Maybe you’ve heard someone say that SEO is dead, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A career in SEO is a wonderful idea as it provides flexibility and stability. You also get the opportunity to meet new people in the digital marketing industry.

Whether you are curious about what an SEO specialist does, looking for a career change, or hunting for a job as a recent graduate, there are several reasons to be excited about a career in search engine optimisation. Before we delve into that, learn the basics of SEO first.

Firstly, what is search engine optimisation?

This has the goal of improving the rankings of a website on search engine results in order to attract more organic traffic. It helps sites to be more visible when users search for certain keywords or phrases. It brings the brands and its offerings to the attention of their target audiences.

When a website is optimised, it means that it’s identified as accurate and relevant to search queries and intents. Search engines like Google and Bing are the biggest drivers of traffic. Some businesses are even built on SEO where they appear to the right people at the right time.

Secondly, what is an SEO expert?

They are the people who make it possible for businesses of all sizes to reach the first page of search engine results. They make strategies according to the latest updates to search engine algorithms. Also, they focus on providing a positive user experience so people keep coming back.

A good SEO specialist doesn’t simply stuff content with keywords. Rather, they use the right keywords or phrases to put brands in front of target audiences while ensuring that copy is in line with user search intent. While their job sounds simple, there’s much involved in getting more organic traffic to a site.

Thirdly, what does an SEO expert do?

There are numerous ways to drive organic traffic. You may choose to be a “jack-of-all-trades” or you may specialise in a certain aspect of SEO, including:

• Technical SEO
• Content creation
• Local SEO
• Link generation

If there is one area of SEO that you feel passionate about, you have every opportunity to pursue that specific career path. Or, you may choose to focus on it all but you have to understand the basics first.

• Content strategy
• Website optimisation
• Algorithm analysis
• Performance reviews
• Team collaboration
• Paid search campaigns
• Keyword research

Fourthly, what skills does an SEO expert need?

In order to deserve a title as a specialist in search engine optimisation, you’ll need to learn and develop the following skills:

1. Off-page SEO
2. Link building
3. Content marketing
4. Web coding
5. Project management
6. Decision making
7. Analytics
8. Keyword research
9. Content creation
10. Technical SEO
11. On-page SEO
12. Social media marketing

Fifthly, how do you become an SEO expert?

While you don’t have to follow these exact steps to enter the industry, we recommend that you let this list guide you to increase your chances of success in the field.

Gather relevant working experience

Gain relevant knowledge through work experience as even entry-level marketing requires SEO. The problem is that most employers want proof that you know the basics at least. In this sense, read on to know how you may get that elusive work experience before getting employment or clients.

Sign up for apprenticeship

Becoming an apprentice means learning while undergoing training. In other words, you learn to optimise by performing tasks that professionals do on a daily basis. An expert mentor will be there to provide you with guidance and feedback so you learn practical SEO skills.

Take part in courses

To build a solid background in search engine optimisation, consider registering for resources such as free courses. These teach you the basics, allow you to build a portfolio, and help you gain credibility in the industry. Some courses even give you a certificate upon completion so you may display your knowledge level.

Strive for a certification

With a certificate, you provide proof that you have advanced knowledge about certain SEO topics. It shows that you have a deeper understanding of how to properly use SEO. However, not all courses are the same and some don’t prepare you for real-world scenarios.

Get familiar with tools

You’re expected to be familiar with multiple tools so you may execute your job effectively. There are all kinds of software that aid you with keyword research, mobile SEO, crawling, on-page and off-page SEO, analytics, site speed, link building, and more.

Start a career in SEO today

Open up a world of opportunities by becoming an expert in search engine optimisation. There are plenty of skills you need to learn and hone to become a trusted specialist, but it all begins with integrity, patience, and determination.

If you’ve set your mind to work in the SEO industry, let us at Remote Workmate help you. We may not provide direct jobs but we do connect professionals like you to clients who do. We work with companies from all around the world so there are numerous opportunities to choose from.