{"id":11344,"date":"2024-10-16T16:45:18","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T16:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/"},"modified":"2024-10-16T16:45:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T16:45:18","slug":"seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/","title":{"rendered":"SEO Jobs: How to Build a Career in Search Marketing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>SEO jobs are booming.<\/p>\n<p>The global SEO industry is projected to reach $157 billion by 2032.<\/p>\n<p>(Up from <a title=\"Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Market Size, Trend, Demand Analysis till 2032\" href=\"https:\/\/www.emergenresearch.com\/industry-report\/search-engine-optimization-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$68 billion in 2022<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Why is this happening?<\/p>\n<p>Businesses NEED skilled SEOs to compete in the digital space.<\/p>\n<p>And they\u2019re willing to pay top dollar for that expertise (more on that later).<\/p>\n<p>In this post, you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n<p>How to land your first SEO job (even with zero experience)<br \/>\nThe skills you need to succeed in SEO<br \/>\nHow to grow your career from entry-level to leadership roles<br \/>\nWhere to find the best SEO job opportunities<\/p>\n<p>Plus, expert tips from seasoned SEO professionals on how to stand out.<\/p>\n<p>But before we get into the how-to, let\u2019s look at why SEO is such an attractive career path.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Why_Choose_a_Career_in_SEO\" >Why Choose a Career in SEO?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#High_Demand_for_SEO_Jobs\" >High Demand for SEO Jobs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Continuous_Learning_and_Adaptability\" >Continuous Learning and Adaptability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Ample_Career_Growth_Opportunities\" >Ample Career Growth Opportunities<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Ways_to_Advance_Your_SEO_Career_Agency_In-House_or_Consulting\" >Ways to Advance Your SEO Career: Agency, In-House, or Consulting<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Agency_SEO\" >Agency SEO<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Pros\" >Pros<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Cons\" >Cons<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#In-House_SEO\" >In-House SEO<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Pros-2\" >Pros<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Cons-2\" >Cons<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#SEO_Consulting\" >SEO Consulting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Where_to_Find_SEO_Roles\" >Where to Find SEO Roles<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Use_Job_Boards\" >Use Job Boards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Build_Your_Network\" >Build Your Network<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Attend_Conferences_and_Meetups\" >Attend Conferences and Meetups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Get_Involved_with_Online_Communities\" >Get Involved with Online Communities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Post_on_Social_Media\" >Post on Social Media<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Essential_Skills_and_Tools_for_a_Successful_SEO_Career\" >Essential Skills and Tools for a Successful SEO Career<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Keyword_Research\" >Keyword Research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#On-Page_SEO\" >On-Page SEO<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Site_Audits\" >Site Audits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#How_to_Stand_Out_in_SEO_Job_Applications\" >How to Stand Out in SEO Job Applications<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Show_Your_Passion_for_SEO\" >Show Your Passion for SEO<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Showcase_Specific_SEO_Achievements\" >Showcase Specific SEO Achievements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Highlight_SEO_Certifications_and_Tool_Proficiency\" >Highlight SEO Certifications and Tool Proficiency<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#How_to_Stay_Updated_in_the_Ever-Changing_World_of_SEO\" >How to Stay Updated in the Ever-Changing World of SEO<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Newsletters\" >Newsletters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Blogs\" >Blogs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Podcasts\" >Podcasts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Additional_Learning_Strategies\" >Additional Learning Strategies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/seo-jobs-how-to-build-a-career-in-search-marketing\/#Take_the_Next_Step_in_Your_SEO_Career\" >Take the Next Step in Your SEO Career<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Choose_a_Career_in_SEO\"><\/span>Why Choose a Career in SEO?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is SEO worth learning in 2024?<\/p>\n<p>Absolutely.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"High_Demand_for_SEO_Jobs\"><\/span>High Demand for SEO Jobs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Are SEO jobs in demand?<\/p>\n<p>Well, there are currently over 150,000 SEO jobs live on LinkedIn worldwide right now:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>And over 5 million LinkedIn members have \u201cSEO\u201d in their job title:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>This means there\u2019s plenty of demand for <a title=\"How to Become an SEO Expert\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-expert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO experts<\/a> right now.<\/p>\n<p>Those jobs pay well, too.<\/p>\n<p>According to Indeed, <a title=\"SEO specialist salary in United States\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/seo-specialist\/salaries?from=top_sb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO Specialists earn $64,314<\/a> on average, with salaries topping out at $109,005:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>And an <a title=\"SEO specialist salary in United States\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/seo-specialist\/salaries?from=top_sb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO Manager\u2019s average base salary is $78,225<\/a> and can rise as high as $125,845:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Continuous_Learning_and_Adaptability\"><\/span>Continuous Learning and Adaptability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A career in SEO will keep you on the cutting edge of those strategies and tactics\u2014whatever they end up being.