Are you a beginner in SEO, eager to break into one of the fastest-growing fields in tech? With SEO in high demand, roles are opening up across industries—from startups to major eCommerce and media brands. This guide shares actionable steps to kick-start your SEO journey, build your skills, and position yourself for success.
Who am I?
I got my start in a small town and took my first SEO job at TicketGoose. It wasn’t long before I found myself consulting on SEO for Myntra, India’s leading fashion eCommerce company. Now, I’m a Digital Marketing Manager and regularly field new opportunities in the SEO and digital marketing space. I know firsthand the challenges and wins of building a career in SEO—and I’m here to share insights to help you do the same.
So, let’s dive in.
Q1: How Do You Start Learning SEO?
SEO has a sprawling amount of resources online, and it’s easy to get lost. So, where do you start? Here’s a list of foundational SEO blogs and sites I recommend:
- Moz: Great for both beginners and advanced SEO tactics.
- Backlinko: Actionable, step-by-step SEO guides.
- Search Engine Land: Industry insights and SEO news.
- ShoutMeLoud: Useful for hands-on tutorials.
- Neil Patel: Comprehensive SEO and content marketing tips.
For a visual breakdown, check out Search Engine Land’s SEO Periodic Table. It’s a fantastic tool to get a strong grasp on core SEO concepts. Subscribe to these sites’ RSS feeds to stay updated on the latest trends and tactics.
And here’s the truth: theory only gets you so far. SEO is about practical application.
Q2: How to Practice SEO Independently?
If you’re serious about SEO, there’s no better way to learn than by building your own website. Hands-on experience is the fastest way to understand what works and what doesn’t. Here’s a roadmap to get started:
- Choose an SEO-Friendly Domain Name: Something catchy that reflects your personal brand or niche.
- Set Up Hosting: Find a reliable hosting service to keep your site running smoothly.
- Build on WordPress: It’s one of the most customizable, SEO-friendly platforms.
- Apply SEO Fundamentals:
- Meta tags, canonical tags, and schema markup.
- Google Analytics and Google Search Console setup.
- Keyword research, link-building basics, and more.
Tip: Try ranking for your name online. Having your personal website rank well in search can make a strong first impression when employers Google you.
Q3: How to Gain Experience Without a Corporate Role?
Sure, there’s no standardized certification for SEO, but Google offers valuable credentials (like AdWords and Analytics) that showcase your knowledge. Here’s how to start building experience:
- Contribute to Authority Blogs: Guest blogging can help establish your credibility.
- Take on Freelance Projects: Start with smaller clients to build up your skills.
- Rank for Local Terms: Aim to rank for terms like “SEO expert in [Your City]” to prove your skills.
- Invest in Your LinkedIn Profile: Get endorsements and connect with SEO professionals.
Be prepared to showcase real results in interviews. If you’ve ranked for keywords or driven meaningful traffic, bring those examples—it shows you can walk the talk.
Q4: How to Find an SEO Job and Succeed in Interviews?
Landing an SEO job takes a blend of strategy and persistence. You won’t usually find SEO roles through walk-ins, so target companies that align with your goals, whether that’s in eCommerce, media, or tech. The best places to start your search include:
- LinkedIn: Use filters to hone in on SEO roles at all experience levels.
- AngelList: Great for startup SEO opportunities.
- Naukri: Especially useful for India-based roles.
Top SEO Interview Questions to Prepare For:
- What is SEO, and how would you approach it?
- What are your go-to SEO tools?
- Is link building dead? What are your strategies?
- Explain Google’s web crawling process.
- How do you track SEO success?
Some interviews might also include practical assignments, so be ready to apply your knowledge.
The Path Forward
If you’re looking to build a career in SEO, you’re entering a field where dedication pays off. Start with the basics, build your own projects, and continuously learn from the data. By honing your skills, growing your network, and demonstrating real results, you’ll be well on your way to securing opportunities and making an impact in the industry.
Best of luck—and enjoy the journey.