What does an SEO Specialist do?

SEO specialists typically work in digital marketing. They may work at an agency that handles multiple clients or have an in-house role with a specific company. Additionally, many SEO Specialists work as freelancers and can be hired for specific projects or ad-hoc work. These skilled professionals often oversee content creation to ensure it includes frequently searched terms and topics to boost its ranking in search engines like Google. They usually also work on the backend of a website, optimising meta tags, site structure and speed, ensuring mobile compatibility and building links. Their aim is to help a company attract targeted traffic and convert this interest into revenue.

SEO Specialist skills and qualifications

A successful SEO Specialist will usually have specific skills and qualifications that help them to perform key duties effectively. These include:

• Sound knowledge of digital marketing, including current trends
• Technical knowledge of web architecture, like HTML and CSS, as well as basic programming ability
• Experience in keyword research
• Strong analytical skills
• Communication and the ability to collaborate effectively with others
• Creativity and innovative thinking

SEO Specialist experience requirements

When hiring an SEO specialist, it is advantageous to look for candidates with previous experience in optimising websites or blogs. While not essential, familiarity with the industry can be a significant plus as this will give them greater insight into important keywords, trends and better knowledge about what competitors are doing. An ideal SEO Specialist has a deep understanding of various aspects of digital marketing and commits to continuously learning about the latest advancements in the field. Given that these professionals frequently collaborate with other members of a digital team, strong communication skills are advantageous for effective teamwork and project success.

SEO Specialist education and training requirements

There are no formal qualifications required to work as an SEO Specialist in the UK, but average candidates typically hold a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as IT or marketing. While not mandatory, specialist certifications are common and can serve as valuable indicators of a candidate’s expertise and interest in the field. Popular certifications for SEO Specialists include those offered by Google Analytics, HubSpot Academy, SEMrush Academy and others.

SEO Specialist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for SEO Specialists in the UK is £32,312 per year. Actual pay may depend on the employer, location, industry, exact job duties and responsibilities, experience and qualifications.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description isn’t quite what you are looking for, here are some related job description samples for similar positions to SEO Specialists:

• Digital Marketing Manager
• Content Manager
• Social Media Manager

SEO Specialist job description FAQs

Here we have answered some of the most common frequently asked questions about hiring an SEO Specialist.

How can I make my SEO Specialist job description stand out?

To create a compelling SEO Specialist job description, highlight what sets your company apart. Emphasise the unique projects and tasks that the role involves. Offering flexible working options, such as remote or hybrid work, can be particularly appealing to candidates in the IT field, so it is a good idea to mention these options if available. Additionally, provide insights into your company culture and outline the opportunities available for professional development and career progression.

Can SEO Specialists work remotely?

Yes, SEO Specialists are well-suited to remote work as their tasks are primarily computer-based and performed online. Despite this, it does involve significant collaboration, so maintaining regular check-ins, using internal messaging boards and video conferencing helps ensure that a remote SEO Specialist remains connected and integrated with your team.

What should I look for in an SEO Specialist’s CV?

When evaluating an SEO Specialist’s CV, prioritise candidates who have relevant experience in similar roles or within the same industry, as this indicates familiarity with sector-specific trends and keywords. Hands-on experience, whether from previous jobs, internships or freelance projects, is particularly valuable. We also recommend looking for essential technical skills, including proficiency in HTML, CSS and basic programming languages like JavaScript, as well as familiarity with SEO tools such as Google Analytics or SEMrush. Strong soft skills such as communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities are key indicators of a candidate’s potential to contribute effectively to your team.