Traditional forms of marketing are becoming extinct. Companies are reinventing the marketing wheel by adopting new and effective marketing strategies and by hiring professionals who can help keep their businesses afloat and competitive in the current diverse market.
According to a Forbes article, businesses today are maintaining a strong performance by leveraging digital marketing strategies. The basis of many of these digital marketing strategies is search engine optimization (SEO).
If you are looking to change your career in tech, you might consider becoming an SEO manager. This job position is one of the most lucrative opportunities in today’s world. In this guide, you will find out about the job satisfaction of SEO managers as well as average salaries and career growth. Are SEO managers happy? Find out below.
What Is an SEO Manager?
An SEO manager is a professional in charge of optimizing a website’s content and structure to increase its visibility online. These professionals design SEO strategies that help guide digital marketers within an organization.
To ensure they provide the best SEO strategies, SEO managers conduct market research, competitive analysis, and keyword research for their specific organization. Their efforts increase the business brand’s awareness, credibility, and authority within its particular industry.
SEO managers have technical skills that help them perform their duties effectively. To become an SEO manager, you will need skills in content marketing, SEO optimization, link building, data analysis, and website administration. You should also be proficient in basic programming.
You will find most SEO professionals have working knowledge in HTML and CSS. In addition, the most successful SEO managers are proficient in copywriting, project management, conversion rate optimization, and client relationship management.
Is SEO Manager a Good Career?
Yes, being an SEO manager is a good career. If you have a keen interest in digital marketing and social media platforms, becoming an SEO manager is an excellent decision. The tech industry is always evolving and hence will give you the challenges you need for continuous development. If you have a competitive streak, you can easily wade through the digital marketing waters.
According to a report by the Business Research Company, the SEO industry will be worth $77.6 billion by 2023. This means demand for professionals with extensive knowledge in keyword research and digital marketing will always be on the rise. If you want a career that is relevant and impactful in 2022 and the coming years, an SEO manager career path may be best suited to you.
In addition, becoming an SEO manager does not have any specific degree requirements. Whether you have studied English composition, computer science, or data analysis, you can become an SEO manager. Often, professionals with a background in journalism or public relations pursue this career path. It is an open position to all professionals with an interest in SEO or digital marketing.
SEO Manager Satisfaction Rates
According to Payscale, job satisfaction for SEO managers is high, earning four out of five stars. Breaking down this general statistic, 86 percent of respondents are satisfied with their medical cover, 70 percent are satisfied with vision cover, and 79 percent with dental care.
On the other hand, only 30 percent of SEO managers working in the US are satisfied with their salaries. They say that their jobs are not well-compensated given the high level of stress involved. Other SEO managers point out that their companies do not offer incentives to help them increase their work performance.
What Makes SEO Jobs Satisfying?
Whether you are looking for a flexible job opportunity or a financially and intellectually rewarding position, you should consider SEO jobs. SEO jobs are satisfying, according to numerous sources. In this section, we scoured the Internet to find out what makes SEO jobs satisfying. Find out why you should pursue a job as an SEO manager below.
Driving Online Traffic
Search engines and social media platforms are critical to modern marketing efforts. Search engines like Google and Bing provide the best avenues for businesses to increase their traffic and sales. They ensure that potential clients come across specific products and services when searching for particular keywords. An SEO manager is tasked with finding which keywords will help increase the traffic of businesses online.
Versatility
SEO jobs are multifaceted. These jobs involve technical aspects, outreach insights, and content management. The diversity of an SEO manager position requires a wide range of skills that contribute to the overall success of a business. To succeed in the field, you must be conversant with keyword research, influencer marketing, organic and paid advertisements, computer science, and communication.
Networking
An SEO manager job is highly collaborative. These experts must work with web developers, web designers, mobile app developers, digital marketers, and search engine marketing (SEM) specialists. Often, SEO managers interact with all these stakeholders to ensure their goals align with the SEO strategies.
The collaboration aspect of this position makes it an excellent career path to gain tech and marketing industry knowledge through networking. As an SEO manager, you’ll form solid networks that can positively impact your career path.
Problem Solving
SEO jobs are all about solving business problems. Whether the aim is to increase web traffic, drive sales, or positively impact conversion rates, SEO managers serve a special role. As an SEO professional, you will conduct in-depth market research as well as keyword research to address the business problems presented.
Minimal Education Requirements
Many SEO experts have a degree in public relations, communications, computer science, or marketing. However, you do not need a four-year degree to pursue a career in SEO. You can easily gain SEO knowledge by attending a digital marketing bootcamp or online course. As long as you are interested in SEO strategy, you can work your way up to become an SEO manager.
