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What does an SEO Specialist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A Search Engine Optimization Specialist is responsible for improving the visibility and ranking of a website on search engines. They work with webmasters and web developers to ensure that a site is optimized for search engine crawling and indexing, and they also research and analyze competitor sites to find areas where they can improve a client's site. In addition to their technical skills, SEO Specialists must also have strong analytical and communication skills, as they need to be able to explain their findings and recommendations to clients in a clear and concise manner.

SEO Specialist job duties include:

  • Conduct keyword research to find the most relevant and popular keywords that can be targeted for a website or specific pages on a website
  • Optimize website content using the target keywords identified through keyword research
  • Monitor and analyze website traffic data to identify trends and patterns
  • Identify opportunities for improving website ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs)
  • Develop and implement link building campaigns to improve website ranking
  • Monitor and analyze competitor websites and strategies
  • Keep up-to-date with latest SEO trends and best practices
  • Prepare detailed reports documenting website progress and SEO campaign results
  • Collaborate with other team members, such as content writers and web developers, to ensure that SEO best practices are being followed

SEO Specialist Job Requirements

An SEO Specialist is responsible for optimizing web content for search engine visibility and ranking. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in web development, content management, and online marketing. They should also be well-versed in the latest SEO trends and algorithms. A bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field is preferred, but not required. Certification in Google Analytics and AdWords is also a plus.

SEO Specialist Skills

  • SEO
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Google
  • Webmaster Tools
  • Keyword Research
  • Link Building
  • Content Marketing
  • Social Media
  • PPC
  • Pay Per Click
  • AdWords

Related: Top SEO Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an SEO Specialist

SEO is an acronym for “search engine optimization” or “search engine optimizer.” A SEO specialist is someone who optimizing web content so it will rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).

The main aim of a SEO specialist is to improve the visibility and organic search results of a website. In order to do this, they must first understand how search engines work and what factors influence rankings. They must also be up-to-date on the latest algorithm changes and SEO best practices.

To become a SEO specialist, one must first have a strong foundation in web development and marketing. It is also important to be well-versed in different aspects of SEO, such as on-page optimization, off-page optimization, and technical SEO. Additionally, being able to use analytical tools and being comfortable with Excel is a plus.

Once you have the necessary skillset, the next step is to start building up your portfolio. This can be done by working on projects for friends or family, or by taking on small freelance gigs. As you gain more experience, you can start bidding on larger projects.

If you want to become a successful SEO specialist, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and algorithm changes. The best way to do this is to read industry blogs and participate in online forums. Additionally, attending conferences and networking with other professionals can help you learn new techniques and stay ahead of the curve.

Related: SEO Specialist Resume Example

Related: SEO Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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