what is an SEO specialist?
As a search engine optimisation specialist, you analyse a client's website to identify areas for improvement. You analyse the search engine optimisation and implement any necessary changes to improve the website's rankings. As an SEO specialist, you work in-house as a company employee or for a consulting firm offering clients SEO services. You work in diverse industries, from marketing and IT to manufacturing and mining.
SEO specialists are experts in writing search-engine-optimised copy and have extensive knowledge in keyword research. If a company relies on its website to make sales, you improve web traffic to increase sales and revenue.
what does an seo specialist do?
If a company's website needs to attract targeted visitors and convert leads to customers, your job is to find ways to improve these outcomes. You find solutions to generate conversions and increase return on investment. When reviewing a website, it is crucial to understand its goals and compare them with performance. Identifying your target audience enables you to develop strategies to improve search engine rankings. Some strategies include adding content with specific keywords, internal and backlinking, rewriting HTML title tags and obtaining high-quality inbound links. You also test the website layout and optimise speed to increase conversions.
find jobsaverage salary of an SEO specialist
SEO specialists' remuneration depends on the job's complexity and work experience. The average salary of an SEO specialist is $75,000 per year. Starting in the role attracts a remuneration package of $70,000 annually. As you improve your skills and experience, you earn up to $80,000 annually.
how to increase your salary as an SEO specialist
Your skills and experience dictate your earning potential. When you have minimal skills in the role, you are likely to earn less compared to an SEO specialist with extensive experience or additional skills in programming or Google Analytics. The size of the company also influences your salary. When you work for a small start-up, you will earn less than working for a large company. The complexity of the duties in large companies increases your remuneration prospects.
Your work location also influences your earnings. For instance, if you work in metro areas with a high demand for SEO specialists, you are likely to earn more than in smaller cities with low demand for the role. The cost of living in metro areas also influences your salaries.
types of SEO specialists
Some of the types of SEO specialists include:
- direct seo specialist: as an on-page SEO specialist, you optimise the site or page search engine. You optimise on-site ranking factors to improve visibility and drive traffic to the website. You work on the meta descriptions, keywords, images and meta titles. Some of the activities for successful on-page SEO are keyword research, building internal links and writing quality content.
- indirect seo specialist: as an off-page SEO specialist, you focus on all SEO activities outside the company website to improve rankings. For instance, you write guest blogs to generate backlinks to your website. You also use search engine marketing tools like internet ads to increase traffic.
- technical seo specialist: as a technical SEO specialist, you improve the technical aspects of a website to boost the user experience. Technical SEO activities make it easier for visitors to navigate websites. For instance, you improve the site load time or its mobile compatibility.
- content seo specialist: as a content SEO specialist, you optimise copy and landing pages for search engine optimisation. Performing ongoing keyword research, including discovery and expansion of keyword opportunities. Researching and implementing content recommendations for organic SEO success.
working as an SEO specialist
Working as an SEO specialist involves analysing the company's website and improving it as a revenue source. Explore an SEO specialist's duties, work environments, and career prospects.
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duties and responsibilities
The tasks of an SEO specialist usually depend on their industry and employer. Here are some of the typical duties of an SEO specialist:
- performing keyword research: as an SEO specialist, you conduct intensive research for key phrases and words. Keyword research is essential for websites since it helps you find what customers search for on search engines. When you identify the best keywords to increase traffic, you incorporate them into on-page SEO content, like meta titles and meta descriptions.
- publishing high-quality content: as an SEO specialist, you supervise creating relevant content. High-quality content improves rankings and provides value to customers. When you research keywords, you discover what customers want to know and provide valuable content on the topics of interest. Quality content helps you build brand authority and improve traffic for your website.
- optimising HTML: as an SEO specialist, you optimise HTML to ensure the site is accessible to all users. With programming knowledge, you improve accessibility to ensure better visitor interactions. Sometimes, you work on PDFs and videos or images.
- metadata and image optimisation: metadata is essential for improving rankings since it often includes keyword phrases. You add relevant terms to meta descriptions and titles when optimising metadata. Image optimisation helps your images appear on the search list, so customers can click on them to access the website.
- engaging with other businesses for link-building: as an SEO specialist, you take advantage of any opportunity to improve the website's backlinks and drive more customers to your site. You use guest blogging to build backlinks.
