How to become an SEO analyst

Explore the steps to become an SEO analyst. Learn more about earning a professional certificate, gaining relevant work experience, and building your portfolio.

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What does an SEO analyst do?

A search engine optimization (SEO) analyst improves a website's prominence and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). They optimize a website's content, structure, and technical features to align with search engine algorithms and drive more traffic.

SEO analysts may work as freelance consultants, for marketing agencies, or in-house for companies.

Some job responsibilities and key skills of an SEO analyst include:

Keyword research: Identifying relevant keywords and search phrases that potential customers would use
On-page optimization: Improving content, headers, meta tags, and other website elements to make them friendlier to search engines
Off-page optimization: Reaching out to other online publications to build a backlink portfolio to enhance the authority of the website
Technical optimization: Making sure the website is technically stable by examining the website's speed, crawlability, indexing, internal linking, and mobile responsiveness
Data collection and analysis: Monitoring a website's performance metrics through SEO tools such as Google Analytics
Competitor analysis: Examining a competitor's website and strategies to inform decision-making
Content: Working with creators to produce engaging, SEO-friendly content that drives conversions

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Steps to become an SEO analyst

Because the SEO analyst role combines aspects of digital marketing, content creation, and data analysis, there is no single path into the field. The steps below outline common ways to get started.

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor's degree

While a bachelor's degree is not required for all SEO analyst positions, having a degree in a related field can be beneficial. Majors such as marketing, communications, information technology, and business can help you build skills you'll need as an SEO analyst.

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor's degree

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Frequently asked questions

What is an SEO analyst?

An SEO analyst analyzes website and web page data to improve their performance in search results. They make recommendations and work with content and marketing teams to improve site performance through content optimization, technical SEO, schema, interlinking, and backlink development.

What degree do you need to become an SEO analyst?

Although it is not necessary to have a degree to become an SEO analyst, a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, information technology, or a related field may help you build the skills you'll need.

How much does an SEO analyst make a year?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that market research analysts, an occupation that can include SEO-related roles, had a median annual salary of $76,950 in 2024. Moreover, job opportunities for these analyst positions are projected to increase by 7% from 2024 to 2034.

How long does it take to become an SEO analyst?

Becoming an SEO analyst can take anywhere from one to six years, depending on the educational path you choose. For example, earning a bachelor's degree typically requires about four years of full-time study.