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Search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist

Alternative titles for this job include SEO analyst, SEO consultant

SEO specialists analyse website data to develop strategies, identify trends, increase visitor numbers, and to get ahead of the competition.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 38 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

Although a degree is not essential, you could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:

  • marketing
  • digital marketing and information technology
  • data science
  • computer science

If you take a marketing related degree, you might be able to fast-track through professional marketing qualifications where the degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, like:

  • Marketing Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Marketing Manager Level 6 (non degree) Apprenticeship
  • Digital Marketer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could join a company’s marketing department as a marketing executive and do further qualifications to gain knowledge in digital marketing and search engine optimisation.

You could take courses or qualifications offered by a professional body, for instance:

You may also be able to find free courses to improve your skills.

Direct Application

You might be able to apply for jobs directly if you have experience in a related marketing or web content role and have built up a working knowledge of SEO software tools and methods.

More Information

Career tips

You can take a subject spotlight on UCAS about how to beat the competition and the foundations of marketing. This can give you an insight into what it’s like to study marketing.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Data and Marketing or The Chartered Institute of Marketing for professional development and training opportunities.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an SEO specialist you could:

  • develop content strategies to help your site rank higher in search engine results
  • use digital tools to monitor SEO performance
  • report to senior managers so they understand the impact of SEO on their business
  • improve page search results by including keywords in headings and content
  • keep up to date with industry trends and technology

Working environment

You could work remotely or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could

  • take on a more senior position like an account or product manager
  • move into a wider digital marketing role
  • work as a self-employed SEO consultant

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Marketing Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: CHURCH ROAD, PENN, HIGH WYCOMBE

Digital Marketer Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £26,500 a year Annually
  • Location: HX1 2RG
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Search engine optimisation (SEO)

  • Provider: THE CITY LITERARY INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 21 March 2026
  • Location: London

Online CPD Understanding Search Engine Optimisation for Business

  • Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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