what is a seo specialist?
As a search engine optimisation specialist, you analyze a client's website to determine areas for improvement. You analyze the search engine optimization and implement the necessary changes to improve the website's rankings. As an SEO specialist, you work in-house as a company employee or for a consulting firm that offers SEO services to clients.
SEO specialists are experts in writing search-engine optimized copies and have extensive knowledge in keyword research. If a company relies on the website to make sales, an SEO specialist improves web traffic to increase sales and revenue.
what does a seo specialist do?
If a company's website is not attracting targeted visitors and converting leads to customers, as an SEO specialist, you find ways to improve the outcomes of the website. You should find solutions to improve conversions and increase sales. When reviewing a website, it is important to understand its goals and compare them with performances. You should also understand your target audience before finding strategies to improve search engine rankings. Some strategies include adding content with specific keywords, rewriting HTML title tags and obtaining high-quality inbound links. You also test the website layout and optimize speed to increase conversion.
Would working in marketing as an SEO specialist suit your technical skills and exceptional marketing abilities? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an SEO specialist role.
view rolesaverage seo specialist salary
The salary for an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specialist in Canada can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, company size, and industry. On average, an entry-level SEO specialist might earn around $40,000 to $50,000 CAD per year. With a few years of experience, mid-level specialists could earn between $50,000 and $70,000 CAD annually. Senior SEO specialists with extensive experience and a proven track record might earn upwards of $70,000 to $100,000+ CAD per year.
what factors affect the salary of an seo specialist?
The salary of an SEO specialist depends on work experience and company size. The compensation package usually increases gradually with your experience and qualifications. The employer usually considers the years you have worked when determining the salary structure. On the lower scale are those new in the field due to their minimal experience. However, the compensation package increases significantly over time as you accumulate experience. The employers you work for also determine the compensation package. When you work for a small start-up, your earnings may be slightly lower due to the limited resources in the company. Large companies have better compensation packages due to the unlimited resources and complexity of the roles. You also take on complex duties in large organisations, increasing your compensation package.
compare your salary now!
See how your pay stacks up against the average by job title and location.
access our tooltypes of seo specialists
Some of the types of SEO specialists include:
- on-page seo specialist: as an on-page SEO specialist, you conduct search engine optimisation on the site or page. You optimise the on-site ranking factors to improve visibility and drive traffic to the website. You work on the meta descriptions, keywords, images and meta titles. Some of the activities for successful on-page SEO are keyword research, building internal links and writing quality content.
- off-page seo specialist: as an off-page SEO specialist, you focus on all SEO activities outside the website to improve rankings. For instance, you write guest blogs to generate backlinks to your website. You also use search engine marketing tools like internet ads to improve traffic.
- technical seo specialist: as a technical SEO specialist, you improve the technical aspects of a website to boost the user experience. Technical SEO activities make it easier for visitors to navigate the website. For instance, you improve the site load time and mobile compatibility.
working as an seo specialist
An SEO specialist is an expert in improving rankings and website traffic. That is why they are an integral part of digital and content marketing. A successful SEO specialist improves sales and revenue by driving traffic to the website. Here are some of the duties and career prospects of SEO specialists:
-
seo specialist job description
The tasks of an SEO specialist usually depend on the industry or employer. Here are some of the duties of an SEO specialist:
- performing keyword research: as an SEO specialist, you conduct intensive research for key phrases and words. Keyword research is important for websites since it helps you find what customers search for on search engines. When you identify the best keywords to increase traffic, you can incorporate them into on-page SEO content, like meta titles and meta descriptions.
- publishing high-quality content: as an SEO specialist, you supervise the creation of relevant content. High-quality content improves rankings and provides value to customers. When you research keywords, you discover what customers want to know, and you can provide valuable content on the topics of interest. When you create quality content, you help build brand authority and improve traffic for your website.
- optimizing html: as an SEO specialist, you should optimize your HTML to ensure the site is accessible for all users. With programming knowledge, you can improve accessibility to ensure better visitor interactions. Sometimes, you work on PDFs and videos or images.
- metadata and image optimisation: metadata is important in improving rankings since it often includes keyword phrases. You should add relevant phrases to the meta description and title when optimizing the metadata. Image optimization helps your images appear on the search list, and customers can click on them to access the website.
- engaging with other businesses for link-building: as an SEO specialist, you should take advantage of any opportunity to improve the website's backlinks and drive more customers to your site. You should use guest blogging to build backlinks.
- improving the user experience: ensuring the users have a good experience on the company's website is important. For instance, improve the page speed and incorporate mobile optimisation to encourage more customers to browse on the go.
