As the title suggests, search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) specialists are experts in two fields: search engine optimization and search engine marketing. Their main objective? To help organizations improve their search engine rankings, gain market share, grow revenue and increase visibility. As such, you will be expected to be well versed in onsite and offsite SEO optimization, pay-per-click advertising, link building, content development and more.
Average salaries for SEO/SEM specialists vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including where you’re located, the company you work for, the scope of your responsibilities and more. With that in mind, average salaries for SEO/SEM specialists range from $49,000 to $73,000 annually.
SEO/SEM specialists work in a variety of different business settings. For example, while some work within the marketing departments of larger companies, others work for smaller marketing boutiques, communications companies, SEO companies or independently as contractors or freelancers. SEO/SEM specialists commonly report to an SEO marketing digital marketing manager or project lead.
While your day-to-day tasks will vary based on project priorities and your current clients, here are some of the tasks that will be part of your role:
SEO/SEM specialists can work for virtually any company in any industry that wants to increase their search engine visibility. However, most SEO/SEM professionals work in marketing. Where you work is less important for search engine specialists because the bulk of the work is completed online. Therefore, many professionals in this field are able to work remotely.
Here are some of the skill requirements for SEO/SEM positions:
Most SEO/SEM professionals have undergraduate degrees in communications, computer science, media studies, writing, journalism, marketing or a related field, but the profession remains so new that few formal educational requirements have been established across the board. Certification from Google AdWords, HubSpot, Moz and similar can also help you stand out from other candidates.
The future is bright for SEO/SEM specialists. The industry is still in its infancy, and it will continue to grow and become a more important aspect of marketing for companies of all sizes. As a result, many SEO/SEM specialists are able to move on to more senior roles in marketing, sales, consulting and more.
Are you looking for jobs as an SEO/SEM specialist? Start browsing opportunities with Randstad right now.
Alternatively, if your company is looking for qualified CEO/SEM specialists, get in touch with us to learn how we can help you attract and hire today’s top candidates.