What is an SEO Specialist? Skills, Responsibilities & Business Value

In today's digital world, where 96.55% of web pages receive no organic traffic from Google, the role of an SEO specialist is more critical than ever. SEO specialists are the driving force behind improving a website's visibility in organic search results. They employ diverse strategies and techniques to elevate a website's ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), ultimately leading to increased organic traffic and greater online visibility. The demand for SEO specialists is on the rise, with 77% of businesses now having one or more dedicated SEO professionals on staff, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. This trend underscores the growing recognition of SEO's value, with 88% of marketers investing in SEO planning to either increase their allocation or maintain the same level of investment in 2023.

It's important to understand that SEO is not a static field; it's constantly evolving. While technical optimization remains crucial, SEO is increasingly rewarding authenticity and expertise. SEO specialists must stay updated on the latest trends and best practices to deliver effective and sustainable results.

What Are SEO Specialist Job Responsibilities?

SEO specialists wear many hats, and their responsibilities often extend beyond traditional SEO tasks. An analysis of 52 SEO specialist job listings on Indeed and SEOJobs revealed a wide range of duties, with keyword research being the most common (in 90.4% of listings).

Keyword research	90.4%
SEO performance monitoring and analysis	75%
On-page and content optimization	69.2%

Job Title	Description
Search Engine Marketer	This broader term encompasses various activities to improve a website's visibility in search engines, including SEO, paid search advertising, and social media marketing.
Business Marketing Consultant	These professionals provide businesses with strategic advice and guidance on various marketing activities, including SEO. They may conduct market research, develop marketing plans, and implement SEO strategies to help businesses achieve their marketing goals.
Digital Marketing Manager	Digital marketing managers oversee all aspects of a company's online marketing efforts, including SEO, social media, email, and content marketing. They develop and implement digital marketing strategies to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales.
Social Media Manager	Social media managers are responsible for creating and managing a company's presence. While their primary focus is on social media platforms, they often collaborate with SEO specialists to ensure social media activities contribute to the overall SEO strategy.
Email Marketing Specialist	Email marketing specialists create and manage campaigns to nurture leads, promote products or services, and build customer relationships. They often work with SEO specialists to ensure email marketing content is optimized for search engines and drives traffic to the website.

Reason	Description
You have a way with words	SEO involves creating high-quality, engaging content that appeals to search engines and users. If you have a knack for writing and enjoy crafting compelling content, SEO could be a good fit.
Few fields are as dynamic.	SEO is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies always emerging. If you enjoy challenges and thrive in a dynamic environment, you'll likely find SEO an exciting and rewarding career path.
Strong job security	As long as people use search engines to find information, products, and services, SEO specialists will be in demand. The increasing importance of online visibility for businesses ensures strong job security in this field.
Scratch your design itch.	While SEO primarily focuses on content and technical optimization, it also involves design elements. SEO specialists often work with UX designers to improve website usability and ensure a positive user experience, which is crucial for SEO success.
SEO skills are transferable	The skills you develop as an SEO specialist, such as keyword research, data analysis, and content optimization, are valuable in various other marketing roles. Even if you decide to pursue a different career path in the future, your SEO skills will be an asset.

What is an SEO Specialist? Skills, Responsibilities & Business Value

Table of Contents

Recommended Tools

What Are SEO Specialist Job Responsibilities?

Related Articles (3)

Search Engine Algorithms: What You Need to Know

What Is Indexing in SEO?

10 Ways How to Get Website Backlinks For Your Small Business Website

Ready to Scale Your Agency?

Where Do SEO Specialists Come From?

Characteristics of a Successful SEO Specialist?

1. An understanding of the three levels of SEO

2. A savvy mind for marketing

3. An ability to think big-picture

4. Top-notch communication skills and a collaborative spirit

5. Curiosity and Adaptability

What Are Some Job Descriptions Relating to SEO Specialist?

Who Do SEO Specialists Work With?

Reasons to Become an SEO Specialist

Conclusion