-
work environment
As an SEO specialist, you work in marketing consultancy, technology and retail firms. Some SEO specialists work in-house in the marketing department, assisting with digital marketing. Other SEO specialists work for consultancy firms and serve various clients. The SEO specialist role is a desk job, and you spend most of the time working in an office environment. Most companies strive to provide creative spaces for digital marketers like SEO specialists. When you work with multiple clients, you travel a lot to meet them. Most of the tasks for SEO specialists can also be done remotely, making it easier to work from home.
-
who are your colleagues?
As an SEO specialist, your colleagues might include digital marketing managers, social media managers and content writers. You may also work with marketing executives, marketing coordinators, and content marketing officers, as well as other specialists that could include web developers, web designers and multimedia specialists.
-
work schedule
The work schedule of an SEO specialist is quite flexible, depending on the project you are working on. Normal working hours in the role run from 9 am to 5 pm, with an occasional evening or weekend meeting with clients. When you work a full-time position, the work hours are over 40 hours a week. However, in part-time roles, you have flexible time schedules. Some SEO specialists are freelancers or work on short-term contracts through recruiting agencies. The flexible work patterns for freelancers make it easier to work from home.
-
job outlook
SEO specialists enjoy exciting career paths. When you start in a junior role, you move to an SEO executive before becoming an SEO specialist. From the role, you can progress to SEO manager or account manager roles or the head of digital marketing. When you join management roles, you take on additional responsibilities like mentoring or training junior SEO staff.
-
advantages of finding an seo specialist job through randstad
Finding your seo specialist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a seo specialist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
To become an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specialist in Canada, there isn't a specific formal education requirement. However, having a relevant educational background and acquiring certain skills can greatly enhance your chances of succeeding in this field. Here are the steps and considerations you might want to keep in mind:
- Education: While a formal degree is not mandatory, a bachelor's degree in fields such as Marketing, Communications, Computer Science, Business, or a related area can provide a strong foundation for an SEO career. Some positions might require a more technical background, so degrees in Computer Science or Information Technology could be beneficial.
- Digital Marketing Courses: Enrolling in digital marketing courses, which often include modules on SEO, can provide you with valuable insights and practical skills. Many universities, colleges, and online platforms offer courses in digital marketing, SEO, and related topics.
- SEO Training and Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications from reputable sources such as Google, Moz, HubSpot, and SEMrush. These certifications can showcase your expertise and commitment to the field. Google's "Google Analytics Individual Qualification" and "Google Ads Certification" are particularly useful.
- Hands-on Experience: Practical experience is crucial in SEO. Consider taking on internships, freelance projects, or working on personal projects to build your portfolio. Demonstrable results and case studies can greatly enhance your credibility.
- Stay Updated: The field of SEO is ever-changing due to search engine algorithm updates. Stay current with industry trends, algorithm changes, and best practices by following SEO blogs, attending webinars, and participating in online communities.
Remember that SEO is a dynamic field, and success often comes from a combination of education, hands-on experience, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. Building a strong online presence and showcasing your skills through a portfolio can also set you apart in this competitive industry.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an SEO specialist include:
- critical thinking skills: as an SEO specialist, you require critical thinking and analytical skills to review the website's performance. Your analytical skills help you identify problems in a website and find the best solutions.
- writing and communication skills: as an SEO specialist, you require writing and editing skills. Writing skills help you write high-quality content. Communication skills also help you distill complex ideas into simple languages that customers can easily understand.
- technical skills: as an SEO specialist, you require technical skills to handle complex optimisation tasks. For instance, knowledge of programming language helps you optimize HTML and improve the technical features of your website.
- adaptability: as an SEO specialist, you should be adaptable to changes since search engine algorithms change constantly. It is important to enhance your SEO skills constantly.
- inquisitive mind: search engine optimisation requires regular website review to identify problems that could slow down its performance. Having an inquisitive mind helps you discover the best solutions.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an seo specialist
-
what does an seo specialist do?
An SEO specialist improves a website's performance through keyword research and technical SEO. They aim to improve the website ranking and drive traffic to increase sales.
-
is seo a high-paying job?
The average annual salary for a technical SEO specialist working in Canada is about $60,000. The salary range starts at $45,000. You can make more than $75,000 per year. Factors such as performance bonuses and other incentives can boost your yearly earnings. Experience has a significant impact on your earning potential. Many SEO specialists do freelance projects to increase their income.
-
is seo a good career?
With customers relying on search engines to find information and purchase products, working in SEO is a lucrative and promising career. You have numerous growth opportunities.
-
what skills does an seo specialist need?
An SEO specialist requires analytical skills and critical thinking to resolve problems on a website. You also need writing skills to create quality content.
-
how do I apply for an seo specialist vacancy?
Finding a job near you as an seo specialist is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
meet a recruiter
Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.