Search engine optimisation expert
A search engine optimisation expert is a person who improves where a company's web pages stand in search results for the queries that matter to it.
Check yourself in a minute: search engine optimisation expert
Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
perform online data analysis
develop digital content
apply social media marketing
use customer relationship management software
conduct search engine optimisation
About search engine optimisation expert
A search engine optimisation specialist starts from what people are actually searching for. Keywords are chosen in the context of digital content, which means checking the wording someone uses to describe a problem and setting it against what the site has to say. Website visibility is then improved: the heading structure, titles, descriptions, the shape of the addresses, loading speed and readability on a phone.
The work covers building and running SEO campaigns and pointing out the areas that need attention. The expert manages content development projects and sets a content marketing strategy. Content is integrated into the output media — site, blog, product page, video — and social media marketing techniques come in to bring new content to its audience.
The specialist uses web analytics to check whether a change worked: reads search console and analytics reports, watches impressions, positions and clicks, and turns the findings into the next round of edits. Pay-per-click campaigns may run alongside, and customer relationship management software shows which visits turned into an enquiry.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a search engine optimisation expert.
Keyword Research and Strategy
- Conduct comprehensive keyword research to identify high-value search terms relevant to business objectives
- Analyze search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitive landscape for target queries
- Develop keyword strategies aligned with content marketing and business goals
On-Page and Technical SEO Implementation
- Optimize meta tags, headings, and content structure for improved search engine visibility
- Identify and fix technical SEO issues such as site speed, mobile responsiveness, and crawlability
- Manage internal linking strategies and URL structure optimization
Analytics and Performance Monitoring
- Track SEO performance metrics using web analytics tools and generate actionable insights
- Monitor keyword rankings, organic traffic trends, and conversion metrics
- Prepare detailed reports on SEO campaign performance and ROI for stakeholders
Content Optimization and Creation
- Develop and optimize content strategies that align with target keywords and user intent
- Collaborate with content creators to ensure SEO best practices are applied across all digital assets
- Optimize existing content for better search engine rankings and user engagement
Link Building and Off-Page SEO
- Develop and execute link building campaigns to improve domain authority and backlink profile
- Identify high-quality link opportunities and manage outreach to relevant websites
- Monitor and manage brand reputation and citations across the web
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (14)
Optional (13) — show
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Frequently asked questions
What does a search engine optimisation expert do?
Search engine optimisation experts increase the ranking of a company's web pages with regard to target queries in a search engine. They create and launch SEO campaigns and identify areas of improvement. Search engine optimisation experts may conduct pay per click (PPC) campaigns.
What skills does a search engine optimisation expert need?
A search engine optimisation expert needs 14 essential skills, including keywords in digital content, web analytics, social media marketing techniques, content marketing strategy, sales strategies.
Will AI replace search engine optimisation expert jobs?
The AI disruption score for search engine optimisation expert is 75/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: create content title, keywords in digital content, provide cost benefit analysis reports. Most resilient: behavioural science, content marketing strategy, manage content development projects.
AI Replacement Risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
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