Exploring a Career in SEO in 2023: Steps to Success

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become an increasingly important field in the digital age, as companies strive to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract more online traffic.

Pursuing a career in SEO can be a wise decision, but it requires dedication and patience to become an expert in the field. Here are some steps to help you succeed in your journey toward a career in SEO.

Step 1: Take a Course from a Reputable Source

One of the best ways to learn about SEO is to take a course from a reputable source. Make sure to research the course author's background and experience before enrolling.

There are many online courses available, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Some popular platforms for SEO courses include Moz, SEMrush Academy, Udemy, and Yoast SEO Academy.

I would also recommend following some key figures in the industry who share some really great content all the time,

I personally follow Barry Schwartz , Lily Ray , Aleyda Solís , Dr. Pete Meyers , John Mueller , Martin Splitt there are plenty more but that's a good starting point.

Step 2: Understand the SEO Process

To become an SEO expert, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the SEO process. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, technical optimization, link building, and analytics. By understanding the process, you can identify areas where improvements can be made to boost a website's rankings.

Step 3: Explore Starter Tools

There are several tools available to help you in your SEO journey. Some popular tools include Ahrefs , Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Semrush , and Yoast SEO (Applicable on WordPress).

These tools can help with tasks such as SEO audits, competitor analysis, keyword research, trend analysis, and technical optimization.

Step 4: Explore Different Verticals Within SEO

SEO is a vast field, with different verticals that require specialized skills. Some common verticals within SEO include On-page optimization, Technical SEO, and Off-page SEO.

You can find your niche and specialize in a specific area by exploring these different areas.

Step 5: Learn A/B Testing in SEO

A/B testing is a crucial skill in SEO, as it allows you to test different strategies and identify what works best for a website.

By testing different elements such as headlines, images, and calls to action, you can optimize a website for better conversions and user engagement.

Step 6: Start Exploring Supporting Metrics

SEO is not just about rankings, it is also about improving user experience and engagement.

Some supporting metrics to explore include click-through rate (CTR) optimization, dwell time optimization, and user experience (UX) optimization.

Step 7: Experiment with Different Types of Environments (Websites)

Every website is different and requires a unique SEO strategy. By experimenting with different types of environments, such as local businesses, global businesses, blogs, and e-commerce sites, you can gain a better understanding of the nuances of SEO for different industries.

Step 8: Know your Audience

One of the key factors that can make or break an SEO strategy is understanding your audience and optimizing their experience. To truly succeed in SEO, you need to go beyond just optimizing for search engines and focus on creating a positive user experience.

To start, you need to understand who your audience is and what they are looking for. This involves conducting market research and analyzing data to identify the demographics, interests, and search behaviors of your target audience. Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, you can tailor your SEO strategy to meet their needs.

One way to optimize the user experience is through on-page optimization. This involves optimizing your website's content, layout, and structure to make it easy for users to find what they are looking for. Some key factors to consider when optimizing for users include:

1. Clear navigation - Make sure your website's navigation is easy to understand and navigate, so users can quickly find what they're looking for.
2. Relevant content - Ensure your website's content is relevant, informative, and engaging to your target audience.
3. Calls to action (if applicable) - Include clear calls to action throughout your website to guide users toward the desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.

Step 9: Master E.E.A.T

E.A.T. is an important factor in search engine algorithms and is crucial for businesses that want to rank higher in search results. In particular, E.E.A.T, which stands for Expertise, Experience, Authority, and Trustworthiness, has become a key consideration for search engines in 2023

Expertise refers to the level of knowledge and skills a website has in its respective industry or niche. Experience refers to the level of practical experience a website has in its industry or niche.

Authority refers to the level of recognition and reputation a website has within its industry or niche. Trustworthiness refers to the level of credibility and reliability a website has in providing accurate and trustworthy information.

To get expertise on E.E.A.T., it is important to focus on several key areas. First, it is important to have a deep understanding of your niche or industry. This involves keeping up to date with the latest industry trends, news, and developments. You should also have a good understanding of your target audience and their needs, preferences, and behaviors.

Second, it is important to build a strong reputation and presence within your industry or niche. This can be achieved through activities such as networking, building relationships with other industry experts, and creating high-quality content that is informative and engaging.

Third, it is important to establish your website as a reliable and trustworthy source of information. This can be achieved by using credible sources, citing references, and ensuring that your content is accurate and up-to-date.

Fourth, it is important to build a user-friendly website that is easy to navigate and provides a positive user experience. This includes ensuring that your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and has clear and concise navigation.

By focusing on these key areas, you can improve your website's E.E.A.T and increase your chances of ranking higher in search results. It is important to remember that E.E.A.T. is an ongoing process and requires consistent effort and attention to maintain. By continuously improving your expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness, you can establish your website as a leader in your industry and drive more organic traffic to your site.

(In short, you can't rank a shit product or brand in a consistent way users are always gonna hate it and Google is always gonna punish you)

I personally have never taken an assignment or project without doing a proper due diligence, its important for you to be transparent with the brand and share prompt feedback where required,

You can fix a crappy website around a good brand and product but being an SEO you can never fix a brand or product around an amazing website

Pursuing a career in SEO in 2023 can be a great choice, but it requires dedication and a willingness to learn.

By following these steps you can at least get an idea of the whole process, you can build a strong foundation in SEO, and become an expert in the field.

Remember, it is important to never go all in at once, take a step-by-step journey before calling yourself an expert, I still remember 2012 when I didn't know how to submit an XML sitemap!

Cheers!