SEO Manager Stress and Rewards
It’s important to establish the rewards and challenges of a job position before committing to an education or career pathway. Learning the pros and cons of an SEO manager job position is key in determining whether it will be a suitable career path for you.
SEO Manager Stress
- Changes in search engine algorithms. One of the biggest challenges SEO managers face is the constant change of algorithms in Google and other search engines, which affects businesses’ web traffic. These algorithms determine the search results a user receives when they hit the search button.
- Unrealistic goal-setting. Often, SEO managers come up with unattainable goals that end up stressing them in the long run. They also fail to properly delegate the tasks at hand, then end up missing deadlines and failing to improve the conversion rates of the business. The best way to avoid this pitfall is to learn to write SMART goals.
- Measuring results. One of the most challenging aspects of SEO management is measuring the results of initiatives. To do this, SEO managers must know what metrics to monitor, which involves some proficiency with data analysis.
- Low budgets. Most businesses are still attached to traditional methods of marketing and set aside only small budgets for SEO initiatives. Many business owners have high expectations for digital campaigns but fail to provide the money necessary to make them a success.
- Lack of conversions. Another major challenge for SEO managers is poor conversion rates. Even if you are able to improve the web traffic of a business, you may still struggle to convert visitors into customers.
SEO Manager Rewards
- Flexibility. As an SEO manager, you are not limited to your working station. Most companies prefer SEO managers who work from home and occasionally step into the office for meetings. This means you will save on travel costs and time.
- Decent pay. SEO managers earn an average salary of $72,811 per year. This is a relatively high salary for professionals with or without a degree. You can also increase your salary potential by acquiring SEO certifications or job experience.
- Networking opportunities. If you have a passion for marketing, an SEO manager job position is a fantastic choice. In this job position, you will interact with various professionals from different departments and industries. You will build a solid professional network that can easily influence the trajectory of your career.
- Product or service knowledge. An SEO manager is always abreast of new trends and ideas in the market. They are well informed on business competitors and new products or strategies in the market. This job role will expose you to various business products and services that can positively impact the company you work for.
- Versatility. As an SEO manager, you will enjoy the versatile nature of your job. You will have different challenges to address for different clients. The job description dictates that SEO managers work on keyword research, market research, paid marketing, and even content creation. You will wear multiple hats in this position and you will never be bored.
Life as an SEO Manager
Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the life of an SEO manager, examining their work environment, benefits, and career growth. These are vital factors to consider when pursuing a new line of work. This information will help you decide if becoming an SEO manager is the best career path for you in 2022.
SEO Manager Work Environment
According to Payscale reviews, SEO managers often experience high stress levels, particularly when search engines modify their algorithms. To keep up with algorithmic changes, SEO managers must constantly be learning about the latest trends and techniques.
According to professionals on Payscale, SEO managers tackle more job responsibilities than those indicated in the job description. You will find most professionals working on social media accounts, mentoring the digital marketing team, and often liaising with stakeholders. This means you must have excellent interpersonal skills to successfully navigate the industry.
SEO Manager Benefits
Often, SEO managers are employed as full-time employees, so they have access to the same benefits as other company workers. Most SEO managers enjoy paid time off, life insurance, vision insurance, and dental insurance.
Many SEO managers also have access to company stock options, employee stock purchase plan, and employee assistance program. There are even companies that offer professional gym memberships and food while on the premises.
It’s important to note that not all companies provide these benefits to their SEO managers. You should check your job application before settling for a particular company. If you choose to become a consultant, you may also miss out on the perks the company offers. Some social media and SEO managers act as third-party consultants to major companies. These professionals enjoy more flexibility but lack access to some of these perks.
SEO Manager Career Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of promotions and marketing managers will increase by ten percent between 2020 and 2030. This means every year of this decade there will be 31,100 new job openings. This is the result of an increase in demand for experts in this industry as well as the need to replace workers who retire or enter a different industry.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Mobile website SEO optimization will always be important, according to Forbes. With over two billion people accessing the Internet via smartphone, a number that’s constantly growing, the place of SEO managers in the industry is unwavering. These professionals will continue to play a critical role in businesses’ Internet strategy.
SEO Manager Job Outlook, Salaries, and Career Growth
Before delving into an SEO managerial position, it is important to ensure you are well-compensated for your efforts. The SEO manager position can be stressful and challenging at times. This is why we’re including a segment that touches on the future of the career and the wages of its professionals. Find out if SEO is in demand below.
Is SEO In Demand?
