What is an SEO Manager & What Do They Do?

Published
08 Sep 2020

08 Sep 2020

What is an SEO Manager & What Do They Do? 

If you have a flair for organisation and like things to reach their full potential, then being an SEO Manager might be the ideal job for you. You probably enjoy researching how to make something the best it can be, and an SEO Manager would use keyword research to do that. Perhaps you enjoy data and details - and how to capitalise on it. There is plenty of number-work in SEO management too. 

If those things sound interesting, then read on to find more about the role.


What does SEO mean?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It is in the process of optimising all of the content on a website so that search engines will find it and present it highly in search results. You’ll typically start with some sort of keyword or key phrase, and build content around it. 

SEO is essential because it increases the visibility of your clients. Maximising the profit potential increases the likelihood that interested visitors will make a conversion.


What is an SEO Manager?
An SEO Manager is a person that will manage and oversee all of the Search Engine Optimisation, as well as planning and coordination of the SEO team.


What does an SEO Manager do?

There is a crossover between Marketing Manager jobs and what an SEO Manager will do. 

There will be coordination and creation of content, online community building, backlink building, and some technical website optimisation too. You likely find a lot of strategic planning and campaign organisation in the SEO Manager's job post.


SEO Manager Job Description

If you choose to go down the SEO management route, what can you expect to be doing as your daily tasks? Is there a possibility to specialise in specific kinds of SEO management and marketing? Here is a list of daily duties that are often associated with the role of an SEO manager.

  • Coordinating content, social media, PPC (pay-per-click), design and other marketing activities
  • Managing both onsite and offsite optimisation, and reporting on the performances of both
  • Developing and implementing search engine optimisation strategies.


SEO Manager Responsibilities

Here are several things that you are likely to be responsible for as an SEO Manager:

  • Collecting data and reporting on rankings, traffic and all of the SEO applicable metrics
  • Working alongside the PPC and social media team to optimise your SEO campaigns
  • Conducting in-depth keyword research to guide your content team
  • To develop and execute successful SEO strategies
  • Off-page optimisation like link building

It is also possible for SEO Managers to specialise. Some are on-page experts, and they can achieve the perfect balance between HTML, page content and site navigation. 

Others understand how to expect the build quality backlinks, this is called off-page SEO, or perhaps they’ll be a content expert; in which case, everything they write is optimised, engaging, and well researched.


How can I become an SEO Manager?

If you are interested in analytics, metrics, and the science behind writing excellent copy, great content creation then SEO management is likely for you. There are several requirements that companies expect to see in SEO management.

  • Familiarity with all of the relevant tools like Screaming Frog, Google Analytics, Web Trends, WordPress and more
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Incredible organisation and leadership skills
  • Relevant qualification in marketing or business, and/or at least 2 to 5+ years of experience
  • Experience with SEO reporting
  • A proven track record in SEM management, SEO management or similar role
  • Understanding of current and standard SEO practices
  • Knowledge of HTML/CSS
  • An analytical mindset 


What is the career path for an SEO Manager?

There are several career paths, and it should be noted that SEO as a concept that has only existed for less than two decades. So it is fast growing, and there is definitely room for more.

  • SEO Specialist/Content Specialist
  • SEO Strategist/Content Strategist
  • SEO Manager/Content Manager
  • SEO Director/Content Director 

When it comes to management or specialists, those titles are usually reserved for those who have several years of experience and a proven track record. 


How much does an SEO Manager make?

Considering there are a lot of technical skills involved with search engine optimisation you can expect a starting salary somewhere in the region of £24,000 a year. After several years of experience within the digital marketing sector that can go up quite quickly to £32,000 per year, and the higher end of search engine manager salary in the UK is £44,000 per year. 

There is the potential for these rough salary guides to increase based on client experience and previous campaigns.

SEO Managers have a varied and exciting role that grows yearly with the wide range of tools and technological advancements.


Find your next SEO job in Brighton & Sussex

If you’re looking for an SEO job, or any other digital marketing role in Sussex or Brighton, take a look at the latest roles on our Jobs site.

You can also find tips for helping you find your next job over on our blog below: