{"id":176385,"date":"2024-06-27T03:51:16","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T08:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/?p=176385"},"modified":"2024-10-17T11:54:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T16:54:26","slug":"seo-specialist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-specialist\/","title":{"rendered":"I Analyzed 52 SEO Specialist Job Listings. Here\u2019s What They Do and How You Can Become One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"intro-txt\">SEO specialists are responsible for improving a website\u2019s visibility in organic search results. But what <em>exactly <\/em>do they do? What skills and qualifications do they need? And how can you become one?<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out, I looked through 52 SEO specialist job listings on Indeed and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seojobs.com\/\">SEOJobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"sidenote\"><div class=\"sidenote-title\">Sidenote.<\/div> I only focused on job descriptions that asked for \u201cSEO specialist.\u201d That means no \u201cSEO content specialist,\u201d \u201ctechnical SEO specialist,\u201d and the like. (Though job listings for Senior SEO specialists were included.)<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"intro-tok\" id=\"intro_tok\" style=\"display:none;\"><div class=\"intro-title\">Contents<\/div><a href=\"#\" class=\"expand-dots\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"What do SEO specialists do?\" data-section=\"what-do-seo-specialists-do?\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_f8bxkx8ip95u\"><\/a>What do SEO specialists do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common responsibilities I found&nbsp;are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keyword research (90.4%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SEO performance monitoring and analysis (75%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On-page and content optimization (69.2%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reporting (67.3%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technical SEO (61.6%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborating with other teams (61.5%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying up-to-date with SEO trends and Google updates (61.5%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop an SEO strategy (55.8%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Link building (53.9%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1976\" class=\"wp-image-176386\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-responsibilities-seo-specialists-are.png\" alt=\"Chart showing responsibilities SEO specialists are in charge of\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-responsibilities-seo-specialists-are.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-responsibilities-seo-specialists-are-387x425.png 387w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-responsibilities-seo-specialists-are-768x843.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-responsibilities-seo-specialists-are-1399x1536.png 1399w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"sidenote\"><div class=\"sidenote-title\">Sidenote.<\/div> Given that it would have been impossible to check each listing for hundreds of potential responsibilities, I got ChatGPT to help. I gave it ten job posts from the list and asked it to identify the most common responsibilities. I then went through all 52 listings and checked how common each responsibility was.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It seems like SEO specialists are expected to do everything. Some listings even expect SEOs to run conversion optimization, and there were even listings where SEOs were in charge of&nbsp;PPC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1316\" height=\"580\" class=\"wp-image-176387\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/job-listings-where-seos-were-expected-to-do-cro-an.png\" alt=\"Job listings where SEOs were expected to do CRO and PPC\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/job-listings-where-seos-were-expected-to-do-cro-an.png 1316w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/job-listings-where-seos-were-expected-to-do-cro-an-680x300.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/job-listings-where-seos-were-expected-to-do-cro-an-768x338.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1316px) 100vw, 1316px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot to ask for, in my opinion, since there are people who <em>actually <\/em>specialize in each facet of&nbsp;SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That being said, it could also be the case that most of these job listings are in-house. According to my colleague <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/author\/despina-gavoyannis\/\">Despina<\/a>, who has been an SEO specialist herself, it\u2019s more common for an in-house SEO specialist to be an all-rounder since they\u2019re often either the only person doing SEO or part of a very small team where versatility is rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despina reminds us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"small\"><div class=\"quote-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>The way I see it, being an SEO specialist isn\u2019t about what you do. It\u2019s about the results you\u2019re accountable for, i.e., growing organic visibility and, ideally, organic revenue. Today, you might plan technical, content, and link-building tasks to help you get there. Tomorrow, it might be brand building, UX, or even CRO&nbsp;tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><div class=\"quote-info clearfix\"><div class=\"quote-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Despina Gavoyannis\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/despina-gavoyannis.png\"><\/div><div class=\"extra-box\"><span class=\"quote-author\">Despina Gavoyannis,<\/span> <span class=\"quote-author-job\">Senior SEO <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\" target=\"_blank\">Ahrefs<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"What skills do SEO specialists need?\" data-section=\"what-skills-do-seo-specialists-need?