Last Updated: November 2, 2020

In Internet marketing, companies need technically-skilled, yet creative individuals to ensure that a page ranks high across search engine results. Search marketing directors help lead these efforts, setting the tone and direction of a site while conducting analysis on page performance.

As a director of search marketing, you’ll need to gain technical prowess while also developing strong content for a site. Read on to discover more about how search marketing directors generate new leads from higher page rankings.

What do they do?

Location and Opportunity

Search marketing directors sometimes have the opportunity to work remotely, but many companies are based in larger cities. According to Indeed.com, the following locations have the greatest number of job openings for directors of search marketing:

  • New York, NY
  • Chicago, IL
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Seattle, WA

Directors of search marketing are mainly search engine optimization experts, with an understanding of web analytics, keyword research, and link building. By focusing on building strong content and linking to well-respected websites, directors of search marketing increase visibility of their pages and direct more consumers to buying products or services.

Search marketing directors typically work in small teams alongside web developers and content writers. Their primary focus is strategy, designing the direction of a page and assigning team members various tasks. Some professionals they work with typically include:

Qualifications

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Directors of search marketing first work in lower-level positions as web developers or content editors before leading search marketing teams. Typically, most companies want their search marketing directors to earn at least five years of experience before entering the position.

Search marketing directors also usually earn at least bachelor’s degrees in marketing before entering the field. Larger firms will want professionals with further education, however, meaning a master’s degree may be required.

Become a Director of Search Marketing

The salaries of directors of search marketing vary widely depending on the size of a company and previous experience. Some search marketing directors earn between $40,000 and $60,000, while others earn as much as $100,000.

If you’re interested in learning more about streamlining websites to rank higher in search results, contact schools offering degrees in marketing.