<\/p>\n<p>In the 2000s, SEOs were keyword stuffing and spinning up personal blog networks (PBNs).<\/p>\n<p>Now we\u2019re competing against AI-generated content for clicks in search engine results pages (SERPs).<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>And more searches are happening on YouTube and TikTok every day.<\/p>\n<p>Who knows what SEO will look like in the future.<\/p>\n<p>What we do know is that there\u2019s always going to be a demand for knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>And there will always be marketing strategies and tactics that help you capture that demand.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ample_Career_Growth_Opportunities\"><\/span>Ample Career Growth Opportunities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s plenty of room to grow once you\u2019ve got your foot in the door of the SEO industry.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve got ambitions of climbing the corporate ladder, your career path could look like:<\/p>\n<p><strong>SEO Strategist:<\/strong> Individual contributor executing the day-to-day SEO work<br \/>\n<strong>SEO Manager:<\/strong> Building, managing, and training a team of SEO Strategists<br \/>\n<strong>Head of SEO:<\/strong> Setting the overall SEO strategy and managing a team of SEO Managers<br \/>\n<strong>Vice President of Growth\/Marketing:<\/strong> Overseeing the entire SEO team\u2014as well as all other teams that fall under the growth\/marketing umbrella<br \/>\n<strong>CMO:<\/strong> Leading a company\u2019s entire marketing strategy\u2014and entire marketing department<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also be well placed to strike off on your own as a consultant or pivot to an adjacent industry\u2014like paid media or product marketing\u2014at any point along the way.<\/p>\n<p>This means there\u2019s plenty of room for growth in SEO jobs.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ways_to_Advance_Your_SEO_Career_Agency_In-House_or_Consulting\"><\/span>Ways to Advance Your SEO Career: Agency, In-House, or Consulting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are typically three different career paths you can take in SEO:<\/p>\n<p>Working for an agency<br \/>\nWorking in-house<br \/>\nBecoming a consultant<\/p>\n<p>Each path comes with its own pros and cons. Let\u2019s explore.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Agency_SEO\"><\/span>Agency SEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At an SEO agency, you\u2019ll work on many client websites across different industries. You\u2019ll be part of a team tackling diverse SEO projects.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros\"><\/span>Pros<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Learn quickly by tackling different SEO problems<br \/>\nBuild a diverse skill set<br \/>\nWork alongside experienced SEOs who can mentor you<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cons\"><\/span>Cons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Lower pay compared to in-house roles<br \/>\nLimited client interaction, making it harder to build soft skills<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In-House_SEO\"><\/span>In-House SEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As an in-house SEO, you focus on one company\u2019s website. You\u2019ll work with other teams like marketing and development to improve the company\u2019s online presence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros-2\"><\/span>Pros<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Develop deep expertise in a specific industry and tech stack<br \/>\nGain experience collaborating with teams outside of the SEO silo<br \/>\nHigher pay compared to agency roles<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cons-2\"><\/span>Cons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Exposed to less varied SEO problems, meaning your hard skills might not grow as fast<br \/>\nPotentially pigeonholed into a certain role, such as <a title=\"Ecommerce SEO Strategies: How to Rank Higher\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/ecommerce-seo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ecommerce SEO<\/a> or <a title=\"Local SEO: The Definitive Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/local-seo-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local SEO<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SEO_Consulting\"><\/span>SEO Consulting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>SEO consultants work for themselves, helping multiple clients with their SEO needs. You\u2019ll handle everything from SEO strategy to finding new clients.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n<p>Dramatically increases the amount you can earn as an individual contributor<br \/>\nAllows you to choose which projects you work on\u2014and which you pass on<br \/>\nCompletely autonomy on where you work and how long you work for<\/p>\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n<p>Need to find\u2014and keep\u2014your own clients<br \/>\nManaging sales, marketing, operations, and accounting yourself\u2014while also doing all the work<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Find_SEO_Roles\"><\/span>Where to Find SEO Roles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Wondering how to find SEO jobs?<\/p>\n<p>The two best ways to find SEO roles are through job boards and your network.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to get the most from each:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Job_Boards\"><\/span>Use Job Boards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are general job boards, like LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed. And there are specialist job boards, like <a title=\"SEOJobs.com\" href=\"http:\/\/seojobs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEOjobs.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Using both will give you the best chance of finding the right job for you.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a quick search on LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed is a great way to understand what SEO jobs are available in your area right now.<\/p>\n<p>Some good search terms to use are:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSEO analyst\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>\u201cTechnical SEO\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>\u201cSEO specialist\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>\u201cSEO manager\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to set up email alerts for these terms so you\u2019re updated every time an SEO job goes live you might be interested in.