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If you’ve Googled “SEO Specialist job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: bullet points, buzzwords, and boilerplate.
Things like:
“Must be proficient in Google Analytics.”
“Responsible for improving organic traffic.”
“Knowledge of SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, etc.”
That’s fine if your only goal is to check boxes. But if you’re trying to attract great candidates—especially in today’s market—those posts just won’t cut it.
Here’s the hard truth:
Top SEO talent isn’t just looking for another job. They’re looking for impact. A clear mission. A chance to shape strategy, not just follow instructions. But most job posts? They don’t show any of that. They feel like a formality—not an invitation to do meaningful work.
So if your SEO job post sounds like every other one out there, don’t be surprised when your applicants all feel… average.
This guide is different.
It’s not just another template—it’s a practical, no-fluff framework you can use to write a job description that actually speaks to the kind of people you want to hire. The kind who think strategically, experiment often, and understand SEO as a business growth lever—not just a technical checklist.
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What Does an SEO Specialist Actually Do?
An SEO Specialist helps your business get found online. They improve your visibility on search engines like Google so the right people discover your website—and ultimately, become customers.
But here’s what many people miss:
SEO isn’t just about keywords and backlinks. A great SEO Specialist is equal parts strategist, analyst, content critic, and growth partner.
They dig through data to spot opportunities, build search-friendly pages that answer real user questions, and align with your business goals—whether that’s leads, traffic, or conversions. They test, tweak, and repeat until the numbers move.
And depending on your company size and setup, they might also:
- Collaborate with content writers and devs
- Own the technical SEO roadmap
- Manage tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, or SEMrush
- Track performance and explain what’s working (and what’s not) in plain English
The best SEO hires don’t just chase rankings—they build systems that generate results long after the content is published.
So when you write your job post, think beyond the title. You’re not just hiring for a skill set. You’re hiring someone who can drive real, measurable growth through organic search.
Two Great SEO Specialist Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidate with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.”
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced SEO Professionals
📌 Job Title: SEO Specialist to Own Organic Growth at TrailThreads Apparel
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote-First (U.S. time-zone overlap)
💰 Salary Range: $68,000 – $85,000 USD (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: Flexible, Monday–Friday
🎥 Meet Your Future Manager
Watch this 90-second Loom from our Head of Growth, Emily, to see why SEO is TrailThreads’ #1 channel for 2025.
🏢 About TrailThreads
TrailThreads Apparel is a fast-growing DTC outdoor-wear brand built for hikers who value sustainability and style. We’ve shipped 500k+ orders, maintain a community of 120k email subscribers, and power 40 percent of revenue through organic search. With a fully remote team across 7 states, we combine eco-friendly manufacturing with data-driven marketing to scale responsibly.
🌱 What You’ll Be Doing
- Own and evolve our SEO strategy across blog, PLPs, and new content hubs
- Deep keyword research (Ahrefs, Semrush) to fuel product-led content
- Partner with writers & devs to optimize and launch content fast
- Lead technical SEO audits (Core Web Vitals, crawl health, schema)
- Build & refine our internal-linking and digital-PR backlink programs
- Report growth wins and next moves directly to the Head of Growth & CEO
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of proven in-house or agency SEO success (e-commerce a plus)
- Comfortable running site crawls (Screaming Frog) and GA4 reporting
- Can explain rankings and revenue impact to non-SEO teammates
- Thrives in startup speed: test → learn → iterate
- Bonus: experience with Shopify Hydrogen or headless CMS setups
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Remote-first culture + $1,000 annual home-office stipend
- 4-day “Deep Work Fridays” (no meetings, ever)
- 20 paid vacation days + 12 company holidays
- Annual learning budget ($1,200) for conferences or courses
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (100 % employee covered)
- Quarterly gear allowance to try our newest apparel
🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll own the lever that drives 40 % of our revenue—and have budget, trust, and autonomy to test bold ideas. No red tape, no micromanagement—just a supportive team that celebrates measurable wins and lets you shape the strategy.
📥 How to Apply
We hire through WorkScreen.io to keep things fair and fast. Apply here → [WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a brief skills challenge (≤30 min). We review every application and update you within a week.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level or Trainable Candidates
📌 Job Title: Entry-Level SEO Assistant at GreenSprout Gardens (We’ll Train You)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Hybrid—3 days in Phoenix HQ, 2 remote
💰 Salary Range: $40,000 – $48,000 USD
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM (flex start/finish)
🎥 See the Team in Action
Watch this 60-second intro from our Marketing Lead, Carlos, to learn how our SEO program helps urban gardeners grow smarter.
