Job Roles in SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a foundation in digital marketing, helping increase a brand’s online presence and bring more visitors to websites. As more companies see the value of a strong online presence, they seek experts to lead their SEO efforts. 

What SEO Involves and Why It Matters

SEO focuses on boosting a website’s position on search engine results pages, helping it reach more potential customers. The process includes keyword selection, content updates, technical improvements, and building links to establish a site’s authority. A good SEO plan can bring more visitors, boost sales, and strengthen trust in the brand.

Key SEO Job Roles

1. SEO Specialist

An SEO Specialist, often starting at the entry or mid-level, works to improve a site’s visibility through specific strategies. They’re involved in tasks such as researching keywords, enhancing content relevance, and building links to increase a site’s authority. They also keep an eye on traffic patterns, analyze rankings, and make adjustments to help the website perform better.   Main Tasks:

• Research keywords to spot new opportunities
• Update website content to meet search engine standards
• Track and analyze how the website performs
• Apply on-page and off-page SEO methods

Typical Salary: In the U.S., SEO Specialists make around $67,388 per year, about $32.40 hourly.

2. SEO Analyst

For those who enjoy data, the SEO Analyst role focuses on understanding website performance through analytics. Using tools like Google Analytics, they study trends and assess how well SEO strategies are working. They often report findings to their team, offering recommendations based on observed data.   Main Tasks:

• Analyze website data to gauge its effectiveness
• Spot trends to guide upcoming strategies 
• Prepare reports on traffic, rankings, and other key metrics
• Work with content and marketing teams to support SEO goals

Typical Salary: SEO Analysts make approximately $56,555 annually.

3. SEO Manager

SEO Managers lead their team, guiding the overall SEO plan. They supervise SEO specialists and analysts, ensuring all SEO elements—content and technical optimization—align with the company’s objectives. Managers often work with other departments like social media and advertising to integrate SEO with larger marketing efforts.   Main Tasks:

• Develop and apply a complete SEO strategy
• Lead and coach a team of SEO professionals
• Coordinate with various departments for unified goals
• Keep up with the latest industry trends and search engine updates

Typical Salary: The average salary for an SEO Manager in the U.S. is about $74,206 annually.

4. SEO Strategist

An SEO Strategist handles the overall planning of an SEO campaign. They study competitors and trends to find growth possibilities and develop plans to leverage these chances. Unlike specialists who focus on execution, strategists provide the vision for a cohesive SEO plan. This position requires a good grasp of SEO fundamentals and an understanding of the competitive landscape.   Main Tasks:

• Develop and implement long-term SEO plans
• Perform competitive research to uncover opportunities
• Advise on content and link-building strategies
• Review and refine SEO campaigns to improve outcomes

Typical Salary: SEO Strategists in 2024 earn an average of $91,946 yearly.

5. Technical SEO Specialist

Technical SEO Specialists manage the complex behind-the-scenes aspects of SEO. They work on the website’s structure, improve speed, enhance mobile use, and handle technical details like structured data. Their role is crucial to ensure the website is technically prepared for search engines, improving chances for better rankings.   Main Tasks:

• Improve website structure for better search engine indexing
• Solve technical issues affecting performance
• Implement structured data to improve understanding
• Enhance website speed and mobile usability

Typical Salary: Technical SEO Specialists earn between $45,000 and $69,000 per year.

6. SEO Content Writer

An SEO Content Writer crafts content tailored for search engines. They write engaging material that attracts readers and uses keywords to improve ranking. Writers work closely with SEO strategists and specialists to ensure content aligns with broader SEO goals. This role is essential for creating quality material that engages users and drives organic traffic.   Main Tasks:

• Produce well-written, keyword-optimized content
• Work with SEO teams to match content with goals
• Follow SEO guidelines in writing
• Update older content to improve its ranking potential

Typical Salary: SEO Content Writers earn between $41,000 and $65,000 per year.

7. SEO Account Manager

An SEO Account Manager handles client relations and manages SEO campaigns for various clients. They understand each client’s needs and goals, communicate progress, and ensure they’re satisfied. This job demands strong organization skills and solid SEO knowledge to set achievable goals and show results.   Main Tasks:

• Act as the main contact for clients on SEO matters
• Manage several accounts and campaigns 
• Work with internal teams to achieve client objectives
• Provide clients with regular updates and recommendations

Typical Salary: SEO Account Managers earn between $52,000 and $85,000 per year.

Factors Affecting SEO Salaries

A few elements contribute to salary differences in SEO roles:

• Experience Level: Those with a strong track record and more years in the field typically earn more.
• Location: Pay varies depending on the cost of living and local demand for SEO skills.
• Industry: Industries like e-commerce and technology may pay more as SEO plays a major role.
• Company Size: Larger businesses often pay higher salaries than smaller ones.

Emerging SEO Job Market Trends

The field of SEO is always shifting, with trends affecting roles and pay:

• AI and Automation: New tools using artificial intelligence are reshaping SEO, requiring professionals to keep learning.
• User Experience (UX): Search engines now prioritize user experience, making it important for SEO teams to work with UX designers.
• Mobile Optimization: With mobile use on the rise, optimizing for mobile search is now essential for SEO success.
• Voice Search: The rise of voice-based search means SEO strategies need to adapt to natural, conversational searches.

Final Thoughts

SEO remains a vital part of digital marketing, offering varied roles with distinct responsibilities and earning potential. Staying informed about new industry trends and consistently updating skills are essential for success in this evolving field.