<\/p>\n<p>Searching specialist job boards like SEOjobs.com is also a smart strategy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>This targeted approach can enhance your chances of finding opportunities that align closely with your experience and career goals.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Build_Your_Network\"><\/span>Build Your Network<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>SEO is no different from any other industry.<\/p>\n<p>A lot of the time, you <strong>land a job because of who you know<\/strong>, not what you know.<\/p>\n<p>The more senior the role, the more true this is.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, you rarely see a CMO or VP of SEO role appear on a job board. Company leaders usually approach people they already know and trust for those roles.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to grow your network in SEO:<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Attend_Conferences_and_Meetups\"><\/span>Attend Conferences and Meetups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a title=\"The 7 Best SEO Conferences to Attend in 2024\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-conferences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO conferences<\/a> and local meetups are one of the most effective ways to grow your network.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>You just can\u2019t beat meeting other SEOs face-to-face.<\/p>\n<p>For even better results, you might want to take a leaf out of SEO consultant <a title=\"Nick LeRoy Consulting LLC | LinkedIn\" href=\"https:\/\/nickleroy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nick LeRoy<\/a>\u2019s book and arrange your own meetup around the event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<p>\u201cMy friend <a title=\"Noah Learner - Sterling Sky Inc | LinkedIn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/noahlearner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Noah Learner<\/a> and I did that for MozCon this year. It was a great way to meet new people, grow our networks, and get the most from our time at the conference.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"media\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_Involved_with_Online_Communities\"><\/span>Get Involved with Online Communities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Want to quickly build the kind of relationships that can change your career?<\/p>\n<p>Join an SEO community.<\/p>\n<p>One notable example is <a title=\"Traffic Think Tank\" href=\"http:\/\/trafficthinktank.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Traffic Think Tank (TTT)<\/a>, a private SEO community.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Joining the conversations going on in communities like TTT is another great way to build your network and stay on top of what\u2019s happening in SEO.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, it\u2019s a great insight into the struggles top-level SEOs are facing, and how they\u2019re overcoming them.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Post_on_Social_Media\"><\/span>Post on Social Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You can also grow your network by posting about what you\u2019re learning about on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter).<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>This can be scary\u2014especially when you feel like you\u2019re still just <a title=\"How to Learn SEO In 2024 (In Record Time)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/learn-seo-fast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">learning SEO<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But so much good can come from hopping on to LinkedIn and saying something like, \u201cI was looking at our website\u2019s Google Search Console after our migration. Here\u2019s something I learned.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nervous about sharing your thoughts on social media?<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s perfectly normal.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s always a fear that someone is going to comment on your post saying \u2018Yeah, so what? This is basic knowledge\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>But in my experience, there\u2019s always someone reading that post and learning from it. And those are the people who\u2019ll reach out to you down the line and say, \u2018I\u2019ve been following your posts, and I\u2019d like to hire you for a project.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"media\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essential_Skills_and_Tools_for_a_Successful_SEO_Career\"><\/span>Essential Skills and Tools for a Successful SEO Career<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To succeed as an SEO, you need to know how to optimize a site for search.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, you\u2019re going to need to be able to get buy-in on your strategies.<\/p>\n<p>Not to mention collaborate effectively with the teams who\u2019ll need to help you execute those strategies.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a closer look at some of the skills you\u2019ll need in an SEO career:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keyword_Research\"><\/span>Keyword Research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Understanding <a title=\"Search Intent and SEO: A Complete Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/search-intent\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">search intent<\/a> and identifying high-value keywords are foundational to any successful SEO strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Gain proficiency in tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Google Keyword Planner to master this skill.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Consider taking\u00a0<a title=\"Step-by-Step Keyword Research Course - Semrush Academy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/academy\/courses\/keyword-research-with-semrush-step-by-step-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Semrush Academy\u2019s Step-by-Step Keyword Research Course<\/a> or <a title=\"Keyword Research Certification\" href=\"https:\/\/academy.moz.com\/path\/keyword-research-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moz\u2019s Keyword Research Certification<\/a> for a deeper dive into keyword research techniques.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"On-Page_SEO\"><\/span>On-Page SEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To secure a top spot in Google results, your content needs to cover everything searchers are curious about.