Looking to start or grow your SEO career? This guide explains how to find a job that matches your interests and helps you succeed.
Stepping into the world of SEO can feel like walking into a vast, unfamiliar forest. There are many paths to take, and it is easy to feel lost if you are unsure which one is right for you.
SEO is about helping websites rank higher in search engine results. But finding the right job in this field takes more than just enthusiasm. Let’s break it down into four simple steps.
#1. Get to Know the Types of SEO Jobs
Think of SEO as a team sport where each player has a specific role. Understanding these roles is the first step to choosing where you fit:
- Technical SEO. Imagine you are the mechanic who helps a car run smoothly. In technical SEO, your focus is on the behind-the-scenes work, like fixing broken links, speeding up websites, and ensuring search engines can “read” a site.
- Content SEO. It is more like being a storyteller. You create articles, blogs, or videos that answer people’s questions and include keywords they search for.
- Off-page SEO. Think of this as being the social butterfly. Your job is to get other websites to link to yours.
Let’s say you enjoy puzzles and problem-solving — technical SEO might be for you. If you love writing or storytelling, content SEO could be your niche. Understanding these categories helps you decide which job feels like a natural fit.
#2. Choose a Company That Matches Your Style
Finding the right SEO job is not just about what you do but about where you do it. Picture this: working at a tiny coffee shop versus managing a café in a big city. Both jobs involve coffee, but the experience is wildly different.
Here are the main types of companies you can join:
- Small businesses or startups. These places might ask you to do a bit of everything. You could be juggling content writing, technical fixes, and social media outreach all at once. It can be overwhelming.
- Large companies. These often have more structured roles. If you like knowing exactly what your job will be each day, this could be the right environment for you.
- Agencies. Working at an agency is like being a chef who cooks for many restaurants. You will manage SEO for multiple clients, so you will learn a lot, but stay on your toes.
To figure out if a company is right for you, read about it online, talk to current or past employees, and ask questions during interviews. For instance, you could ask, “What’s a typical day like here for someone in SEO?”
#3. Show What You Can Do
Imagine applying to be a chef but having no meals to show off. SEO is similar — employers want to see examples of your work. There are simple ways to build your experience:
- Start your project. Create a blog about something you love and use SEO strategies to attract visitors. It is like setting up your little store to practise running a business.
- Learn online. There are free or affordable courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy. Think of these as your coaches, teaching you the rules of the SEO game.
- Share your progress. If you have improved your blog’s traffic or helped a friend’s website get more visitors, include that in your resume. Be specific — employers love numbers like “increased visits by 50% in three months.”
Even small projects can make a big difference when applying for jobs.
#4. Think About Where This Job Will Take You
Landing a job is like boarding a train. Before you get on, ask yourself, “Where is it going?” The right SEO job is not just about what you will do today but about what you will learn and where you will grow. Does the company pay for workshops, conferences, or new tools? A company that invests in your learning cares about your future.
Also, remember to ask if there is a chance to move up. Could you become a team leader or manage projects in the future?
Finding the right SEO job is like piecing together a puzzle. With the steps mentioned above, you will find a role that does not just pay the bills but helps you thrive.