🏢 About GreenSprout Gardens
GreenSprout is a 10-year-old ecommerce brand and community that helps city dwellers grow fresh produce in small spaces. Our blog reaches 900k monthly readers, and our YouTube channel just crossed 250k subscribers. We believe anyone can grow food—and content is the heart of our mission.
🎯 What You’ll Do
- Assist with keyword research and on-page optimizations
- Upload articles to WordPress and format with Yoast & Gutenberg blocks
- Monitor Google Search Console for new queries and quick-win ideas
- Build internal links and update older content for freshness
- Compile weekly ranking + traffic snapshots for the marketing team
✅ What We’re Looking For
- No SEO background required—just solid writing skills and curiosity
- Comfortable with Google Docs, Sheets, and basic HTML or willing to learn
- Detail-oriented; you enjoy checking boxes and hitting publish with precision
- A love for plants or sustainability is a plus (you’ll be writing about it!)
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Hybrid schedule + “Garden Wednesdays” (team meets in our on-site greenhouse)
- $750 annual education stipend (use it for any course—gardening or SEO!)
- 15 PTO days + your birthday off + 2 paid volunteer days
- Medical, dental, vision + discounted CSA produce box
- Free seeds & planters every season to grow your own veggies
🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is your launchpad into digital marketing. You’ll get hands-on mentorship from a senior SEO, a clear 90-day training path, and real ownership of projects that impact 900k readers a month. Grow your skills while helping others grow their food.
📥 How to Apply
All applications run through WorkScreen.io so we can focus on skill and potential. Click here → [WorkScreen link]. Expect a short mindset survey and a mini keyword-research task. We respond to every applicant—no black hole.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These SEO Specialist Job Descriptions Actually Work
Most job posts are just… fine. They list tasks, throw in some buzzwords, and hope the right person applies. But great job descriptions? They’re strategic. They’re human. And they speak directly to the kind of people you actually want to hire.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes both of these SEO job posts effective:
1. The Job Title Is Clear, Specific, and Role-Driven
Instead of vague titles like “SEO Expert” or “Digital Marketing Specialist,” both posts make the role, level, and company context crystal clear:
- “SEO Specialist to Own Organic Growth at TrailThreads Apparel”
- “Entry-Level SEO Assistant at GreenSprout Gardens (We’ll Train You)”
This helps candidates quickly self-select and feel like the post was written for them.
2. There’s a Real Person Behind the Job Post
Each post includes a short Loom video from the hiring manager—adding personality, transparency, and a sense of what it’s like to work there. This simple touch builds trust and instantly makes your post stand out in a sea of text-only listings.
3. The “About Us” Section Actually Tells a Story
Instead of a lifeless paragraph filled with generic values, each company description is specific, relevant, and human. It explains:
- What the company does
- Who they serve
- Why this role matters to the business
The SEO candidate can immediately understand the mission they’ll contribute to—not just what they’ll be doing.
4. The Responsibilities Are Written With Purpose
Notice how the tasks aren’t just listed—they’re framed as outcomes. For example:
“Build & refine our internal-linking and digital-PR backlink programs”
(Not just: “Do link-building.”)
This signals that you’re hiring someone who thinks strategically, not just checks boxes.
5. The Requirements Are Realistic and Respectful
- The senior role is clear about what’s needed, but avoids bloated “wish lists.”
- The entry-level post clearly distinguishes “nice-to-haves” from must-haves—which encourages growth-minded, coachable candidates to apply.
This widens your applicant pool without lowering the bar.
6. Benefits and Perks Are Clearly Separated
The perks don’t just say “we offer benefits.” They show it—concretely:
- Remote flexibility
- Learning stipends
- Paid time off and birthdays/volunteer days
- Health insurance details
- Brand-specific perks (e.g., quarterly gear, CSA boxes)
These are the things that actually matter to serious candidates—and help differentiate your post from others.
7. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Sells the Opportunity
This is your pitch section—and both examples nail it.
- TrailThreads gives autonomy, growth ownership, and visibility.
- GreenSprout offers mentorship, real training, and a clear path forward.
By putting yourself in the candidate’s shoes and answering: “Why should I care about this job?”—you instantly make your post more compelling.
8. The Application Process Respects the Candidate
Instead of saying, “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” both posts offer:
- Transparency about what to expect
- Reassurance that everyone will hear back
- A short, fair, skill-based evaluation using io
This makes your company feel organized, modern, and respectful—which makes top performers far more likely to apply.