<\/p>\n<p>It should effectively demonstrate <a title=\"Google E-E-A-T: How to Create People-First Content (+ Free Audit)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/google-e-e-a-t\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, optimizing for <a title=\"Featured Snippets: What Are They and How to Get Them\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/featured-snippets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">featured snippets<\/a> and secondary keywords is essential.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to craft compelling title tags and <a title=\"How to Write SEO-Friendly Meta Descriptions\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/meta-descriptions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">meta descriptions<\/a> that drive clicks.<\/p>\n<p>Check out our <a title=\"On-Page SEO: The Definitive Guide + FREE Template (2024)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/on-page-seo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">definitive guide to on-page SEO<\/a> to explore this process.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Site_Audits\"><\/span>Site Audits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019ll need to learn how to use a web crawler like Screaming Frog or Sitebulb\u2014or Semrush and Ahrefs\u2019s site audit tools\u2014to audit a site\u2019s SEO performance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Plus, you\u2019ll need to analyze the data available to you in Google Search Console (GSC) and Google Analytics.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>You can refer to our <a title=\"The 18-Step SEO Audit Checklist for (+ Free Template)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-site-audit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">18-step SEO site audit checklist<\/a> to learn how to audit a site quickly and effectively.<\/p>\n<p>An SEO competitor analysis will uncover which search optimization strategies and tactics are working for your competitors\u2014and which aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>These insights will help you reverse engineer your competitions\u2019 successful strategies, capitalize on any opportunities they\u2019ve missed, and prioritize which keywords and topics to target.<\/p>\n<p>Tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Moz will help you quickly analyze your competitors\u2019 search performance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>They\u2019ll reveal which keywords they\u2019re ranking for, which pages are ranking for them, and how they\u2019ve earned their backlinks.<\/p>\n<p>Read our guide to <a title=\"How to Conduct an SEO Competitor Analysis [Comprehensive]\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-competitor-analysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">performing an SEO competitor analysis<\/a> to understand the strategies and techniques used by top-ranking sites.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Stand_Out_in_SEO_Job_Applications\"><\/span>How to Stand Out in SEO Job Applications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ve found the perfect SEO job.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s time to pull together an application.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what you can do to set yourself apart from the rest of the people who\u2019ve applied for the job.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Show_Your_Passion_for_SEO\"><\/span>Show Your Passion for SEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Be sure to highlight anything you\u2019ve done to experiment with what you\u2019ve learned about SEO in your resume.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<p>\u201cWhen I was first getting started in SEO, I took everything I was learning and started a blog about my football team, the Minnesota Vikings.<\/p>\n<p>The site never got millions of impressions or made any money. But I used to point to my Vikings blog in job interviews and say \u2018Here\u2019s everything I\u2019ve learned from running this site in my free time.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"media\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The projects you launch don\u2019t need to rack up millions of views or make you thousands of dollars a month.<\/p>\n<p>Nick\u2019s blog didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>Employers want to see that you\u2019re not just passively reading about SEO tactics\u2014you\u2019re actively applying them in real-world scenarios<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Showcase_Specific_SEO_Achievements\"><\/span>Showcase Specific SEO Achievements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As SEOs, we have direct access to the data that shows how big of an ROI our campaigns drive.<\/p>\n<p>We can showcase the results we\u2019ve driven through traffic graphs:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Screenshots of where our content is ranking in the SERPs:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>And even the revenue you\u2019ve driven through Organic Search in <a title=\"Google Analytics 4 (GA4): The Ultimate Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/google-analytics-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Analytics<\/a>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Include this data in your resume to instantly demonstrate your hands-on experience delivering real results.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highlight_SEO_Certifications_and_Tool_Proficiency\"><\/span>Highlight SEO Certifications and Tool Proficiency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s a big plus for an employer if you\u2019re proficient in the tools in their tech stack.<\/p>\n<p>So, list all the SEO tools you\u2019re familiar with in your resume.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also well worth mentioning any <a title=\"The 7 Best SEO Courses &amp; Certifications\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-certification-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO certifications<\/a> you\u2019ve earned over the years.<\/p>\n<p>Anything from a GA4 certification to the courses you\u2019ve completed in the Semrush Academy are worth mentioning here.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Applying for a role that requires a skill you don\u2019t have?<\/p>\n<p>Find and take a relevant course before the interview to show you\u2019re eager to learn it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Stay_Updated_in_the_Ever-Changing_World_of_SEO\"><\/span>How to Stay Updated in the Ever-Changing World of SEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are some <a title=\"SEO Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-basics-for-beginners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO fundamentals<\/a> that haven\u2019t changed in decades.