\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_24f9qmy5wwoq\"><\/a>What skills do SEO specialists need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the common skills I&nbsp;saw:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Experience with SEO tools like Google Search Console and Ahrefs (75%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication skills (61.5%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knowledge of SEO best practices, SEO trends, and how Google works (57.7%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analytical skills (48%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1392\" class=\"wp-image-176388\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-skills-seo-specialists-need.png\" alt=\"Chart showing skills SEO specialists need\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-skills-seo-specialists-need.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-skills-seo-specialists-need-550x425.png 550w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-skills-seo-specialists-need-768x594.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-skills-seo-specialists-need-1536x1188.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"sidenote\"><div class=\"sidenote-title\">Sidenote.<\/div> I also enlisted ChatGPT\u2019s help to answer this question, using the same methodology as before.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"recommendation\"><div class=\"recommendation-title\">Interesting note<\/div><div class=\"recommendation-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>Of those who asked for experience with SEO tools, <strong>38% asked for experience with Ahrefs<\/strong>. So if you want to be prepared for the SEO specialist role, you\u2019ll need to get familiar with our toolset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no better way to do this than to actually play with the tool, so I highly recommend signing up for a free <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/webmaster-tools\">Ahrefs Webmaster Tools<\/a> account and, later on, one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/pricing\">paid plans<\/a>. If you want to dive even deeper into our toolset, I also recommend taking our free <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/academy\/certification-course\">certification course<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, this corroborates Despina\u2019s experience. Here\u2019s what she&nbsp;said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"small\"><div class=\"quote-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a mix of soft and hard skills that most employers tend to look for in my experience. These soft skills are increasingly valuable: communication, initiative, the ability to learn and adapt quickly, time and <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-project-management\/\">SEO project management<\/a>, and the ability to handle and make sense of lots of data. For hard skills: ability to put a strategy together and the ability to recommend SEO actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><div class=\"quote-info clearfix\"><div class=\"quote-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Despina Gavoyannis\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/despina-gavoyannis.png\"><\/div><div class=\"extra-box\"><span class=\"quote-author\">Despina Gavoyannis,<\/span> <span class=\"quote-author-job\">Senior SEO <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\" target=\"_blank\">Ahrefs<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing I found interesting was that there were two job listings that specifically requested experience with AI&nbsp;tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"584\" class=\"wp-image-176389\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-experience-with-a.png\" alt=\"A job listing that requested for experience with AI tools\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-experience-with-a.png 922w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-experience-with-a-671x425.png 671w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-experience-with-a-260x166.png 260w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-experience-with-a-768x486.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it was only a teeny tiny sample (for now), I see it as a sign. AI skills\u2014specifically related to <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/ai-seo\/\">using AI for SEO<\/a>\u2014will become more important in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"Do SEO specialists need any qualifications?\" data-section=\"do-seo-specialists-need-any-qualifications?\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_vbgwzhaxz9k\"><\/a>Do SEO specialists need any qualifications?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Good news: You likely don\u2019t need one since 61.5% of the job listings did not ask for a college degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1460\" height=\"1300\" class=\"wp-image-176390\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-a-degre.png\" alt=\"Chart showing whether SEO specialists need a degree\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-a-degre.png 1460w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-a-degre-477x425.png 477w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-a-degre-768x684.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1460px) 100vw, 1460px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the rest, they typically ask for a bachelor\u2019s in SEO (does that exist?), marketing, business, or something related. This jives with what Despina has seen,&nbsp;too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"258\" class=\"wp-image-176391\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-a-related-degree.png\" alt=\"A job listing that requested for a related degree\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-a-related-degree.png 840w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-a-related-degree-680x209.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-that-requested-for-a-related-degree-768x236.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even so, I don\u2019t think you have to disqualify yourself from a particular listing just because you don\u2019t have a degree. After all, Despina has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology and Education. No doubt it\u2019s a degree, but it\u2019s as far as you can imagine from being related to&nbsp;SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019d be better off worrying about how to gain <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-experience\/\">actual SEO experience<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What about <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-certification\/\">SEO certifications<\/a>? Disregard. They\u2019re not important at all. Only three job listings asked for&nbsp;them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1460\" height=\"1300\" class=\"wp-image-176392\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-certifi.png\" alt=\"Chart showing whether SEO specialists need certifications\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-certifi.png 1460w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-certifi-477x425.png 477w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-whether-seo-specialists-need-certifi-768x684.