Navigating My First SEO Role: Balancing Tasks and Growth
It’s been seven months since I embarked on my journey as a Copywriter, and to my surprise, I’ve found myself stepping into the world of SEO alongside my original responsibilities. The shift has been both challenging and rewarding, but it has left me questioning whether I’ve taken on too much.
In my role, I manage content across two different websites catering to distinct product lines. My tasks have escalated significantly, and now I consistently produce approximately 16 blog posts each month. Alongside this, I am involved in drafting social media updates, creating advertisements, crafting landing pages, proofreading content, and translating materials. On top of all this, I’m also tasked with resolving technical issues, despite my limited experience in that area. The cherry on top of everything? I’m responsible for optimizing our website redesign to ensure a seamless launch.
While I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge, I can’t help but wonder if my current workload is the norm for someone in my position. During these past months, I’ve absorbed a wealth of knowledge about SEO, moving beyond just understanding keywords and keyword research.
The results speak for themselves: I’ve boosted our blog views by an impressive 104% and increased organic search traffic by 27% in the last four months. My primary strategy has revolved around regularly delivering high-quality content that resonates with our audience.
As a startup, we’ve never had a dedicated seo specialist before, and I’m finding myself learning the ropes in a dynamic environment. With that in mind, I have a few questions that I hope to gain insights on:
- Is my workload typical for this role?
- What does a standard 9-to-5 schedule look like for seo professionals?
- Are my performance metrics considered strong, or am I just achieving average results?
- Can anyone recommend reputable seo courses? I’m eager to enhance my skills, especially since my learning currently feels quite independent with limited guidance. Advanced courses would be particularly beneficial as I navigate this role.
Thank you for any insights you can share! Your guidance will be invaluable as I continue to grow in my career and improve our company’s online presence.
2 responses to “Am I taking on too much work?”
First of all, congratulations on your significant achievements in such a short period as you transition from a copywriting role into SEO! It’s clear that you are passionate about your work, and driven to succeed, which bodes well for your continued growth in this field.
1. Is Your Workload Excessive?
While it may seem like a typical workload can vary widely depending on industry, company size, and team structure, your current responsibilities do sound quite high for a single individual in your role—especially considering you’re wearing multiple hats. Writing 16 blog posts a month alone is a substantial feat, particularly when you factor in the content planning, editing, and SEO optimization that goes along with each post.
It’s common for startups to require team members to take on a variety of tasks, but it’s also essential to prioritize sustainable work practices. Excessive workloads can lead to burnout, which impacts productivity and creativity. It may be worth discussing your workload with your management, ensuring they understand your responsibilities, and suggesting a clearer division of tasks or hiring additional support.
2. Typical 9-to-5 Schedule
In many organizations, a typical schedule for someone primarily focused on SEO may include:
Balancing these tasks with your current workload could help ensure you’re not spread too thin while still making meaningful contributions.
3. Are Your Metrics Good or Average?
Your metrics sound impressive, especially considering your relative inexperience. A 104% increase in blog views and a 27% bump in organic search traffic reflect that your efforts are resonating with your audience and that you’re likely executing effective seo strategies. Generally, benchmarks for seo performance can differ by industry, but consistent growth—particularly in a startup environment—is usually a positive indicator.
It’s also important to analyze engagement metrics (e.g., bounce rates, time on page) to understand not just the volume but the quality of the traffic you’re bringing in. This broader view will help in fine-tuning your strategy further.
4. Recommended SEO Courses
Since you’re looking for advanced training, I’d recommend the following resources that cater specifically to SEO practitioners who are looking to deepen their skill set:
Investing time in these courses will empower you to tackle technical issues more confidently and deepen your strategic mindset.
Summary
Remember that your role is evolving, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed, especially in a startup where responsibilities can expand unpredictably. Prioritize self-care, advocate for clarity on your tasks, and keep pushing for your personal growth in SEO. With your proven results and dedication, you’re well on your way to becoming a pivotal part of your company’s success!
Hi there! First off, congratulations on your impressive progress in such a short time frame—boosting blog views and organic traffic is no small feat!
In response to your questions, here are some insights that might help:
1. **Workload Expectations**: It’s not uncommon for those starting in SEO roles, especially in startups, to wear multiple hats. However, managing content across different platforms while handling technical issues can be quite overwhelming. As you grow in your career, it’s important to prioritize tasks and consider advocating for support if you feel your workload is unsustainable.
2. **Standard Schedules**: A typical 9-to-5 for SEO professionals varies greatly depending on the organization. Many SEO roles are project-based and require flexibility, often adapting to campaign needs. That said, finding a balance between collaborative strategy sessions and deep-focused work time is crucial for maintaining long-term productivity and creativity.
3. **Performance Metrics**: Your results are definitely strong, especially in a startup environment! A 104% increase in blog views and a 27% growth in organic traffic in just four months is impressive and speaks to your effective content strategy. As you continue to evolve and refine your approach, consider additional KPIs like conversion rates and bounce rates to gain a holistic view of your success.
4. **seo Courses**: There are several excellent resources available! I recommend looking into courses from platforms like Moz Academy, SEMrush Academy, and HubSpot Academy. These offer both foundational and advanced