<\/p>\n<p>But every algorithm update changes what it takes to hit the top of the SERPs.<\/p>\n<p>This means you need to keep on top of what\u2019s happening if you want to succeed as an SEO.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some of our favorite resources for staying on top of the SEO strategies and tactics that work right now:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Newsletters\"><\/span>Newsletters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Subscribing to a handful of <a title=\"10 Brilliant SEO Newsletters: Master Search From Your Inbox\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-newsletters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO newsletters<\/a> will help keep you on top of what\u2019s happening in SEO.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>A few of our favorites at Backlinko are:<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"SEOFOMO\" href=\"https:\/\/seofomo.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#SEOFOMO<\/a> for keeping up with the biggest SEO news<br \/>\n<a title=\"Core Updates\" href=\"https:\/\/coreupdates.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Core Updates<\/a> for actionable SEO tips<br \/>\n<a title=\"Subscribe to Rich Snippets by Traffic Think Tank\" href=\"https:\/\/trafficthinktank.com\/rich-snippets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rich Snippets<\/a> for the latest developments in tech SEO<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blogs\"><\/span>Blogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>SEO blogs are great if you\u2019re looking to take a deep dive into a new topic.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>Some of our favorites:<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"The Backlinko SEO Blog\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Backlinko<\/a> publishes comprehensive guides on all aspects of SEO to help you level up your skills<br \/>\n<a title=\"Detailed.com\" href=\"https:\/\/detailed.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Detailed<\/a> offers insights into effective SEO strategies used by major brands dominating the SERPs<br \/>\n<a title=\"The SEO, SEM, PPC and Content Marketing Blog - Semrush\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Semrush blog<\/a> covers a wide range of topics, including SEM, PPC, and content marketing, alongside SEO<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Podcasts\"><\/span>Podcasts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Podcasts are another great way to go deeper into a topic.<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p>We recommend:<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Search Off The Record SEO Podcast | Google Search Central\" href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/podcasts\/search-off-the-record\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search Off The Record<\/a> for the Google\u2019s Search Relations team\u2019s take on the latest changes to SEO<br \/>\n<a title=\"The SEO 101 Podcast on WMR.FM\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stepforth.com\/seo-101-podcast\/#gs.f18vvi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO 101<\/a> for helpful information for beginners that doesn\u2019t overwhelm you with technical details<br \/>\n<a title=\"The SEO Mindset Podcast\" href=\"https:\/\/theseomindset.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The SEO Mindset<\/a> for guidance on how to navigate a successful career in SEO<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Learning_Strategies\"><\/span>Additional Learning Strategies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s well worth keeping an eye on the big three SEO subreddits: <a title=\"The Latest SEO News - Search Engine Optimization\" href=\"http:\/\/reddit.com\/r\/SEO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">r\/SEO<\/a>, <a title=\"r\/BigSEO\" href=\"http:\/\/reddit.com\/r\/bigseo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">r\/bigseo<\/a>, and <a title=\"r\/TechSEO\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/TechSEO\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">r\/TechSEO<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This will help you stay up to date with what other SEOs are thinking about and working on.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019ll also help you keep up with the latest trends\u2014such as innovative strategies and what their tech stack looks like:<\/p>\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_the_Next_Step_in_Your_SEO_Career\"><\/span>Take the Next Step in Your SEO Career<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A career in SEO can be fulfilling\u2014if you take the right steps along the way.<\/p>\n<p>By applying these tips, you\u2019ll be well-prepared to land your first SEO role and build a successful career.<\/p>\n<p>Ready to take the next step?<\/p>\n<p>Brush up on <a title=\"35 SEO Interview Questions (Top Answers from the Experts)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-interview-questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the most common SEO interview questions<\/a> so you\u2019re fully prepared when you secure that interview.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-jobs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO Jobs: How to Build a Career in Search Marketing<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Backlinko<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SEO jobs are booming. The global SEO industry is projected to reach $157 billion by 2032. (Up from $68 billion in 2022.) Why is this happening? Businesses NEED skilled SEOs to compete in the digital space. And they\u2019re willing to pay top dollar for that expertise (more on that later). In this post, you\u2019ll learn: How to land your first SEO job (even with zero experience) The skills you need to succeed in SEO How to grow your career from entry-level to leadership roles Where to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":11345,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"h5ap_radio_sources":[],"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backlinko","category-marketing-blogs"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/seo-industry-growth-projection-DbrQ6Q-600x400.png","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/seo-industry-growth-projection-DbrQ6Q-600x600.png","author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/author\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11344"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11344\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}