Today almost all communication and most business and Government transactions rely on the internet. It is the internet that generates business for them by connecting them with their customers and audiences. Even Individuals generate a livelihood through the internet.
But to earn using the internet, one must be both savvy at sifting the plethora of information available and generating the right kind of information – the kind that attracts your attention when people search the internet for what they need.
But what’s the point of the exercise, if the people who visit your website are not interested in your product, service, or business? They did so because they were drawn to it directly or indirectly. There is no value added. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the answer.
What is Search Engine Optimization?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a tool that helps match needs to opportunities on the internet. It is an Artificial and Human intelligence-driven tool to increase matched traffic to a website through organic searches.
Most marketing Personnel (64%) actively invest time, and money of course, in learning to digitally market products because today a lot of marketing is targeted toward audiences they cater to through digital social media. SEO is experientially learnt and there is no specific degree, though there are valid, and value add certifications like the one from Spearhead Academy.
It may be noted that SEO as a practice of Digital Marketers evolved from Algorithms instituted by Google. But, on its own, Google does not provide any certifications, as it is constantly refining its Algorithms to provide better targeting and a better choice of audiences for its customers. Google does offer some certifications for Google Ads, Display, AdSense, and Google Analytics but not for SEO specifically. Some of it may overlap with SEO but it’s not SEO per se.
Is SEO a good career option?
Absolutely. Nowadays, and in future too. It is the most prized skill in the Digital Marketing Field. And if you are in the marketing profession, you must have more than a little knowledge of it. First-time Business leads can mostly be generated through SEO only. But you will need a specific set of skills and hone them experientially to make a mark in the field and command your price.
Skills and Courses you need to build a career in SEO
You will need technical skills obviously which include knowledge of the working of almost all Google platforms and other social media platforms, basic skills in HTML and CSS, meta tags, H1, status codes, etc., along with having the ability to resolve any crawl-based issues. Some of the non-technical skills you need to have to build a career in SEO include abilities such as analytical skills, critical thinking, research skills, flexibility, communication skills, and more. In addition, you must be decisive and keep yourself updated about all the changes announced (or not announced but quietly implemented) by these platforms.
There are several levels of SEO expertise and certification. There are beginners SEO, Advanced SEO, and specialized courses in link building, keyword research and much more.
The costs are heavy depending upon who is offering them. Look for short-term certification-based courses that will cover the following topics
- Learning the basics of how search engines work and Google’s algorithm and updates.
- On-page SEO that involves content, title tags, URLs,
- Internal linking, and site architecture.
- Off-page SEO and how it affects your site visibility
- SEO Tools – Google Analytics and Google search console
- Keyword research and Link building
Kick-start your career today!
