What is an SEO Strategist? A Simple Guide for Beginners

If you've ever wondered how some websites always seem to show up first on Google, or how certain brands dominate search results, you’ve probably encountered the magic of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Behind that magic is one key person: the SEO strategist. But what exactly is an SEO strategist, and what do they do? In this blog, we’ll break it all down simply, no confusing marketing jargon—just clear answers and a guide you can actually use.

What is an SEO Strategist?

An SEO strategist is a professional who helps websites rank higher on search engines like Google. They don’t just guess what works—they dive deep into what people are searching for and make sure the website uses the right words and content so it can rank higher in search results.

For example, imagine a bakery wants to appear when someone types “best cupcakes in New York.” The SEO strategist helps that bakery’s website show up on Google, ensuring more people find it when they search for cupcakes.

SEO strategists can work at marketing agencies, SEO companies, or even as freelancers. Their job is to help businesses grow by bringing in more visitors to their websites and improving their online presence.

What Does an SEO Strategist Do?

The daily tasks of an SEO strategist are varied, but they mostly involve a mix of research, content planning, and technical work. Here’s what they do:

1. Keyword Research

SEO strategists begin by finding the best keywords that people are searching for, like “affordable wedding photographer” or “best pizza in Chicago.” They then make sure websites use these keywords in the right places, like in titles, meta descriptions, and content.

2. Content Planning

An SEO strategist helps businesses plan what kind of blogs, landing pages, or product pages they need. They ensure that each page has a clear goal and is optimized to rank well on search engines.

3. Website Audits

SEO strategists also check websites for technical problems that may be preventing them from ranking. This includes checking things like website speed, mobile-friendliness, broken links, and other technical issues.

4. Backlink Strategy

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your website. SEO strategists work on getting these backlinks, as they help build trust with search engines like Google and boost your website’s credibility.

5. Reporting

SEO strategists use tools like Google Analytics or SEMrush to track a website’s performance. They provide regular reports to show how the website is performing, what’s working, and what still needs improvement.

How to Become an SEO Strategist

Becoming an SEO strategist doesn’t require a special degree, but it does need a mix of learning and hands-on experience. Here’s a simple path you can follow to get started:

1. Learn the Basics of SEO

Start with free online courses from platforms like Google Digital Garage, Moz, or HubSpot. These resources can help you understand the basics of how search engines work and the fundamentals of SEO.

2. Practice on Real Websites

The best way to learn is by doing. Create your own blog or website and start applying SEO techniques. Try to rank for certain keywords and measure your progress.

3. Understand Content Strategy

Learn how to write for both people and search engines. This includes focusing on blog posts, product descriptions, and website copy that is optimized for SEO.

4. Use SEO Tools

Get comfortable with SEO tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush. These tools will help you track performance, identify keyword opportunities, and spot areas for improvement.

5. Get Experience

Offer your SEO services to small businesses or non-profits. Build a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and results.

6. Apply to SEO Jobs

Once you’ve gained experience and can demonstrate your results, start applying for SEO positions at SEO companies, marketing agencies, or freelance platforms.

Why Businesses Need SEO Strategists

In today’s digital world, most people never scroll past the first page of Google. If a business doesn’t appear there, they’re missing out on a massive amount of potential customers. That’s why hiring a skilled SEO strategist is crucial.

Even large marketing agencies rely on SEO strategists to handle SEO for their clients. From improving website content to analyzing traffic and keyword rankings, SEO strategists are key players in the digital marketing process.

SEO Content Strategist vs. SEO Strategist

You might come across the terms “SEO strategist” and “SEO content strategist.” While they’re related, there’s a slight difference:

• An SEO strategist focuses on the overall website’s performance, ensuring the site is optimized in every area, from keywords to technical aspects like speed and mobile optimization.
  
  

• An SEO content strategist focuses mainly on creating and optimizing content (such as blog posts, product pages, and landing pages) for SEO purposes.
  
  

In smaller teams, one person might perform both roles, but they’re distinct areas of expertise.

Who Can Become an SEO Strategist?

Anyone with a passion for writing, analyzing data, and helping businesses grow can become an SEO strategist. If you enjoy solving problems and figuring out how search engines work, this could be the perfect career for you. There are no strict qualifications or degrees required—what matters most is your ability to learn, test, and improve websites over time.

Final Thoughts

SEO strategists play a critical role in helping websites grow and reach more people. Whether it’s through keyword research, content planning, or fixing technical issues, SEO strategists ensure businesses appear in search results and are visible to potential customers.

If you're considering a career in SEO or need help improving your business’s online visibility, learning more about SEO strategy is a great place to start.

Need Help with SEO? Hire SEO Raft

If you're a business owner or blogger looking to grow online, SEO Raft is here to help. We’re not just another SEO company—we’re a team of expert SEO strategists and content specialists focused on delivering results.

Whether you’re a small business, a startup, or part of a large marketing agency, SEO Raft can create an SEO plan tailored to your goals. From keyword research to content creation and everything in between, we offer complete SEO services to help you rank higher and attract more customers.