Bad SEO Job Description Example (And Why It Doesn’t Work)
Let’s take a look at a typical SEO job post you’ll find online—and why it fails to attract great candidates.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: SEO Expert
💼 Company: Global Marketing Solutions
📍 Location: Remote
💰 Salary: Not disclosed
🕒 Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking an SEO Expert to manage our search engine optimization strategies and increase website traffic. You will be responsible for implementing SEO best practices, tracking performance, and improving organic visibility.
Responsibilities
- Conduct keyword research
- Optimize website pages
- Monitor rankings and traffic
- Perform competitor analysis
- Report on performance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field
- 3–5 years of experience in SEO
- Familiarity with SEO tools
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to hiring@globalmarketing.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Description Falls Short
This post may be technically accurate—but it’s a missed opportunity in every way that matters. Here’s why:
1. The Job Title Is Generic and Meaningless
“SEO Expert” could mean anything. Is this a junior, mid-level, or strategic role? Is it technical SEO, content-driven, or hybrid? There’s no clarity—and serious candidates won’t waste time applying to vague posts.
2. The Company Introduction Is Nonexistent
There’s no description of the company’s mission, values, culture, or goals. Candidates have no idea who they’d be working for or why it matters.
In a world where top applicants want meaning and alignment, this post offers nothing to connect with.
3. The Responsibilities Are Bland and Vague
“Optimize website pages”? “Monitor rankings”? These aren’t responsibilities—they’re checklist items. There’s no context, no metrics, no sense of impact.
Strong candidates want to know what they’ll own and what success looks like.
4. No Transparency Around Salary or Benefits
Not listing a salary range is one of the fastest ways to lose top talent—especially when they have multiple offers and value clarity. This post offers no details on pay, benefits, flexibility, or work-life balance.
5. Cold and Impersonal Application Process
The closing line—“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted”—makes it sound like the company doesn’t respect applicants’ time or effort.
Compare that to a respectful, modern process that promises feedback and uses a skill-based screen. Which one would you apply to?
6. Zero Personality or Differentiation
There’s no tone, no warmth, and no brand voice. This could be posted by any company. That’s a huge red flag in a competitive hiring market.
Bottom line?
This is the kind of job post that attracts checkbox applicants, not thoughtful, strategic SEO professionals. It repels the very people you’re trying to hire.
Bad SEO Job Description Example (And Why It Doesn’t Work)
Let’s take a look at a typical SEO job post you’ll find online—and why it fails to attract great candidates.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: SEO Expert
💼 Company: Global Marketing Solutions
📍 Location: Remote
💰 Salary: Not disclosed
🕒 Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking an SEO Expert to manage our search engine optimization strategies and increase website traffic. You will be responsible for implementing SEO best practices, tracking performance, and improving organic visibility.
Responsibilities
- Conduct keyword research
- Optimize website pages
- Monitor rankings and traffic
- Perform competitor analysis
- Report on performance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field
- 3–5 years of experience in SEO
- Familiarity with SEO tools
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to hiring@globalmarketing.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Description Falls Short
This post may be technically accurate—but it’s a missed opportunity in every way that matters. Here’s why:
1. The Job Title Is Generic and Meaningless
“SEO Expert” could mean anything. Is this a junior, mid-level, or strategic role? Is it technical SEO, content-driven, or hybrid? There’s no clarity—and serious candidates won’t waste time applying to vague posts.
2. The Company Introduction Is Nonexistent
There’s no description of the company’s mission, values, culture, or goals. Candidates have no idea who they’d be working for or why it matters.
In a world where top applicants want meaning and alignment, this post offers nothing to connect with.
3. The Responsibilities Are Bland and Vague
“Optimize website pages”? “Monitor rankings”? These aren’t responsibilities—they’re checklist items. There’s no context, no metrics, no sense of impact.
Strong candidates want to know what they’ll own and what success looks like.
4. No Transparency Around Salary or Benefits
Not listing a salary range is one of the fastest ways to lose top talent—especially when they have multiple offers and value clarity. This post offers no details on pay, benefits, flexibility, or work-life balance.
5. Cold and Impersonal Application Process
The closing line—“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted”—makes it sound like the company doesn’t respect applicants’ time or effort.
Compare that to a respectful, modern process that promises feedback and uses a skill-based screen. Which one would you apply to?
6. Zero Personality or Differentiation
There’s no tone, no warmth, and no brand voice. This could be posted by any company. That’s a huge red flag in a competitive hiring market.
Bottom line?
This is the kind of job post that attracts checkbox applicants, not thoughtful, strategic SEO professionals. It repels the very people you’re trying to hire.
