers may write some of the content they produce, but they also commonly review the content other professionals write and help provide directions for topics. These professionals conduct in-depth research on keywords and SEO practices to ensure the content can perform well on the search engine's results page (SERP).

Content marketers are entry and mid-level professionals who may begin their careers as content creators. They often have an associate or bachelor's degree in marketing, technical writing, information technology or a related field. These professionals may create long or short-term plans for the company's digital marketing strategy. They can work on a full-time or freelance basis.

Marketing analyst

A marketing analyst is a professional who studies advertising and marketing data to support and plan a company's marketing strategies. These professionals may use software and research studies to understand how users interact with the content of the company for which they work and its competitors. This can help companies plan what type of strategy work is most effective.

Marketing analysts typically have a bachelor's degree in marketing, business analytics or information technology. Before filling a marketing analyst role, these professionals might accept entry-level positions for roles such as data analyst, market researcher or business analyst. Beginning your career in a role similar to the ones mentioned can help you gain the experience you may need when applying for marketing analyst positions.

Copywriter

A copywriter is a professional who writes articles, blog posts, social media statuses, advertisements and other forms of copy. Also known as content writers, these professionals often use SEO knowledge to craft a piece of copy that can meet the company's digital needs and generate website traffic. For example, they may conduct keyword research to determine the topic of the copy they create and what language to use throughout the piece.

Copywriters often have college degrees in technical writing, marketing, creative writing or a related study. These professionals can also earn experience equivalent to their education. Copywriters can work in multiple levels of roles, including entry, mid and senior. They may work for a company or on a freelance basis.

Copy editor

A copy editor is a professional who reviews and revises work from content creators and copywriters. These professionals use their SEO skills to revise digital content so it can rank high within the SERP for specific keywords. They also follow specific guidelines for language and formatting requirements for the copy they edit. Copy editors may edit pieces before publication and after to fact-check and research how well an article is performing on its SERP over time.

Copy editors often have a degree in technical writing, creative writing, marketing or a related field. They may begin their career as copywriters or content creators and switch to editing or find an entry-level editing position. These professionals can work as full-time employees for a company or on a freelance and contract basis.

How To Get Jobs In Search Engine Optimisation?

If you are interested in finding a job for which you can apply for SEO skills, follow these general steps:

1. Research the role you are interested in

Since SEO is a valuable skill for many positions, it is helpful to research the type of job in which you have the most interest. In your research, consider the job duties, salary and general work environment for the role. This can help you decide if it is right for you. You might also research the requirements for the role so you can prepare for any advanced learning opportunities it may require.

2. Earn a college degree

Many positions that require the use of SEO require some sort of college degree, usually an associate or bachelor's degree. Common majors SEO professionals pursue include:

Technical or creative writing
Marketing
Business analytics
Business management
Information technology

Some SEO careers may be accessible to you without a degree. These positions may accept certifications or experience in place of a formal degree.

3. Pursue a certification

Regardless of the degree you choose to pursue, earning a certification can help you learn the basic principles of SEO. There are many different SEO certifications available for professionals, so you might consider conducting some research to decide which is right for your career. Some courses may cover basic SEO knowledge suitable for entry-level roles, while others may share more advanced skills and cover SEM topics as well. Certification courses often offer flexibility in price, location and format, so you might consider earning a certification to enhance your professional degree or in the place of advanced education.

4. Begin your job search

Start your job search by researching positions online or on a job search website. Search the title of the job you want to obtain and narrow results based on your location. Once you find a job to which you want to apply, create a tailored resume and cover letter for the position. This can help you submit a more relevant and effective application, increasing the likelihood that the hiring manager contacts you for an interview.

5. Earn experience

Earning experience as an SEO professional can help you advance to more roles throughout your career. After you find a job placement, continue to set goals for development. If you do not notice any advancement opportunities within the company for which you work, you might consider starting your job search again. After earning experience, you can apply for higher-level positions that may offer more responsibility and compensation.