20 Tips for Landing an SEO Manager Job
As explained at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, SEO managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a company’s overall SEO strategy. They usually cover a wide variety of duties such as web marketing, web analytics, content strategy planning, link building, and keyword strategy. This article will look to list 20 tips for landing an SEO manager job if you are looking for one.
Acquire the necessary skills and education
As per RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, SEO managers tend to require not only business and marketing training but also training in some form of computer science. If you want to get on the path to becoming an SEO manager, you need to get the requisite training, starting with a bachelor’s degree in the appropriate field.
Become a T-shaped marketer
The role of an SEO manager is all about T-shaped marketing. T-shaped basically refers to having a light level of knowledge in a broad array of skills, and deep knowledge/ability in a single one (or a few). If you have ambitions of becoming an SEO manager, you need to get familiar with T-shaped marketing and become one.
Understand analytical tools
The role of an SEO manager is very results-driven, and it will be necessary to provide evidence you have successfully increased a company’s position in search rankings. You will be expected to offer content creation ideas and planning based on analysis and data. According to RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, you will need to understand the analytical tools used in the industry.
Project management expertise
Depending on the position, you might also be required to demonstrate you have project management experience. In most cases, showing that you have successfully improved rankings for multiple businesses will be enough to snag you a job.
A bachelor’s degree may be required
As is the case with most positions in marketing, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become an SEO manager. However, you will also encounter employees who might prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, marketing, or finance.
Have an understanding of coding
In addition to any marketing-oriented topics you will need to master, particularly on SEO, you should also have an understanding of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS as articulated at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.
Working experience
Most employers will require prospective candidates to show that they have years of experience in planning and implementing successful SEO strategies. Therefore, you should make it a priority to build up your working experience with SEO, completing as many campaigns as possible.
Proven success in SEO
Having working experience is not enough, to land an SEO manager position, you will need to show proven success in SEO as captured at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. Therefore, having a portfolio documenting all the successful campaigns you have run in your years in the industry should set you up nicely for success when looking to land this position.
Consider getting a master’s degree
While it is not necessarily required that you have a master’s degree to land a job as an SEO manager, obtaining one can help you stand out from the rest of the candidates seeking the position. Therefore, you might want to consider pursuing a master’s degree in marketing or a similar relevant field.
Research principles
Employers will also likely prioritize candidates who show in-depth knowledge of research principles and methods, as well as experience in analyzing data. This is why you need to build up your analytical and research skills, as well as get familiar with Google Analytics.
SEO manager bootcamps
You can also attend a coding bootcamp to become an SEO manager as covered at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. Coding bootcamps are worth considering for anyone looking for short-term intensive training. They also offer career services like resume writing, interview prep, and career fairs. To become an SEO manager, you should find bootcamps that focus on digital marketing.
Leverage online platforms
If you don’t want to spend money on a degree or bootcamp, teaching yourself is a plausible way to become an SEO manager. There are tons of online platforms out there that offer free and affordable courses on SEO and digital marketing. You can also take a course if you have a degree and want to update your skills. Popular platforms include edX, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning.
Practice SEO skills
After you have become acquainted with SEO techniques, it is time to put them to practice as described at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. Start by building your own website with programming languages like HTML. You can practice analyzing search engine results pages (SERPs) and keywords.
Freelancing
To become an SEO manager, having valuable experience is key as already mentioned. In fact, you are unlikely to be considered by hiring managers if you lack experience. You can start with online freelancing opportunities or internships. Sign up for freelance websites and learn how to market yourself. You can also apply for junior SEO associate jobs.
Leverage friends and family
In addition to freelancing, another way that you can get hands-on experience as an SEO manager is by running an SEO campaign for family, friends, or a charity. Running these campaigns will help you acquire hands-on experience in SEO while also allowing you to build up your portfolio.
Industry blogs
You can also brush up on your know-how by reading SEO blogs like MOZ or the Official Google Webmaster Central Blog as discussed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. These publications are a great resource to help you gather SEO expertise.
Keep up with the latest trends
SEO is a field that changes just as quickly as Google releases a new update on its algorithm, and as an SEO manager, you have to be on top of these changes. You can traverse LinkedIn and follow industry experts for the latest developments in the SEO industry.
Hackathons
Just like internships, hackathons are also fantastic when it comes to offering an avenue to develop a real-world understanding of SEO best practices while making you a more desirable candidate in the eyes of employers as revealed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.
Know which setting suits you
SEO management is a highly versatile career pathway. This is because you could become an in-house SEO specialist working for a small business or large corporation, or could work full-time at a digital marketing agency managing SEO campaigns for numerous clients. The SEO industry also gives you room to freelance. Figure out which setting suits you best.
Apply for jobs
Finally, with the right job experience and SEO skills, you are now ready to become an SEO manager. Go ahead and apply for your dream job. Make sure to go over your resume and cover letter before submitting the application.
These are some of the tips for landing an SEO manager job, with more on this topic, and much more, to be found over at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.