We look to search engines for answers to all of our questions. But we rarely wonder how the top answers get to the “front page”. After all, there are millions of results for Google to choose from. What we’re talking about here is the work of search engine optimization (SEO) specialists. Thanks to growing interest in SEO, becoming a specialist is much easier. Nowadays, there are so many more resources to get you started: you can consult mentors, take SEO specialist training courses (even online ones), and get guided training to learn, practice, and build experience in SEO to become a certified professional.
What Is SEO?
SEO is a digital marketing strategy that optimizes web pages to increase their ranking in search engines such as Google. It employs techniques that signal to search engines that the site contains relevant information and, therefore, should be recommended at the top of the search results list.
The effect of SEO on the search results for a site is tremendous. With it, web pages can be pushed up the rankings, increase their reach and engagement, and attract more users or customers to their business.
What Is An SEO Specialist?
An SEO specialist is a professional that optimizes websites to increase their rankings in search engines. By conducting keyword research, creating optimized content, and increasing SEO on Google, SEO specialists generate leads, grow website traffic, and improve brand awareness, on top of creating a better user experience.
In a sense, the role of an SEO specialist is similar to that of a digital marketer or a salesperson, because the goal is to increase the user base, sales, or clientele of a company.
Responsibilities Of An SEO Specialist
The job of an SEO specialist is vast and varied, and they can change depending on the specific area that needs to be improved. Here are some tasks that generally fall under the responsibilities of an SEO specialist:
- Build SEO strategies, including technical SEO, on-page SEO, and off-page SEO
- Identify and stay updated on SEO trends and changes
- Conduct paid SEO campaigns
- Monitor and derive insights from website and performance analytics
- Work with developers and content creators to ensure that best practices are followed
- Write and/or manage website content to improve search results
Key Skills Of An SEO Specialist
An SEO specialist must wear several hats, which makes it a challenging, yet exciting job. That said, the role is more straightforward when you’re equipped with these key skills:
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Writing Skills
These three skills cover the basics of what’s needed to become an SEO specialist, from a non-technical point of view. Each of them can be seen as a soft skill that will help you succeed in the long run.
How Do I Become An SEO Specialist?
You don’t have to take a four-year course to become an SEO specialist. Many of the technical skills needed to build your experience can be learned and practiced on your own, through mentorship programs, or online courses. Here are some ways to become an SEO specialist:
Research About SEO Basics
Various online sources can teach you, at the very least, the basics of SEO. Even just learning the fundamentals can help improve your search engine rankings. There are also low-level SEO positions available that allow you to learn on the job with hands-on experience.
Take SEO Courses
SEO courses are more structured avenues to becoming an SEO specialist. You can learn from experts in the field or take classes with your peers, like with IMG Courses. Some courses even offer online certification or degrees after completion, which you can add to your resume or experience.
Practice SEO And Build Experience
The best way to understand SEO is to practice it. You can do so by building a website and applying what you learn during the process. If you can, you may even opt to work at a marketing agency, where you can use your SEO skills to further build up your experience and know-how on the job.
Is Becoming An SEO Specialist A Good Career?
The digital landscape constantly changes and, with that, so does SEO. Which means SEO specialists will always be in demand, especially since people continue to go straight to search engines to discover websites, content, etc. So, while companies and businesses still aim to generate leads and attract customers in online markets, being an SEO specialist remains an excellent career choice.