Should You Use AI to Write Your SEO Job Description?
Let’s be honest—it’s tempting to use ChatGPT or a built-in ATS tool to instantly generate your job post. It’s fast, easy, and gives you something to start with.
But here’s the problem:
AI-written job posts, when used blindly, are almost always bland, generic, and forgettable.
They pull from the same pool of overused phrases:
- “Optimize website performance through strategic keyword integration”
- “Familiarity with tools like SEMrush, Moz, and Google Analytics required”
- “Responsible for improving search rankings and organic traffic”
Sure, they sound okay. But they don’t say anything that makes your company or role unique. They don’t help you stand out—and they definitely won’t excite top-tier SEO candidates.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI:
“Write me an SEO Specialist job description.”
That prompt alone will give you the same lifeless post everyone else has. No personality. No mission. No clarity about who you’re hiring or why it matters.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI:
Use AI like a writing partner—not a ghostwriter. Feed it your raw ingredients, then let it help you organize, polish, and sharpen the message.
Try this instead:
“Help me write a culture-first SEO Specialist job post.
Our company, TrailThreads, is a fast-growing outdoor apparel brand focused on sustainability.
We’re hiring a mid-level SEO to own our organic growth strategy—content, technical, reporting, and link-building.
We use Ahrefs, GA4, Webflow, and Shopify.
We want someone curious, results-driven, and collaborative.
We offer remote work, 20 PTO days, learning stipends, and quarterly gear perks.
Here’s a rough outline I’ve written [paste notes here]—can you refine this into a compelling, structured job post?”
Give it tone. Give it values. Give it the job’s purpose.
And it will return something useful—because you’ve done the thinking first.
💡 Final Rule:
AI should enhance your message—not replace your voice.
Your job post is the candidate’s first impression of your team, your leadership, and your values. Make it count.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste SEO Job Description?
We get it. Sometimes you need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like—but now you just need a solid starting point. That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: SEO Specialist to Own Organic Growth at [Company Name]
💼 Type: Full-Time | [Remote or Hybrid]
📍 Location: [Insert City, State or “Remote”]
💰 Salary Range: [$XX,000 – $XX,000 based on experience]
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, Flexible Hours
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Include a short Loom or YouTube video from your Head of Growth, Marketing Lead, or Hiring Manager. In 60–90 seconds, explain what makes this role important, what the candidate will own, and what kind of teammate you’re excited to hire.
🏢 About [Company Name]
[Company Name] is a [insert short company description—e.g., B2B SaaS startup / direct-to-consumer eCommerce brand / mission-driven nonprofit]. We’re growing fast and see SEO as a key lever for long-term growth.
We’re not looking for a checklist executor—we want someone curious, data-driven, and ready to lead strategy. If you’re excited about shaping organic growth from the ground up, this might be your next move.
🌱 What You’ll Be Doing
- Own our SEO strategy across blog, landing pages, and resource hubs
- Conduct deep keyword research and build topic clusters
- Optimize existing content and support new content creation
- Identify and fix technical SEO issues (crawl errors, site speed, Core Web Vitals)
- Monitor rankings and traffic using Ahrefs, GSC, and GA4
- Report performance and suggest ongoing improvements
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years of hands-on SEO experience (agency or in-house)
- Strong grasp of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO
- Experience using tools like Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, Surfer, GSC, GA4
- Ability to collaborate with writers, devs, and marketers
- Bonus: Experience with Shopify, Webflow, or WordPress
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Remote or hybrid flexibility
- Paid time off + holidays
- Annual learning stipend or education budget
- Health, dental, vision insurance (if applicable)
- Clear metrics and performance-based bonuses (optional)
🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You won’t just be optimizing title tags—you’ll own an entire growth channel. We’ll support you with resources, trust, and autonomy—so you can test fast, make smart decisions, and directly impact the business. If you’ve been looking for a role where you’re not just executing someone else’s strategy—this is it.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates based on skill—not just résumés. Apply here → [Insert WorkScreen link]
You’ll complete a short task (30 minutes or less), and we promise to review every application and respond.
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: SEO Specialist
💼 Type: [Full-Time / Contract / Freelance]
📍 Location: [Remote / Hybrid / In-office]
💰 Salary Range: [$XX,000 – $XX,000 per year or “Competitive”]
📅 Start Date: [Insert start date or “ASAP”]
🎥 Add a Personal Video
Drop in a short Loom from the hiring manager, founder, or marketing lead. This helps humanize the job post and gives candidates a real sense of who they’ll be working with.