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1460px) 100vw, 1460px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"Who hires SEO specialists?\" data-section=\"who-hires-seo-specialists?\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_jm2smac6nliv\"><\/a>Who hires SEO specialists?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Both agencies and companies hire SEO specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, according to our sample, there is <em>currently <\/em>more demand for in-house SEO specialists (63.5%) than at agencies (36.5%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1556\" height=\"1208\" class=\"wp-image-176393\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-who-hires-seo-specialists.png\" alt=\"Chart showing who hires SEO specialists\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-who-hires-seo-specialists.png 1556w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-who-hires-seo-specialists-547x425.png 547w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-who-hires-seo-specialists-768x596.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-who-hires-seo-specialists-1536x1192.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1556px) 100vw, 1556px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One reason might be that the term \u201cSEO specialist\u201d is used interchangeably with <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-consultant\/\">\u201cSEO consultant\u201d<\/a> or \u201cSEO expert\u201d in the agency world, at least according to my colleague <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/author\/chris-haines\/\">Chris Haines<\/a>, who has ten years of SEO agency experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also noted that agency roles are typically more hierarchical and have this common progression (in UK agencies):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"427\" class=\"wp-image-176394\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-common-career-progression-in-a-uk-seo-agency.png\" alt=\"A common career progression in a UK SEO agency\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-common-career-progression-in-a-uk-seo-agency.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-common-career-progression-in-a-uk-seo-agency-680x142.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-common-career-progression-in-a-uk-seo-agency-768x160.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-common-career-progression-in-a-uk-seo-agency-1536x320.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, there\u2019s no \u201cSEO specialist\u201d role in a standard agency career ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"How much does an SEO specialist make?\" data-section=\"how-much-does-an-seo-specialist-make?\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_1gbizmfxtgbf\"><\/a>How much does an SEO specialist make?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common annual salary range we saw was $50,000 - $54,999. This was followed by $45,000 - $49,999 and then $40,000 - $44,999.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"584\" height=\"425\" class=\"wp-image-176819\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/6-seo-specialist-584x425.png\" alt srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/6-seo-specialist-584x425.png 584w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/6-seo-specialist-768x559.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/6-seo-specialist-1536x1117.png 1536w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/6-seo-specialist.png 1727w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is in line with Despina\u2019s experience, who said a junior SEO specialist makes around AU$60,000 - $70,000 (~US$40,000 - $46,000). It also corresponds to our <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-salary\/\">SEO salary survey<\/a>, where the median salary was $49,211.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The one outlier number (&gt;$100,000) was a senior in-house SEO specialist role at a tech company. They required a minimum of five years of SEO experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"926\" height=\"310\" class=\"wp-image-176396\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-for-a-senior-seo-role-that-required.png\" alt=\"A job listing for a senior SEO role that required at least 5 years of experience\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-for-a-senior-seo-role-that-required.png 926w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-for-a-senior-seo-role-that-required-680x228.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-job-listing-for-a-senior-seo-role-that-required-768x257.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"How to become an SEO specialist\" data-section=\"how-to-become-an-seo-specialist\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_s2phf0h8ayxr\"><\/a>How to become an SEO specialist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the job listings I looked at, barely any were entry-level. Most of them required at least a year or more of SEO experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1562\" height=\"1292\" class=\"wp-image-176397\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-how-many-years-of-experience-seo-spe.png\" alt=\"Chart showing how many years of experience SEO specialists need\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-how-many-years-of-experience-seo-spe.png 1562w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-how-many-years-of-experience-seo-spe-514x425.png 514w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-how-many-years-of-experience-seo-spe-768x635.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-how-many-years-of-experience-seo-spe-1536x1270.