Blog Details
- Home
- Blog Details
What is an SEO Strategist?
If you’ve been thinking about how websites show up on Google or how some brands always appear first when you search for something, you’ve already stepped into the world of SEO. One key person behind that is the SEO strategist.
So, what is an SEO strategist? What do they do every day? And how do you become one? In this blog, we’ll break it all down in simple language—no confusing marketing talk. Just clear answers and a guide you can actually use.
What is a SEO Strategist?
An SEO strategist is someone who helps websites show up better on search engines like Google. They don’t just guess what works—they study what people are searching for and help websites use the right words and content so they can rank higher.
For example, let’s say a bakery wants to appear when someone types "best cupcakes in New York." The SEO strategist helps that bakery website get noticed by Google, so more people find it.
SEO strategists can work for marketing agencies , SEO companies, or as freelancers. They usually help businesses grow by bringing in more visitors to their websites.
What Does an SEO Strategist Do?
The day-to-day work of an SEO strategist is a mix of research, writing, and planning. Here are some of the main things they do:
- Keyword Research: They look for the best keywords people are searching for, like “affordable wedding photographer” or “best pizza in Chicago.” Then they help websites include these words in the right places.
- Content Planning: An SEO content strategist helps plan what kind of blogs, landing pages, or product pages a business should have. They make sure each page has a goal and can rank well.
- Website Audits: They check websites to find problems that stop them from ranking. This includes checking page speed, mobile-friendliness, broken links, and more.
- Backlink Strategy: They work on getting links from other websites. These links help boost a website’s trust in the eyes of Google.
- Reporting: An SEO strategist uses tools like Google Analytics or SEMrush to track how well a site is doing. They share reports with clients to show growth and what still needs work.
How to Become an SEO Strategist
You don’t need a special degree to become an SEO strategist. Many people start by learning online and practicing on their own websites or blogs.
Here’s a simple path to get started:
- Learn the Basics of SEO: Start with free courses on websites like Google Digital Garage, Moz, or HubSpot.
- Practice on Real Websites: Create your own blog or website. Try to make it rank for certain keywords.
- Understand Content Strategy: Learn how to write for people and search engines. Focus on blog writing, product descriptions, and website copy.
- Use SEO Tools: Get comfortable with tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush. These tools help you track performance and find keyword ideas.
- Get Experience: Offer your help to small businesses or non-profits. Build a portfolio to show what you can do.
- Apply to SEO Jobs: Once you have skills and some results to show, apply to SEO companies, marketing agencies, or freelance platforms.
Why Businesses Need SEO Strategists
Most people never scroll past the first page of Google. If a business isn’t on that page, they’re missing a huge number of potential customers. That’s why hiring a good SEO strategist is so important.
Even large marketing agencies rely on SEO specialists to handle client projects. From writing content to planning website changes, SEO is a major part of online growth.
SEO Content Strategist vs. SEO Strategist
You might hear both terms and wonder if they’re the same. They are similar, but there are small differences.
- An SEO strategist looks at the big picture—how the whole website performs.
- An SEO content strategist focuses mostly on the content—blog posts, landing pages, etc.—and how to improve it for SEO.
In many small teams, one person might do both jobs.
Who Can Become an SEO Strategist?
Anyone who likes writing, analyzing data, and helping businesses grow online can become an SEO strategist. If you enjoy problem-solving and learning how search engines work, this might be a great path for you.
There are no strict rules or qualifications. What matters most is your ability to learn, test, and improve websites over time.
Final Thoughts
An SEO strategist plays a big part in helping websites grow. Whether it’s through smart content planning or fixing technical issues, their job is to make sure people find what they’re looking for—and that businesses show up in those searches.
If you're thinking about a career in SEO or need help growing your business, learning more about SEO strategy is a great place to start.
Need Help with SEO? Hire SEO Raft
If you're a business owner or blogger who wants to grow online, SEO Raft can help. We’re not just another one of those SEO companies—we’re a team of real SEO strategists and content experts who focus on results.
Whether you're a small business, startup, or part of a larger marketing agency, we’ll build an SEO plan that works for your goals. From keyword research to content creation, SEO Raft offers complete SEO services to help you rank higher and reach more people.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, SEO is still growing. Almost every business wants to be found online, and SEO skills are in high demand.
It depends on experience and location, but many SEO strategists earn between $50,000 to $90,000 a year. Freelancers may earn more with multiple clients.
No, most SEO jobs care more about your skills and experience than a college degree.
It can take 3 to 6 months to see results, depending on the competition and how strong your strategy is.
Popular tools include Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz.
Yes! There are tons of free resources like Google’s SEO Starter Guide and blogs from Moz and HubSpot.
No. While keywords are important, SEO also includes site speed, mobile design, backlinks, and user experience.
Yes, but it takes time and learning. Many small businesses also hire SEO companies or freelancers to help them out.
