Navigating My First SEO Role: A Journey of Growth and Learning
Starting my first professional role seven months ago as a Copywriter has been an exciting journey, filled with new challenges and opportunities for growth. As my responsibilities have expanded, I’ve taken on the additional task of managing SEO for our two distinct product line websites.
My typical workload now includes writing approximately 16 blog posts each month, alongside crafting social media content, designing ads, creating landing pages, proofreading, and handling translations. The scope of my role has broadened significantly, particularly with the expectation to resolve technical issues, an area where I feel I still have much to learn. Adding to this complexity, I’m also spearheading our website redesign and optimization to ensure a smooth launch.
While I truly enjoy the work and the dynamic environment of a startup — where an SEO specialist has never existed before — I find myself reflecting on whether the volume of my tasks is standard for someone in a similar position. Throughout these past months, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge about seo, initially limited to fundamental concepts like keywords and their research.
I’m pleased to share that my efforts have borne fruit; in the last four months alone, I’ve increased blog views by an impressive 104% and organic search traffic by 27%. Consistently delivering high-quality content has been my primary focus, and seeing tangible results is incredibly rewarding.
As I navigate this role, I have several questions that I hope to gain insight on:
- Is my workload typical for an entry-level seo position?
- What does a standard 9-to-5 workday look like for professionals in similar roles?
- Are the metrics I’ve achieved considered noteworthy, or are they average?
- Can you suggest reputable seo courses? I find myself learning independently without much guidance, and a set of advanced courses could greatly benefit my development.
If anyone has advice or recommendations based on their experiences, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you for your support as I embark on this fulfilling journey in the world of SEO.
2 responses to “Starting Out in SEO: The First Job”
It’s great to hear about your experiences in your new role, and congratulations on your impressive metrics! The transition from a copywriter to handling SEO is certainly a common one, especially in smaller companies or startups where team members often wear multiple hats. Let’s break down your questions to give you a clearer perspective on your situation.
1. Is My Workload Excessive?
While handling content creation and SEO in a startup setting is typical, your workload does seem quite extensive. Writing 16 blog posts per month, in addition to managing social media, advertisements, landing pages, and technical SEO tasks, can be overwhelming—particularly without having had prior experience in seo. A more typical workload for a full-time seo specialist may involve fewer blog posts (often around 5-10, depending on quality) alongside strategizing and optimizing content based on analytics and keyword research. Given your initial role was as a copywriter, it would be reasonable to discuss with your manager the scalability of your tasks and express your commitment to quality as well.
2. What Does a Typical 9-to-5 Schedule Look Like for Others in Similar Roles?
In a typical 9-to-5 schedule for an seo specialist, you might find a more balanced distribution of tasks. This can include:
Remember, effectiveness often trumps volume—focusing on creating impactful content and thorough optimizations will yield better results than merely increasing quantity.
3. Are My Metrics Good or Just Average?
Your metrics are certainly commendable, especially for someone early in their SEO career. A 104% increase in blog views and 27% in organic search traffic reflects effective content strategies. In the SEO realm, consistent growth is crucial; these figures not only show your capability but also indicate that your content resonates well with your audience. However, ensure you continuously evaluate user engagement metrics such as bounce rate, average time on page, and conversion rates as they provide deeper insight into the effectiveness of your content.
4. Recommended SEO Courses
Given your desire to expand your knowledge further, here are some excellent online SEO courses that cater to different levels, including advanced topics:
Conclusion
It’s fantastic to see your growth in such a short time, and it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed in a startup setting without defined roles. Consider bringing your concerns to management- proposing a more structured approach to your work could help optimize both your output and your work-life balance. By continuing to learn and find your rhythm, you will be well-equipped to embrace your dual roles as a writer and SEO specialist. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the SEO community through forums like Reddit or specialized groups as well; networking can lead to support and potentially uncover collaboration opportunities. Best of luck!
Congratulations on your remarkable achievements in such a short time! An increase of blog views by 104% and organic search traffic by 27% is truly impressive, especially for someone at the beginning of their SEO journey.
To address your questions, I can offer some insights based on my own experiences in the industry.
1. **Workload**: The breadth of your responsibilities seems quite typical for entry-level roles in startups, where team members often wear multiple hats. It reflects the dynamic nature of such environments, allowing for a quick learning curve but can also lead to feeling overwhelmed at times.
2. **Standard Workday**: For many in SEO roles, particularly in startups, the workday can be quite fluid. Beyond the usual 9-to-5 hours, planning content, monitoring analytics, and optimizing strategies often extend into evenings or weekends, especially when approaching deadlines or major launches.
3. **Metrics**: The metrics you’ve achieved are certainly noteworthy, especially since SEO results often take time to manifest. A 104% boost in views is indicative of effective content strategies and engagement tactics, while a 27% increase in organic traffic is solid as well. Many professionals consider sustained growth over time as a crucial metric, so keep tracking those trends!
4. **Recommended Courses**: For reputable seo courses, consider platforms like Moz Academy, SEMrush Academy, or Ahrefs Academy, which offer structured learning paths and are well-respected in the industry. Additionally, Google’s Search Engine