Last Updated: November 4, 2020

Search engine marketing may have started in the 1990s as a relatively hidden method of spreading the word about your product, service, or Web page, but today it’s commonly used by almost anyone with a web presence.

Businesses simply can’t expect to pull in Internet consumers today without the help of search engine marketing consultants – professionals who understand how to read Web traffic data, identify new online trends, and push websites to the top of search engine results. Read on to discover how these individuals integrate Web-savvy business practices into online marketing campaigns.

What do they do?

Location and Opportunity

According to Indeed.com, several locations across the country are experiencing high demand for search engine marketing consultants. These locations include:

  • Glendale, CA
  • New York, NY
  • Atlanta, GA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Dallas, TX

Search engines usually measure Web page ratings by the quality of content, the amount of links the page has on other websites, and keyword identification. Search engine marketing consultants help companies analyze their metrics across these areas, and provide suggestions on how to improve page rankings.

Search engine marketing is a quickly moving field, mainly due to the nature of the search engines themselves. Websites like Google, Yahoo, and Bing constantly adjust their search algorithms that determine where a site ranks. Sometimes when these changes occur, some websites disappear off of the search results.

If this occurs, search engine marketing consultants run various tests and scenarios to determine why the page was demoted, and how they can recapture higher rankings. Some other professionals they work with typically include:

Qualifications

Our Recommended Schools

  1. Grand Canyon University (GCU)

    GCU's Colangelo College of Business offers leading edge degrees that address the demands of contemporary business environments.

  2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

    Explore the bond between business and consumer behavior with a degree in marketing.

Search engine marketing consultants typically gain an understanding of how search engines function through previous experience. Most companies want consultants to have between two and three years of experience in search engine optimization.

Schools don’t traditionally offer degrees in search engine marketing, so many consultants earn degrees in marketing or computer science. Some companies may only require bachelor’s degrees for the position, while others may desire master’s degrees.

Become a Search Engine Marketing Consultant

Search engine marketing consultant salaries range widely across companies. The average salary is typically between $42,000 and $65,000, though some companies may place higher value on SEM consultants.

If you’re interested in learning more about search engine consultation, contact schools offering degrees in marketing.