- improving the user experience: ensuring users understand the company's website well is vital. For instance, improving the page speed and incorporating mobile optimisation encourages more customers to browse on the move.
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work environment
As an SEO specialist, you work in marketing consultancy, technology, agency, and retail firms. Some SEO specialists work in-house in marketing departments, assisting with digital marketing. Other SEO specialists work for consultancy firms and serve various clients.
The SEO specialist role is a desk job, and you spend most of your time in an office environment. Most companies provide creative spaces for digital marketers like SEO specialists. When you work with multiple clients, you travel extensively to meet with them. Most SEO specialist tasks can also be conducted remotely, making it possible to work from home.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include search engine optimisation managers, content strategists, content writers and marketing communication specialists. You may also work closely with account managers, brand managers, digital project managers, web designers, and other specialists, including software developers, digital marketing managers and social media managers.
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work schedule
The work schedule of an SEO specialist can be flexible, depending on the project. Regular working hours in the role are 9 am to 5 pm, with an occasional evening or weekend meeting with clients. Your work schedule is over 40 hours a week when working full-time. However, in part-time roles, you have a more flexible schedule. Some SEO specialists are freelancers or work on short-term contracts. The flexible work patterns for freelancers make it easier to work from home.
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job outlook
SEO specialists enjoy exciting career paths. When you start in a junior role, you can move to an SEO executive before becoming an SEO specialist. You can also progress to SEO manager, account manager or head of digital marketing. When you join management roles, you take on additional responsibilities like mentoring or training junior SEO staff.
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advantages of finding an SEO specialist job through randstad
Finding your SEO specialist job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as the following:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an SEO specialist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
You don't require formal education to become an SEO specialist in New Zealand, but the following qualifications give you an edge in the job market:
- bachelor's degree: to become an SEO specialist, pursue a bachelor's degree in marketing, commerce and information technology, which takes three years. You can also take up short courses in digital marketing. Having programming skills is an added advantage in the field.
- work experience: find internship opportunities to gain experience. Internships help you develop your Google Analytics and Search Console skill and understand how to use SEO tools to improve website ranking.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills of an SEO specialist include the following:
- critical thinking skills: as an SEO specialist, you require crucial thinking and analytical skills to review website performance. Your analytical skills help you identify website problems and find the best solutions.
- writing and communication skills: excellent writing and editing skills help you develop high-quality content. Communication skills enable you to distil complex ideas into straightforward content that customers can understand.
- technical skills: as an SEO specialist, you require technical skills to handle complex optimisation tasks. For instance, knowledge of programming language helps you optimise HTML and improve the technical features of your website.
- adaptability: adapting to changes is crucial since search engine algorithms change constantly. It is essential to enhance your SEO skills continually.
- inquiring mind: search engine optimisation requires regular website reviews to identify problems that could slow down performance. Having an inquiring mind helps you discover the best solutions.
FAQs about working as an SEO specialist
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an SEO specialist.
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are seo specialists in demand in New Zealand?
SEO is a growing industry, and with continuing digitisation trends, demand for SEO specialists will increase. Metro areas, with the greatest concentration of marketing and communication industries, have the highest demand for SEO specialists.
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what are the duties of an seo specialist?
As an SEO specialist, you identify strategies and tactics to increase traffic to a company's website. You also develop and implement techniques to obtain a high-ranking placement in the results pages of search engines. You increase revenue by generating more leads for a business and boosting conversion.
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can you get an seo job without experience?
Becoming an SEO specialist can be done without specific educational qualifications or experience. Most people who work in SEO come from various marketing, technology and communication backgrounds. Knowing information technology or web development improves your career prospects. You can learn SEO by attending short courses or digital marketing boot camps to improve your skills.
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how much does an seo specialist earn in New Zealand?
As an SEO specialist, you earn an average salary of $75,000 annually. Entry-level SEO specialists earn $70,000 annually, while experienced workers take home over $80,000 annually. The remuneration depends on the complexity of the role, experience and location of the business.
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how do I become an seo specialist in New Zealand?
Enrolling in a relevant bachelor's degree course like information technology, commerce and marketing to become an SEO specialist. While formal education is not compulsory, seeking employment is an added advantage. You also require experience in specialised SEO and Google Analytics tools.
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how do I apply for an seo specialist vacancy?
Applying for an SEO specialist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our SEO specialist job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.