What does an SEO specialist do?

An SEO specialist is an expert in optimizing websites for search engines like Google. Using their knowledge and various techniques, an SEO specialist ensures that a website becomes more visible in organic search results.

In this article, we show what an SEO specialist does, which SEO principles they master, and how an SEO professional contributes to the online success of organizations.

Table of contents

  • What is an SEO specialist?
  • SEO fundamentals
  • What does an SEO specialist do?
  • How do you become an SEO specialist?
  • How much does it cost to hire an SEO specialist at a web agency?
  • Frequently asked questions about SEO specialists
  • Conclusion and next steps

 

What is an SEO specialist?

An SEO specialist, also known as a search engine optimization specialist, is someone who improves the visibility of websites in search engines through various optimization strategies.

Their goal is to increase organic traffic to a website and improve the site’s ranking in search results. SEO specialists focus on content, technical aspects, authority, and user experience to achieve this goal.

SEO fundamentals

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing a website to increase its visibility when people search for products or services related to a business in search engines like Google. SEO consists of three main components: on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and technical SEO.

On-Page SEO

On-page SEO refers to all optimizations performed directly on the website itself. This includes optimizing content, using the right keywords, improving page load speed, and ensuring a good user experience.

Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO includes all activities that take place outside the website to improve its ranking in search results. This involves obtaining backlinks from other websites, social media marketing, and online reputation management.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO focuses on the backend of the website and ensures that search engines can efficiently crawl and index the site. This includes optimizing load speed, using SSL certificates, implementing XML sitemaps, and improving mobile-friendliness.

What does an SEO specialist do?

An SEO specialist performs a wide range of tasks to improve a website’s online visibility. Below are the main tasks and responsibilities of an SEO specialist.

Keyword research

Keyword research is one of the most important tasks of an SEO specialist. It involves identifying the keywords and phrases that potential customers use to find products or services. This research helps determine the content strategy and optimize existing content.

Key aspects of keyword research:

  • Using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush.
  • Analyzing search volumes and competition for specific keywords.
  • Identifying long-tail keywords that have less competition but are highly relevant.


On-Page SEO

On-page SEO involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines. An SEO specialist ensures that the content on the pages is well-structured and optimized.

Key aspects of on-page SEO:

  • Optimizing meta titles and descriptions.
  • Using headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure the content.
  • Improving page load speed.
  • Using internal links to enhance navigation and indexing.


Technical SEO

Technical SEO focuses on the technical aspects of a website that impact search engine optimization. This includes optimizing site architecture and resolving technical issues that may hinder crawlability and indexing.

Key aspects of technical SEO:

Improving the mobile-friendliness of the website.
Using HTTPS for secure connections.
Implementing structured data (schema markup) to enhance search results.
Resolving crawl and indexing errors in Google Search Console.

Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO revolves around improving a website’s authority and reputation through external factors. An SEO specialist builds and maintains a network of high-quality backlinks to improve the site’s ranking in search results.

Key aspects of off-page SEO:

  • Acquiring backlinks from relevant and authoritative websites.
  • Managing the company’s online reputation and reviews.
  • Promoting the website through social media channels.

 

Content creation and optimization

Content is king in the world of SEO. An SEO specialist plays a key role in creating and optimizing content that is not only relevant and engaging but also optimized for search engines.

Key aspects of content creation and optimization:

  • Writing blog posts, articles, and landing pages targeted at specific keywords.
  • Updating and revising existing content to keep it relevant and current.
  • Using multimedia such as images, videos, and infographics to enhance user experience.


Monitoring and reporting

An SEO specialist continuously monitors website performance and reports on the results. This helps understand which strategies are working and where improvements are needed.

Key aspects of monitoring and reporting:

  • Using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track traffic and performance.
  • Analyzing key metrics such as organic traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate.
  • Creating reports and recommendations for further optimization.

 

How much does it cost to hire an SEO specialist?

The cost of hiring an SEO specialist at a web agency can vary widely depending on the specialist’s experience and the scope of the work. Generally, rates can range from €75 to €200 per hour. At Webkracht, we charge a rate of €90 per hour for SEO work.

For larger projects or long-term collaborations, many agencies also offer monthly packages ranging from €500 to €5,000 per month, depending on the client’s specific needs and goals.

It’s important to invest in a qualified SEO specialist, as an effective SEO strategy can lead to a significant increase in organic traffic and online visibility.

Frequently asked questions about SEO specialists

What is the difference between an SEO specialist and an SEO consultant?

An SEO specialist typically focuses on the practical execution of SEO tasks, such as keyword research, content optimization, and technical SEO. An SEO consultant provides strategic advice and guidelines to improve a company’s SEO strategy.

