How to become an SEO analyst | edX

How to become an SEO analystExplore the steps to become an SEO analyst. Learn more about earning a professional certificate, gaining relevant work experience, and building your portfolio.Browse online digital marketing programsWhat does an SEO analyst do?A search engine optimization (SEO) analyst improves a website's prominence and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). They optimize a website's content, structure, and technical features to align with search engine algorithms and drive more traffic.SEO analysts may work as freelance consultants, for marketing agencies, or in-house for companies.Some job responsibilities and key skills of an SEO analyst include:Keyword research: Identifying relevant keywords and search phrases that potential customers would useOn-page optimization: Improving content, headers, meta tags, and other website elements to make them friendlier to search enginesOff-page optimization: Reaching out to other online publications to build a backlink portfolio to enhance the authority of the websiteTechnical optimization: Making sure the website is technically stable by examining the website's speed, crawlability, indexing, internal linking, and mobile responsivenessData collection and analysis: Monitoring a website's performance metrics through SEO tools such as Google AnalyticsCompetitor analysis: Examining a competitor's website and strategies to inform decision-makingContent: Working with creators to produce engaging, SEO-friendly content that drives conversionsLearn SEO and digital marketing with edXStand out in your fieldUse the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own paceOn your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credentialShowcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.Explore all online digital marketing programs and coursesSteps to become an SEO analystBecause the SEO analyst role combines aspects of digital marketing, content creation, and data analysis, there is no single path into the field. The steps below outline common ways to get started.Step 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 1: Obtain a bachelor's degreeWhile a bachelor's degree is not required for all SEO analyst positions, having a degree in a related field can be beneficial. Majors such as marketing, communications, information technology, and business can help you build skills you'll need as an SEO analyst.Step 1: Obtain a bachelor's degreeWhile a bachelor's degree is not required for all SEO analyst positions, having a degree in a related field can be beneficial. Majors such as marketing, communications, information technology, and business can help you build skills you'll need as an SEO analyst.Build the skills needed for an SEO analyst careerStart building the skills you need to become an SEO analyst with edX's online courses and professional certificates.Explore digital marketing programsFrequently asked questionsWhat is an SEO analyst?An SEO analyst analyzes website and web page data to improve their performance in search results. They make recommendations and work with content and marketing teams to improve site performance through content optimization, technical SEO, schema, interlinking, and backlink development.What degree do you need to become an SEO analyst?Although it is not necessary to have a degree to become an SEO analyst, a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, information technology, or a related field may help you build the skills you'll need.How much does an SEO analyst make a year?The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that market research analysts, an occupation that can include SEO-related roles, had a median annual salary of $76,950 in 2024. Moreover, job opportunities for these analyst positions are projected to increase by 7% from 2024 to 2034.How long does it take to become an SEO analyst?Becoming an SEO analyst can take anywhere from one to six years, depending on the educational path you choose. For example, earning a bachelor's degree typically requires about four years of full-time study.