Many people believe previous experience is necessary for a career in SEO, but that’s not always true. You can enter SEO without experience; all you need is to show that you have a good attitude and the right mindset to learn. So, how do you land a job in SEO with no experience?
In order to get a job in SEO with no experience, you must show diligence, confidence and a willingness to learn. If you lack experience, it would be beneficial to also take some of your time to gain and understand basic knowledge of SEO.
To find out how to get a job in SEO without experience, whether or not SEO jobs are in demand, and what the basics of SEO are – continue reading.
In short, yes you can get a job in SEO without previous experience. SEO is commonly thought to require extensive marketing experience or even a degree, but this isn’t always the case. For instance, according to Search Engine Land, the majority of SEO jobs (64%) do not require a degree.
By demonstrating diligence, a positive mindset, and a readiness to learn and adjust accordingly, you’re on the right track. Nonetheless, there are several essential steps you must take, particularly if you lack experience, to get ahead in SEO. These steps include:
While obtaining a job in SEO doesn’t always require prior experience in a professional marketing environment, it is crucial to independently learn the fundamental principles of SEO. You can do this by watching YouTube videos, reading articles, or reading marketing books. Demonstrating that you have dedicated some of your personal time to improve your skills and knowledge will be advantageous during interviews.
This connects back to the initial point of understanding SEO basics. Nevertheless, delving into the intricacies of Google’s algorithm is an entirely distinct task in itself. It may seem daunting, but mastering the basics is certainly achievable. When you understand how Google’s algorithm works and why it’s constantly changing, you can improve your own client campaigns.
Google’s algorithm is an elaborate system that is used to decide how certain websites will rank in the search results. Your best bet to learn about Google’s algorithm is to check out articles from reputable websites, such as Semrush or Search Engine Journal.
In the contemporary digital landscape, staying ahead of the latest digital marketing trends has become more accessible. LinkedIn, for example, serves as an online community where both new and experienced SEO experts actively exchange thoughts, opinions, and the latest news in the world of SEO. Thus, by maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile and connecting with relevant pages and people, you can acquire a wealth of SEO knowledge in a short period of time.
In the competitive world of SEO, keeping your technical skills current is vital, especially for beginners. Start by learning tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, and explore beginner-friendly coding resources for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript basics. Updating your technical skills regularly will help you stand out to employers
Your online profile greatly influences the recruitment process. Ensure your profile is clear, concise, and tailored to the job you’re looking for, sparing recruiters the need to hunt for relevant information. A well-maintained, accurate, and informative profile showcasing your education and background is essential for standing out in a competitive field like digital marketing. Recruiters are frequently drawn to candidates who demonstrate effective online presence, such as having an updated and polished LinkedIn profile. According to a recent study, 70% of employers utilise social media to evaluate candidates during recruitment. Hence, what you share online can profoundly influence your employment opportunities.
While demanding, securing a job in SEO is certainly attainable. Experience is not always necessary in the field of SEO, however getting ahead helps significantly. By getting to grips with SEO fundamentals, enhancing your existing skills, creating a portfolio of your relevant work, and actively searching for job opportunities, you will enhance your likelihood of securing a position in the SEO industry.
Additionally, certain qualifications will put you ahead of other candidates. To find out more, check out our blog on what qualifications you need to get a job in SEO.
The first thing you need to do is get in touch with a digital marketing agency that offers SEO services. You stand a better chance of landing a job in SEO if you reach out to them and keep up with the latest job openings. However, before you become an experienced SEO Specialist you must know the basics, as mentioned above. See the list below on ways to enhance your skills:
To become somewhat confident in SEO practices, it usually takes up to a year. However, the timeframe for becoming ‘good’ in SEO varies for each person. The actual duration to achieve expertise is challenging to pinpoint because the field is constantly evolving. Even those with extensive experience continue to learn and adapt to the ever-changing world of SEO.
At Wildcat Digital, for example, when you engage with clients early on, your grasp of SEO will grow since you’re learning on the go. This dynamic comes from your clients trusting you with their SEO success, which encourages you to excel in the required areas. While many account managers merely oversee accounts without delving into client content, Wildcat Digital ensures that our account managers are actively involved in hands-on tasks
While the daily routine of an SEO Specialist will vary, certain responsibilities remain consistent. One recurring task involves daily assessment of clients’ websites to identify and address any issues. You will also engage in client meetings to review reports and plan future strategies regularly to keep communication consistent.
Following this, strategising and prioritising tasks are essential. These tasks may includes on-page product optimisations, blog creation, technical audits, and more. Flexibility is crucial as you may encounter challenging inquiries that require quick thinking. That is why being able to work independently and in a fast-paced environment is essential.
Flexibility is crucial as you may encounter challenging inquiries that require quick thinking. Ultimately, maintaining client satisfaction is essential for a successful career in SEO.
When you are successful in gaining a job in SEO, there are several entry level tasks you will have to complete. These include:
Yes, SEO jobs are in demand. SEO jobs are in high demand according to LinkedIn’s 2022 emerging jobs report. The report named ‘SEO Specialist’ as one of the top 10 emerging jobs, with over 860,000 openings globally.
At Wildcat Digital, we value candidates who may not have a lot of experience but demonstrate a strong eagerness to learn and possess the right attitude. If you’re looking for a job in SEO, check out our career page for updates on future positions. Alternatively get in touch here, and a member of our team will be happy to assist.
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
Senior PPC Account Manager
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Team Leader
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Team Leader. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
PPC Team Leader
Carl joined Wildcat in 2023 with a wealth of experience in PPC. He has experience working with a wide range of clients, industries and budgets, from small local businesses all the way to international e-commerce businesses. Carl has a particular interest in strategic planning and forecasting. He is passionate about data analysis and creating sustainable long-term cross-channel strategies.
In his spare time, Carl enjoys keeping fit by lifting weights, bouldering and running. He’s also a keen musician, having played the double bass and bass guitar for 20 years.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
Senior SEO Executive
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
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