Yes, SEO is in demand. SEO is a key skill in any digital marketing position. Whether you want to become a social media manager, marketing analyst, search manager, email marketing specialist, or digital media manager, you will need to have skills in SEO. It is a crucial skill, needed to increase the visibility of the products or services a company offers.
SEO Manager Salaries
According to Payscale, the average SEO manager salary is $72,811 per annum. The salary you’ll receive depends on your level of education, skills, and the company you work for. Often, SEO managers with professional certifications receive a higher salary.
Payscale reports that SEO managers with one year of experience in the field earn on average $49,435 per year. SEO managers with five years of working experience bring home $79,474. Finally, professionals who have more than ten years of SEO experience receive on average $86,081 each year.
High-Paying SEO Jobs
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Manager | $71,914 |
| SEO Manager | $69,629 |
| SEO Specialist | $54,144 |
| Content Writer | $50,109 |
| Social Media Manager | $50,088 |
Digital Marketing Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager Average Salary: $71,914
A digital marketing manager develops, implements, and oversees the digital marketing campaigns of a company. Their goal is to increase traffic, brand awareness, and general sales. Often digital marketing managers work in conjunction with the marketing team.
Companies expect digital marketing managers to identify new tools in the market to drive traffic. Digital marketing managers should also optimize marketing campaigns and monitor consumer purchase trends. You’ll find digital marketing managers working in public relations, business management, advertising sales, or accounting.
SEO Manager
- SEO Manager Average Salary: $69,629
Hiring companies rely on SEO managers to plan, implement, and manage the SEO strategies of the entire company. These professionals have extensive expertise in link building, keyword research, content creation, web marketing, and web analytics. Often, this position requires extensive collaboration with web developers and marketing teams.
Having knowledge in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is an added advantage in this career path. However, not all hiring companies include programming languages in the job requirements. There are some that require five years of experience in digital marketing or business development.
SEO Specialist
- SEO Specialist Average Salary: $54,144
A search engine optimization (SEO) specialist is in charge of testing, analyzing, and changing websites to increase visibility on search engines such as Google and Bing. These professionals ensure a positive user experience, higher traffic, and increased brand awareness.
Companies hire SEO specialists to help create optimization strategies, conduct paid search campaigns, and manage SEO initiatives. They also expect SEO specialists to work collaboratively with the web development, digital marketing, and editorial teams. Therefore, they are highly involved in content creation and marketing.
Content Writer
- Content Writer Average Salary: $50,109
The demand for content writers is at an all-time high. Companies require these professionals to write research-based articles to drive traffic. Their main task is to deliver marketing copy to sell products or services. Their work also includes editing blog posts before publishing.
A well-rounded content writer has extensive knowledge in SEO, content management systems, and social media. Creativity, time management, communication, and editing skills are amongst the top requirements of hiring companies.
Social Media Manager
- Social Media Manager Average Salary: $50,088
Companies rely on social media managers to oversee all engagement with clients on social media platforms. They provide an effective content strategy by analyzing data, identifying trends, and conducting digital campaigns. They are also responsible for brand awareness.
To be a social media manager, you should have extensive knowledge of social media marketing tools and techniques. You should also be an exceptional team player as you will work collaboratively with stakeholders and digital marketing teams. Often, these professionals interact with customers online and keep an eye on trends.
Should I Become an SEO Manager?
Yes, you should become an SEO manager if you’re looking for a lucrative and futureproof career. Internet use has become prevalent amongst business owners, which means that the demand for experts in digital marketing and SEO will continue to rise. SEO managers play a critical role in boosting the visibility of businesses online, so if you are looking for a career with a strong future, you can’t go wrong with SEO.
SEO Manager Career Change FAQ
Yes, being an SEO manager is a good career. Internet-based job positions have a high demand. Becoming an SEO manager is a fantastic choice, especially since more and more businesses are looking to increase their online visibility.
You can become an SEO manager by attending an SEO bootcamp program. You can also choose to sign up for massive open online courses (MOOCs), vocational training, or a degree in communication. There are some professionals who gained knowledge by reading SEO books. Your preferred learning style will determine the most suitable learning path.
Yes, SEO professionals have well-paying job positions. According to Glassdoor, an SEO professional working in the US earns an average salary of $49,301 per year. You can increase your salary potential as an SEO professional by obtaining specific certifications or training. The hiring company can also increase your salary based on work experience.
No, SEO is not a hard job. You can easily carry out your duties as an SEO manager if you go through proper training programs. The most challenging aspect of the career is the rate at which it evolves. If you choose this career path, you should look into ways to remain abreast of any tech and online marketing developments.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
