Search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist
SEO specialists analyse website data to develop strategies, identify trends, increase visitor numbers, and to get ahead of the competition.
Also known as: SEO analyst, SEO consultant
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
- Typical hours35 to 38 a week
What you'll do
As an SEO specialist you could:
- develop content strategies to help your site rank higher in search engine results
- use digital tools to monitor SEO performance
- report to senior managers so they understand the impact of SEO on their business
- improve page search results by including keywords in headings and content
- keep up to date with industry trends and technology
Working environment
You could work remotely or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of English language
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to sell products and services
- persistence and determination
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
Although a degree is not essential, you could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:
- marketing
- digital marketing and information technology
- data science
- computer science
If you take a marketing related degree, you might be able to fast-track through professional marketing qualifications where the degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) .
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, like:
- Marketing Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Marketing Manager Level 6 (non degree) Apprenticeship
- Digital Marketer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could join a company's marketing department as a marketing executive and do further qualifications to gain knowledge in digital marketing and search engine optimisation.
You could take courses or qualifications offered by a professional body, for instance:
- The Chartered Institute of Marketing
- Data and Marketing Association
You may also be able to find free courses to improve your skills.
Direct application
You might be able to apply for jobs directly if you have experience in a related marketing or web content role and have built up a working knowledge of SEO software tools and methods.
Career path and progression
With experience you could
- take on a more senior position like an account or product manager
- move into a wider digital marketing role
- work as a self-employed SEO consultant
Career tips
You can take a subject spotlight on UCAS about how to beat the competition and the foundations of marketing. This can give you an insight into what it's like to study marketing.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Data and Marketing Association or The Chartered Institute of Marketing for professional development and training opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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