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1562px) 100vw, 1562px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates a catch-22: You need work to get experience, but you can\u2019t get experience without work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"562\" class=\"wp-image-176398\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/meme-about-how-you-need-work-to-get-experience-bu.jpg\" alt=\"Meme about how you need work to get experience, but you can\u2019t get experience without work\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/meme-about-how-you-need-work-to-get-experience-bu.jpg 500w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/meme-about-how-you-need-work-to-get-experience-bu-378x425.jpg 378w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>How, then, can you become an SEO specialist? I turned to Despina and Chris for answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_5fnumy34c6v9\"><\/a>1. Learn the basics of&nbsp;SEO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to be an expert to get an internship (or even a job), but you <strong>do <\/strong>need to know a bit about SEO. So, kickstart your education by learning the basics of&nbsp;SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/free-seo-courses\/\">free SEO courses<\/a> these days, so you won\u2019t even have to worry about your wallet. I recommend starting with our <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/academy\/seo-training-course\/lesson-0-1\">free SEO course for beginners<\/a>, which covers everything you need to know, from keyword research to technical SEO. If you prefer reading, then you can read our <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/seo\">free beginner\u2019s guide to SEO<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That should give you a good grounding of the important <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/seo\/seo-basics\" data-ahr=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-basics\/\">SEO fundamentals<\/a> and principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_y5p5v7kk2xw3\"><\/a>2. Build your own website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no better way to gain immediate practical experience than by building your own website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, SEO is a practical skill. There\u2019s no amount of reading and watching that will prepare you for reality than actually doing the&nbsp;thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Building a website and optimizing it for search will teach you how to navigate content management systems like WordPress, gain experience with SEO tools (you can always start with <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/free-seo-tools\/\">free ones<\/a>), and practice each aspect of SEO. All important things you need to know in your future as an SEO specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_fkdx8lcu8d7n\"><\/a>3. Get an internship at an SEO agency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite most job listings being for in-house positions, both Despina and Chris recommend that you get an internship at an agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why? Three reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Agencies typically have a coaching process for interns. That\u2019s a great way to be trained from scratch in everything SEO.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agencies allow you to be exposed to a variety of SEO experiences across different clients, whereas you\u2019ll be more \u201cspecialized\u201d in an in-house role.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a chance you\u2019ll be the only SEO person in an in-house role, especially if you\u2019re working for a small business or startup. You\u2019ll <em>still <\/em>have to figure out everything yourself without any mentor\u2019s guidance. I had this experience myself in my first job\u2014I joined a startup as a marketing intern, and I was the only marketer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>To find internship opportunities, go to LinkedIn or Indeed and search for \u201cSEO intern\u201d or \u201cSEO graduate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"448\" class=\"wp-image-176399\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-linkedin-search-for-seo-intern-jobs.png\" alt=\"A LinkedIn search for SEO intern jobs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-linkedin-search-for-seo-intern-jobs.png 960w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-linkedin-search-for-seo-intern-jobs-680x317.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-linkedin-search-for-seo-intern-jobs-768x358.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can set up alerts for these positions so you\u2019ll be notified of new ones in your&nbsp;inbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Work hard, gain experience, and you may find yourself converted into a full-time role. Or use the work experience to apply for future jobs as an SEO specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-job-in-seo\/\">How to Get a Job in&nbsp;SEO<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"Progressing in your career as an SEO specialist\" data-section=\"progressing-in-your-career-as-an-seo-specialist\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_b3k6qoxvq40b\"><\/a>Progressing in your career as an SEO specialist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>What happens next after you\u2019ve successfully become an SEO specialist? It depends on your goals and how you see your career panning out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, I asked Despina and Chris, and these are the common progressions most SEO specialists take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_mqvhlcdggx7e\"><\/a>Become an SEO&nbsp;lead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can aim to get promoted within the agency or become an SEO lead\/head of SEO in an organization with larger <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-team\/\">SEO teams<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a sense, this is the most straightforward, as you\u2019re simply climbing the SEO career ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this is the path you\u2019re interested in, the good news is that Chris himself was an SEO lead in an SEO agency. He wrote an article sharing ten tips that advanced his career and helped him become an SEO lead. I highly recommend reading it to learn what made a difference in his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/how-to-become-an-seo-lead\/\">How to Become an SEO Lead (10 Tips That Advanced My Career)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_xt8f5fqlki1b\"><\/a>Become an SEO consultant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a consultant will likely earn you more money and give you more control over your time. But it\u2019s not for everyone. As Despina says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"small\"><div class=\"quote-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>Consulting takes more entrepreneurial skills than working for someone else. You\u2019ll need to sell yourself or focus on building your <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/personal-brand\/\">personal brand<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><div