Navigating My First SEO Role: Am I Overwhelmed?
Reflecting on my journey over the past seven months in my inaugural job as a Copywriter, it’s been quite the adventure! Initially, I joined the team focusing solely on content creation, but I’ve found myself expanding my responsibilities into the realm of SEO.
Our company manages two distinct websites, and as time has progressed, my role has evolved dramatically. Currently, I am tasked with producing approximately 16 blog posts each month while also crafting social media content, designing advertisements, creating landing pages, proofreading, and translating various materials. To top it off, I’ve taken on the challenge of resolving technical issues, even though navigating this terrain occasionally leaves me feeling uncertain. A significant project on my plate is the redesign of our website, where I am responsible for optimizing it to ensure a seamless and successful launch.
Being my first professional experience, I genuinely appreciate the learning curve and the dynamic nature of my job. However, I find myself questioning whether my workload is typical for someone at this level. Throughout these past months, my understanding of SEO has expanded significantly, starting with just the basics of keywords and keyword research.
I’m proud to report that my efforts have paid off immensely—the blog views have surged by 104% and organic search traffic has climbed by 27% in the last four months. I attribute this success to my commitment to delivering high-quality content on a consistent basis.
As we are a startup, I am the first individual to be dedicated to seo, which adds an extra layer of responsibility. With all this in mind, I have a few questions:
- Is my workload more than what’s considered reasonable?
- What does a standard workday look like in similar roles within the industry?
- Are the metrics I’ve achieved good or merely average for someone in my position?
- Could you suggest any reliable seo courses? My primary hurdle is mastering the vast array of information solo, without mentorship or support. Advanced courses would be incredibly beneficial as I strive to enhance my skills in this area.
I appreciate any insights you can offer! Thank you for your time and assistance on this journey as I navigate the world of seo.
2 responses to “Starting My First SEO Job: Am I Taking on Too Much?”
It’s impressive to see how you’ve embraced your role and achieved significant results in such a short time! It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when taking on a variety of responsibilities, especially in a startup environment where resources may be limited. Let’s break down your concerns and provide some actionable insights.
1. Is My Workload Excessive?
Considering the multitude of tasks you’re handling—blog writing, social media management, SEO, technical troubleshooting, and website redesign—you’re likely managing more than what is typical for an entry-level position. In many companies, especially startups, employees take on multiple roles, but this shouldn’t come at the expense of quality or personal wellbeing.
Practical Advice:
– Prioritize Tasks: Implement a task management system (like Trello or Asana) to help visually track your workload and deadlines.
– Communicate: Have an open discussion with your supervisors to clarify expectations and discuss your current workload. Expressing your concerns might lead to better role distribution or support.
2. What Does a Typical 9-to-5 Schedule Look Like for Others in Similar Roles?
For a dedicated SEO role, a typical day might include:
– Morning: Analyze performance metrics, conduct keyword research, and optimize existing content.
– Midday: Write or edit content, engage with social media, and respond to website inquiries.
– Afternoon: Collaborate with developers/designers on technical SEO and project updates, followed by research on industry trends or seo news.
Bear in mind, this is just an example and roles can vary widely between companies, especially in startups where roles are more fluid.
3. Are My Metrics Good or Just Average?
Your metrics reflect commendable growth:
– 104% increase in blog views indicates your content is resonating with the audience, optimizing for search relevance, and promoting effectively through social channels.
– 27% increase in organic search traffic is particularly noteworthy for an entry-level seo role, especially since seo can take time to show results.
Comparative Insight:
Industry benchmarks vary, but a 20-30% increase in organic traffic is often seen as a solid achievement. Your results suggest you’re on a positive trajectory, especially given your experience level.
4. Recommendations for SEO Courses
It’s great that you’re eager to expand your knowledge. Here are a few reputable online courses that could enhance your skills:
Additional Resources: Consider joining SEO forums or communities such as Moz, SEO Chat, or even LinkedIn groups. This not only allows for peer support but also keeps you updated with best practices and trends in the industry.
Conclusion
It’s clear you have a passion for your role and have shown impressive results already. Strive to find balance in your workload, seek support when needed, and continue to invest in your professional development. Your proactive approach will undoubtedly benefit your career trajectory and the success of the company. Keep up the great work, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your network or professionals for guidance!
Congratulations on your remarkable progress in just seven months! It’s evident that you’re not only committed to your role but also making a significant impact on your company’s SEO efforts with impressive traffic gains.
Regarding your concerns, it’s not uncommon for individuals in their first SEO jobs—especially in startups—to feel a bit overwhelmed. Your responsibilities sound quite extensive for someone in an entry-level position, particularly with both content creation and technical SEO tasks on your plate. In many corporate environments, these tasks are often divided among different team members, so your workload may be heavier than average.
A typical workday for someone in a similar role often includes dedicating time to keyword research, content planning, and optimization, monitoring analytics, and perhaps even staying updated with industry trends. However, that can look very different depending on the company size and structure.
As for the metrics you’ve achieved, a 104% increase in blog views and a 27% rise in organic search traffic is fantastic for someone new to the field! These results suggest that you’re on the right path and making an impact, which is certainly above average for a beginner in seo.
For further developing your seo skills, I recommend exploring courses from sources like Moz Academy, HubSpot Academy, or the Google Analytics Academy, which offer comprehensive materials ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Additionally, consider joining communities like Reddit’s seo subreddit, where you can ask questions and learn from more experienced professionals.
Remember, it’s okay to seek balance and prioritize your well