I am transitioning from software development to digital marketing and have a strong interest in SEO. I have obtained five certifications from Hubspot and am considering starting a Wordpress blog to practice content marketing, PPC, copywriting, and content writing. However, I am unsure of other ways to gain experience on my own. I have thought about creating an Instagram account for my website to practice social media marketing or getting into digital products to gain experience marketing something tangible. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how to gain experience in SEO before becoming job-ready?
Many entry-level jobs in digital marketing and SEO can be a great stepping stone to a career in SEO. These can include:
- Content Marketing: This role is highly relevant to SEO as it focuses on creating high-quality, search-engine-optimized content that attracts and engages your target audience. You can gain experience by writing blog posts, articles, and other content for websites and businesses.
- Social Media Marketing: This is a great way to learn about audience engagement and how to promote content online. It can help you develop valuable skills like content creation, community management, and social media strategy.
- Email Marketing: Many businesses rely on email marketing to reach their customers and promote products or services. This role often involves creating email campaigns, analyzing data, and optimizing email performance.
- Digital Marketing Assistant: These roles are often entry-level and offer exposure to various aspects of digital marketing, including SEO, PPC, social media, and email marketing. You can learn about different marketing channels and gain experience with marketing tools and software.
- Web Developer: While not directly an SEO role, having a strong understanding of web development and website structure can be incredibly valuable to your SEO career. Understanding how websites work behind the scenes can give you a significant advantage.
In addition to these roles, you can also gain valuable SEO experience through:
- Freelance writing: Offering your services as a freelance writer can allow you to develop your content writing skills and learn how to optimize content for search engines.
- Volunteering: Offering your skills to non-profit organizations or local businesses can provide you with valuable hands-on experience in SEO and digital marketing.
- Taking online courses and workshops: These courses can help you develop a strong understanding of SEO principles, techniques, and tools.
Gaining experience through these avenues will help you demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. Building a strong portfolio, showcasing your expertise in content creation, and highlighting your understanding of SEO concepts will make you a more competitive candidate for entry-level SEO positions.