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Sales & Marketing

How to become an SEO Specialist

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
3–12 months
Typical pay
$52k–$78k
Starting from
No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

See SEO specialist jobs open now

The route

  1. Learn how search works

    Crawling, indexing and ranking. Then keyword research and intent.

    Course that covers thisSEO for Absolute Beginners - Learn SEO Basics QuicklyUdemy · around $19.99
  2. Run a real site

    Your own project, ranked for something. It is the only proof that convinces anyone.

  3. Learn the technical side

    Site speed, structured data and crawl budget. It separates specialists from bloggers.

  4. Get an in-house or agency role

    Agencies teach breadth fast; in-house lets you go deep on one property.

    Course that covers thisDIGITAL MARKETING: Complete Digital Marketing CourseUdemy · around $19.99
  5. Destination

    SEO Specialist

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