As more and more companies acknowledge the importance of search engine optimization, they realize that having an in-house SEO is important. What should firms look for when they hire a full time SEO? A Search Engine Watch Forums thread discusses the job requirements.
- Must be able to show at least two successfully optimized sites
- Must be knowledgeable of SE algos and relevancy signals
- Must possess keen knowledge coding and the ability to optimize coding for SEO purposes (HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, mod_rewrites, 301/302 redirects)
- 5+ years of experience
- Skillsets: creativity, marketing, and technical
- Understanding of available SEO tools
- Must be a team player
What about salary? Is five years of experience really set in stone? As moderator Marcia adds, "it depends."
A lot depends on the needs of the particular business, and whether it's a one-man show or there's a team or a few individuals who work on the site. For an in-house position, there would be tremendous differences in different geographic areas, which is a factor to consider. Then again, there are SEOs who make well into six figures running their own sites who wouldn't think of going in-house.It isn't only a matter of time, there are people out there who have been at it for many, many years but their abilities are still limited. Then, there are some who excel after only a year or so if they have a natural bent for it.
Very true. Some people show excellent promise earlier than others. As far as salaries go, it also varies. We have posted a list of Search Engine Marketing salaries in the past which might be a useful guide.
Discussion continues at Search Engine Watch Forums.