class=\"quote-info clearfix\"><div class=\"quote-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Despina Gavoyannis\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/despina-gavoyannis.png\"><\/div><div class=\"extra-box\"><span class=\"quote-author\">Despina Gavoyannis,<\/span> <span class=\"quote-author-job\">Senior SEO <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\" target=\"_blank\">Ahrefs<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll have to get used to putting yourself out there, selling, facing rejection, handling all sorts of administrative work (e.g., accounting, taxes, etc.), and more. If knowing this doesn\u2019t faze you, then it could be a path you consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the guide below to learn how Nick LeRoy transitioned from an SEO employee to a full-time SEO consultant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-freelancer\/\">How to Become an SEO Freelancer - Lessons Learned from 10+ Years in the Industry<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_ygvako7sf60h\"><\/a>Start your own agency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have entrepreneurial ideals or dream of being your own boss, this could be a potential progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I\u2019ll quote Despina again&nbsp;here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"small\"><div class=\"quote-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>This is not an immediate next step. You progress into this after consulting for a while, and you get so busy that you need to hire more people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><div class=\"quote-info clearfix\"><div class=\"quote-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Despina Gavoyannis\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/despina-gavoyannis.png\"><\/div><div class=\"extra-box\"><span class=\"quote-author\">Despina Gavoyannis,<\/span> <span class=\"quote-author-job\">Senior SEO <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\" target=\"_blank\">Ahrefs<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>You also have to know that starting an agency likely means no longer doing SEO. Plenty of agency owners I\u2019ve talked to spend most of their time managing people, handling admin, and selling. If your love is SEO and not running a business, then reconsider this&nbsp;path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One final note: No matter how many inspiring stories you\u2019ve read, know that being an entrepreneur is <strong>no easy task. <\/strong>Every story you\u2019ve read is a victim of survivorship bias, and the world is littered with agencies that did not work out. However, if hearing this makes your passion burn brighter, then hey, this could be for&nbsp;you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-digital-marketing-agency\/\">How to Start a Digital Marketing Agency (Advice From 100+ Founders)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-176385-_z968kk6cdt2q\"><\/a>Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re an SEO specialist, SEO consultant, or run your own agency, three things are&nbsp;true:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SEO changes fast<\/strong> \u2014 Stay updated with what\u2019s happening with Google, its competitors, and the industry itself. Follow smart SEOs on X and LinkedIn, participate in <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-slack-communities\/\">SEO communities<\/a>, and attend <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-conferences-roundup\/\">SEO conferences<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Never stop learning<\/strong> \u2014 You can always improve your SEO skills or soft skills like managing a team, being an effective leader, and&nbsp;more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Always be networking<\/strong> \u2014 Humans are ultimately social creatures. We want to work with people whom we trust and can vouch for. Making friends in the industry can alert you to the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-techniques\/\">SEO tactics<\/a>, find valuable people to hire and partner with, commiserate when things aren\u2019t going well, and celebrate when things are.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To find out, I looked through 52 SEO specialist job listings on Indeed and SEOJobs. The most common responsibilities I found&nbsp;are: It seems like SEO specialists are expected to do everything. Some listings even expect SEOs to run conversion optimization,<span class=\"ellipsis\">\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\">Read more \u203a<\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":146,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wp_typography_post_enhancements_disabled":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[335],"tags":[],"coauthors":[339],"class_list":["post-176385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-seo","odd"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>I Analyzed 52 SEO Specialist Job Listings. Here\u2019s What They Do and How You Can Become One<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"SEO specialists are responsible for improving a website\u2019s visibility in organic search results. But what exactly do they do?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-specialist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"I Analyzed 52 SEO Specialist Job Listings. Here\u2019s What They Do and How You Can Become One\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here&#039;s the answer.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-specialist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SEO Blog by Ahrefs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ahrefs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-06-27T08:51:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-10-17T16:54:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/chart-showing-responsibilities-seo-specialists-are.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Si Quan Ong\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@siquanong\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ahrefs\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ahrefs.com\\\/blog\\\/seo-specialist\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ahrefs.com\\\/blog\\\/seo-specialist\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Si Quan Ong\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ahrefs.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e09e43a1a939a6723fb3c1ebd243f2e7\"},\"headline\":\"I Analyzed 52 SEO Specialist Job Listings. 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