Do I need a technical background to understand SEO?

While a technical background can be helpful, it is not necessary. There are many resources and tools available to help you understand and apply the basics of SEO, even without in-depth technical knowledge.

How often should I review my SEO strategy?

It’s important to review and update your SEO strategy regularly, ideally every three to six months. This helps you stay current with the latest trends and search engine algorithm updates.

Can I do SEO myself, or do I need a specialist?

Many businesses start by doing SEO themselves, especially with the help of online resources and tools. However, for more complex strategies and to achieve significant results, hiring an SEO specialist can be highly valuable.

What are the most important SEO tools an SEO specialist uses?

An SEO specialist uses various tools to support their work, including Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, and Screaming Frog. These tools help with traffic analysis, keyword research, technical issue checking, and backlink monitoring.

How does an SEO specialist measure success?

Success in SEO is measured using various metrics, such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, click-through rate (CTR), bounce rate, conversion rate, and average session duration. By analyzing these metrics, an SEO specialist can determine which strategies are working and where improvements are needed.

What are the benefits of hiring an SEO specialist at a web agency?

Hiring an SEO specialist at a web agency offers several benefits, including access to a team of experts, advanced tools and technologies, and broader experience across different industries. Additionally, agencies can often provide flexible and scalable services tailored to your business’s specific needs.

What are the risks of not optimizing your website for search engines?

Failing to optimize your website for search engines can lead to lower visibility in search results, reduced organic traffic, and a lower conversion rate. This can ultimately result in fewer leads and revenue for your business. Additionally, competitors who invest in SEO may outperform you in search results, negatively impacting your market share.

How can I stay up to date with the latest SEO trends and algorithm updates?

To stay informed about the latest SEO trends and algorithm updates, you can regularly follow blogs and newsletters from leading SEO websites like Moz, Search Engine Journal, and Google’s own Webmaster Central Blog. Additionally, SEO conferences, webinars, and online forums can provide valuable insights.

Hire an SEO specialist at Webkracht?

Want to take your website to the next level and generate more organic traffic? Hire an experienced SEO specialist from Webkracht! Our team of experts uses proven techniques and tools to optimize your website and help you rank better in search results.

With a customized SEO strategy, we ensure your business generates the right traffic. Contact us today and discover how Webkracht can strengthen your online presence and help your business grow!

How can
we help you
further?

Contact us

Book a consult

 Have a coffee? Or prefer an online meeting?
Call 06 209 34 209 or email martijn@Webkracht.nl

How quickly can you get started?

Our motto is 'as quickly as possible!' That means we can often schedule a meeting the same week. This could be an online meeting, but also a meeting at our office in Tilburg, at your company, or somewhere in between.

The start of your project, so the beginning of the functional design or the design, always takes place within 2 weeks. We then proceed with programming, testing, and delivery to keep the lead time as short as possible.

Are you already a customer? Then we’ll of course help you on the same day if possible!

What do you expect from me upfront?

When you start your web project, it's helpful to think about a number of things. This also applies if you have a question about marketing, website translation, or improving your SEO or conversion.

We’ve also written a great blog post about five things you should know before starting a website.

Furthermore, we naturally expect that we can work together in a pleasant and productive way. In our view, we do this in the easiest and most transparent way possible. With us, you’ll always be talking to people who know their field inside out and are passionate about what they do.

Do you also offer hosting and maintenance?

Absolutely! We handle all technical maintenance for your website. This includes not only hosting, but also the maintenance of your website, application, or dedicated server.

Often, our customers choose to manage their website and content themselves. However, if you don’t have the time or simply prefer to outsource it, we can take care of that for you as well. 

Together with you, we’d be happy to set up, migrate, and maintain your website and social media.

Which software or CMS do you recommend?

Which software or CMS is best for you depends entirely on your needs. There is a lot of software available that you can use to set up great websites and web projects.

We prefer to work with open source systems, or systems where we have extensive experience, so that we can guarantee the quality of our work. We work with WordPress, Drupal, Magento and TYPO3, among others. We also work with the Laravel framework and the Laravel-based CMS Exolog.

Every system has its advantages and disadvantages, which we would be happy to discuss with you, so that you always make the best choice for your project. Do you have an interesting system, clever software or a great CMS that we should know about? Feel free to discuss it with us!

How much does my new website cost?

A good question, but a difficult one to answer, since the answer depends precisely on your wishes and needs. 

Building a custom-designed and programmed website is a different story than simply choosing and adjusting a template. Extensive websites, portals, extranets and webshops with various integrations naturally come at a significantly higher cost than simple websites. Please feel free to contact us with your question!