As search engines like Google have become global phenomena, careers dedicated to understanding and interpreting search engine tools and trends have naturally emerged, made waves, and become digitally essential.

The appeal of SEO-based careers is stronger than ever. As an SEO enthusiast eager to embark on or elevate your SEO journey, consider these exciting paths.

1. SEO Writer

These extraordinary wordsmiths know how to wield and spin words, especially keywords, like magic. An SEO writer's efforts go beyond crafting compelling content; they also transform keywords into captivating pieces that draw readers in and scale search engine rankings.

SEO writers usually have some background in either content or copywriting, so if you're looking to transition into the SEO writing track, that would be a great place to start. You should also get up to speed with tools that you can use to review a website’s SEO and learn how to apply them. Ultimately, SEO writers strive to create content that makes brands more visible.

2. SEO Specialist

Of the many reasons to become an SEO specialist, the most prominent is that they are storehouses of experience and expertise in search engine optimization. SEO specialists know how to navigate the wild wonderland of Google search rankings and are adept at orchestrating vivid content strategies using tools like SEMrush and Google Analytics.

As their name implies, they are search engine experts who blend their marketing, keyword analysis, and project management knowledge to create flawless SEO campaigns for web pages.

In addition to excelling in campaign creation and management, they also have amazing collaborative skills. SEO specialists often don't work as lone wolves; they share their creative process with adjacent teams like web development and content marketing.

3. SEO Analyst and Consultant

Contrary to popular opinion, an SEO analyst and an SEO consultant are not the same. Although quite similar, they function differently from each other, and that's what makes this particular career path so interesting.

SEO analysts conjure trends from refined data pools and know how to dissect data with impressive precision. As a result of their impressive data manipulation skills, they can reveal viable pathways to visibility for websites.

Similarly, SEO consultants also know their way around data and use this wisdom to guide clients through the labyrinth of search engine results pages. In contrast to SEO analysts, who thrive in in-house or agency environments, SEO consultants shine brightest in freelance settings.

4. SEO Marketer

While you may be familiar with marketing in general, you may not be savvy about the role and function of an SEO marketer. An SEO marketer navigates the volatile area of search engine marketing using a blend of on-page and off-page strategies, including backlinking, content marketing, and keyword research.

Additionally, they craft digital campaigns that boost websites to the top of search engine rankings. If you’re looking for top career paths in content marketing, you may want to give SEO marketing a try.

5. SEO Web Developer

If you can think of it, then an SEO web developer can bring it to life. And not just that, they can also birth it in a visually appealing and meticulously optimized way.

These tech geniuses fuse their coding prowess with a mastery of SEO concepts to forge websites that are inherently designed to thrive on search engine results pages. Additionally, their creations comply with SEO best practices for web developers, like mobile-friendliness, speed, and content clarity.

Lucrative SEO Expert Careers for You

The landscape of SEO is ever-changing and brimming with outstanding opportunities, all tailored to meet your aspirations. As a result of this evolution, SEO will only continue to become more important as the century unfolds, establishing its foothold within the marketing industry.

If you're seeking a remote or hybrid tech job, one or more of these career paths may resonate with you. All you have to do is choose one, embrace the dynamic world of SEO, and optimize your story.

FAQ

Q: How Much Does an SEO Manager Earn?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an SEO manager in the US is $71,136 per year. However, this can vary greatly depending on your level of experience, the size of your company, and the location. If you don't have a lot of experience and are an SEO intern or have an entry-level position, you can expect around $15/hour or roughly $30,000 a year.

Q: Is SEO Becoming Obsolete?

No, SEO is not becoming obsolete, but it has evolved over the years for the better. Search engines today are smarter than ever and can spot bad SEO practices such as keyword stuffing and link spamming that—although not ideal—were indeed used in the past but are now truly outdated.

What's sometimes referred to as "modern SEO" instead focuses more on adding as much value for the reader as possible in an organic way. You can learn essential SEO practices for web developers if you'd like to catch up.

Q: What Is Google's E-E-A-T Ranking System?

Google has long used the E-A-T ranking system to assess the quality of websites and content and rank them accordingly on its Search Engine Results Page (SERP). Here, E stands for Expertise, A for Authoritativeness, and T for Trustworthiness. E-E-A-T is an upgrade to the former model where the extra E stands for Experience—reflecting the increasing importance of having first-hand real-world experience on the topic at hand.