The Top Traits Recruiters Look for in a Good SEO Consultant

Do you know that Google, the world’s largest search engine, implements thousands of algorithm changes yearly? Some updates can reshape the entire search landscape. For instance, major updates such as Florida, Jagger, and Penguin have the potential to send shockwaves through businesses, making it crucial to adapt to these changes. This is where an SEO consultant emerges as a pivotal figure in the digital age. Armed with expertise in search engine algorithms and the ability to generate organic traffic, the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) consultant has become the guide and guardian of online success. However, who exactly is an SEO consultant, and how can you become one? This comprehensive guide provides an overview of everything you need to know to become a successful SEO consultant.

What Does an SEO Consultant Do?

Needless to say, an SEO consultant specializes in search engine optimization. Generally speaking, they possess expertise in optimizing websites to improve visibility and rankings in search engine results. Furthermore, their main objective is to analyze websites and implement SEO strategies that drive traffic and maximize online business visibility. Additionally, they offer recommendations on website structure, content optimization, backlinking, and technical SEO matters to help businesses achieve their goals.

Ten Roles and Responsibilities of an SEO Consultant: 

1. SEO strategy: Actively develop and implement an effective SEO strategy to improve website visibility and search engine rankings
2. Keyword research: Conduct comprehensive keyword research to identify relevant and high-traffic keywords
3. Optimization: Perform on-page optimization by optimizing website elements such as titles, meta tags, and content
4. Off-page SEO: Conduct off-page SEO activities such as link building and outreach to improve website authority and visibility
5. Provide recommendations: Analyze website performance and make data-driven recommendations for improvements
6. SEO reporting: Monitor and report on key SEO metrics such as website traffic, rankings, and conversions
7. Fix technical issues: Identify and fix technical SEO issues that may also impact website performance and visibility
8. Website optimization: Enhance organic search performance by engaging in tasks such as optimizing website structure, navigation, and user experience
9. Research: Conduct competitor analysis to identify opportunities and strategies for outranking competitors.
10. Monitor industry trends: Stay updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes to ensure the use of best practices

What Skills are Required to Become an SEO Consultant?

In brief, here are the top skills you must possess to become an SEO consultant. There are ten overall skills along with 5 technical skills that recruiters look for in candidates. Let’s break this down: 

1. SEO expertise: An in-depth understanding of SEO principles, techniques, and best practices. This includes content optimization, on-page and off-page optimization, and analytics.
2. Research: Expertise in keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and Moz Keyword Explorer
3. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to provide SEO strategies, recommendations, and insight
4. Digital marketing: Solid understanding of various aspects of digital marketing, such as content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising 
5. Analytical skills: Analytical skills such as data analysis and interpretation to analyze data, track performance metrics, and make data-driven decisions
6. Critical thinking: Strong critical and creative thinking skills to assess SEO challenges, identify opportunities, and devise innovative solutions
7. Strategic thinking: Developing effective SEO strategies and adapting them based on business objectives and market dynamics
8. Creative thinking: Creativity for content creation and strategy development to enhance engagement and visibility
9. Adaptability: Flexibility to embrace evolving search engine algorithms, industry trends, and emerging SEO techniques 
10. Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams—developers, designers, and marketers—to implement SEO initiatives 

In addition to the above skills, an SEO consultant must be proficient in technical skills. 

Five Key Technical Skills for an SEO Consultant:

1. Website and HTML/CSS: Understanding website structure, HTML/CSS basics, performing on-page optimizations, and troubleshooting technical issues
2. Technical SEO: Knowledge of technical SEO aspects such as crawlability, indexing, site speed optimization, mobile optimization, URL structure, canonicalization, and XML sitemaps
3. Website Audit and Analysis: Conducting comprehensive website audits to identify technical issues, site errors, broken links, duplicate content, and other factors impacting SEO performance    
4. Analytics Tools: Familiarity with analytics tools such as Google Analytics and Plausible to track website traffic, user behavior, conversion rates, and other key metrics for SEO analysis and reporting
5. SEO Tools: Experience with SEO tools such as SEMrush, Moz, and Ahrefs for performing keyword research, analysis, competitor research, and SEO performance    

ALSO READ: A Simple Guide to 9 Types of SEO: Find Your Strategy for Success

Why are SEO Consultants in Demand?

Without a doubt, SEO is one of the most effective marketing tools for acquiring new customers. The 2022 Hubspot Marketing Report identifies direct (22%) and organic (27%) inquiries generated through search engines and associated keywords as crucial to achieving online visibility. Therefore, businesses can increase their chances of attracting targeted audiences and improve their online visibility and reach by optimizing a website’s visibility for these types of inquiries. Moreover, considering the integral role SEO plays in the success of businesses, there is a significantly high demand for skilled professionals in this field. Furthermore, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which categorizes SEO professions under market research analysts, projects job growth of 19% from 2021 to 2031. All in all, this makes SEO consulting a highly sought-after career opportunity.

How Much Can You Earn as an SEO Consultant? 

An SEO consultant is a highly in-demand position that can open up excellent earning opportunities. According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for an SEO consultant in the U.S. is $79,596. Furthermore, the average salary range for SEO consultants typically falls between $72,788 and $88,463. However, this range is governed by an SEO consultant’s experience and expertise. Additionally, the salary may vary based on other factors such as skills, experience, and geographical location.

Let’s also take a look at how various SEO roles and their pay compare in the world, according to Talent.com: 

ALSO READ: How to Become an SEO Expert: A Comprehensive Guide

Take Your SEO Skills to the Next Level with Emeritus 

Overall, SEO consultants are vital in helping businesses navigate the complex world of search engine optimization in the digital age. As businesses increasingly recognize the vital importance of SEO for business growth, the demand for SEO consultants continues to skyrocket. Therefore, if you are considering a career in SEO, this is a great time to start. To thrive in this ever-evolving digital landscape, an SEO consultant must prioritize continuous learning and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. In fact, investing in upskilling and keeping abreast of the latest tools and strategies is crucial for career advancement and business growth. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your journey in the field, this is imperative. Thus, if you are looking to become an SEO expert, consider exploring the digital marketing courses offered by Emeritus in collaboration with the world’s top universities. 

Write to us at content@emeritus.org