About [Company Name]
We’re [insert company name]—a [type of company] focused on [brief mission or what you sell]. We believe in smart, sustainable growth—and organic search is one of the key ways we scale. We’re looking for an SEO specialist who knows how to blend strategy and execution, and is excited to make a real impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and execute SEO strategy across content and product pages
- Perform keyword research and build site architecture
- Fix crawl issues, redirects, and technical blockers
- Monitor performance using SEO tools (Ahrefs, GA4, Screaming Frog)
- Work closely with content, marketing, and dev teams
- Track, analyze, and report on KPIs regularly
Requirements
- 2+ years of relevant SEO experience
- Strong knowledge of SEO tools and best practices
- Ability to write briefs and work cross-functionally
- Clear understanding of how SEO ties into business goals
- Detail-oriented, curious, and results-driven
Perks & Benefits
- Remote-friendly
- Paid time off
- Education budget / course reimbursement
- Health & dental insurance (if applicable)
- Transparent, respectful hiring process
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to ensure a fair and efficient process.
You’ll complete a short skill evaluation—no résumé black hole here.
Apply here → [Insert WorkScreen link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a strong job description is only the beginning. Once you’ve attracted candidates, the real question becomes:
How do you quickly spot the ones who can actually deliver—without wasting hours in interviews or chasing résumés that look good but don’t hold up?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s how WorkScreen helps you hire smarter:
🧠 1. Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants based on custom skill tests, mindset checks, and real-world scenarios.
No more guessing. Just a performance-based leaderboard you can trust.
✅ 2. Easily administer one-click skill tests
Want to test SEO fundamentals? On-page audits? Keyword strategy thinking? With WorkScreen, you can send candidates a skill test link with a single click—making your process fast, consistent, and fair.
🚫 3. Eliminate low-effort or AI-generated applicants
Tired of applicants who copy-paste answers or use AI tools like Parakeet AI or Cluely to cheat your process?
WorkScreen filters those out automatically—so you can focus on serious, thoughtful candidates who genuinely want the job.
🎯 Bottom line: WorkScreen gives you clarity.
You’ll spend less time guessing and more time hiring candidates who are aligned, accountable, and capable.
Ready to stop making hiring decisions based on résumés alone?
→ Sign up at WorkScreen.io and start hiring with confidence.
SEO Specialist Job Description - FAQ
The best SEO Specialists have a mix of technical ability, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Here’s a breakdown:
- Keyword research and content strategy – They should know how to find search opportunities and build content around real user intent.
- Technical SEO basics – Things like crawlability, Core Web Vitals, site architecture, and schema markup.
- Tool fluency – Familiarity with platforms like Ahrefs, Google Search Console, GA4, Screaming Frog, and Surfer.
- Reporting & analysis – Can they translate data into meaningful insights and recommendations?
- Cross-functional collaboration – SEO touches content, dev, and marketing—so strong communicators win.
Bonus: Curiosity and adaptability. SEO is always changing, so you want someone who loves to learn and iterate.
As of 2025, here’s a general benchmark based on experience and location:
- Entry-Level (0–1 years): $40,000 – $55,000
- Mid-Level (2–4 years): $60,000 – $80,000
- Senior (5+ years): $85,000 – $120,000+
- Freelancers/Consultants: $50–150/hour depending on expertise and project scope
Salaries vary based on geography, in-house vs. agency vs. freelance, and company size. Remote roles with performance-linked bonuses tend to attract higher-end candidates.
One of the best ways is to assign a short, role-specific task. For example:
- “Here’s a blog topic—outline how you’d build a content cluster for it.”
- “Audit this product page and list 3 SEO improvements.”
- “Give us a 1-paragraph summary of how you’d prioritize technical fixes after a site migration.”
The key is to test how they think, not just what they know. And platforms like WorkScreen.io can help you automate this fairly and at scale.
It depends on your goals.
- Hire in-house if SEO is a core growth channel for your business and you want long-term, brand-aligned ownership.
- Outsource if you need short-term help (e.g., audits, migrations) or don’t yet have volume to justify a full-time role.
Some teams start with a freelance consultant, then move to in-house once strategy and ROI are clear.
Avoid vague metrics like “more traffic.” Instead, focus on these:
- Growth in qualified organic traffic
- Increases in non-branded keyword rankings
- Conversions or revenue from organic sources
- Indexed pages and crawl health
- Click-through rates from search results
- Content velocity or new pages published monthly
Make sure your hire understands which metrics align with your business goals—not just vanity wins.
