SEO Content Writer

Working Schedule

• SEO Content Writers may work full- or part-time, depending on their employment status. Many writers operate in a freelance capacity, taking on small or large contracts that fill into their daily schedules.  

Typical Duties

• Work with marketing teams, social media managers, or others to propose and discuss article ideas
• Plan a content publishing schedule
• Conduct keyword research to add appropriate words into the content to be written 
• Scan news headlines for breaking news that could tie into your content
• Research topics online, draft and submit content outlines, cite reputable, high domain authority sources
• Listen to and incorporate feedback on outline changes  
• Create original, structured content that helps boost search engine rankings while adding genuine value for readers
• Ensure content is both easy and long enough for search engines to find and understand it
• Use link-building strategies to increase traffic and visibility
• Use website plugins to further optimize content before publishing

Additional Responsibilities

• Update older content regularly to keep it fresh and relevant
• Analyze competitor sites to gain insights
• Stay up-to-date on trends and new developments related to SEO
• Differentiate content from copywriting, but incorporate elements of copywriting, as needed (for instance, mention a certain product or service for sale within the body of the content)

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Attention-to-detail
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Curiosity
• Discipline
• Organization
• Patience
• Results-driven
• Social perceptiveness
• Strategic thinking
• Strong listening skills 
• Time management skills

Technical Skills

• Creative and technical writing skills
• Thorough reading and research skills
• Experience in e-commerce 
• Knowledge of social media analytics
• Familiarity with editing software (such as Grammarly)
• Knowledge of SEO tools, such as:
  • Google Analytics
  • Keyword Research (such as Semrush, Keyword Hero or Moz’s Keyword Explorer)
  • Crawling and Indexing (such as Beam Us Up or Redirect Path Chrome extension)
  • Link checking (such as Check My Links, Ahrefs’ Backlink Checker, or HEADMaster SEO)
  • XML Sitemaps
  • BROWSEO
  • Rank Checking (such as CanIRank)
  • Google Trends
  • Google My Business
  • Google’s Mobile-Friendly Testing tool
  • On-page SEO (such as Counting Characters)
  • Competitor analysis (such as BuzzSumo and SimilarWeb)
  • Site speed
  • WordPress Yoast SEO plugin

• Blogging sites
• Colleges and universities
• Digital/content marketing agencies
• E-commerce businesses
• Governmental organizations
• Medical institutions
• News and media agencies
• Self-employed
• Traditional companies with websites

SEO Content Writers are vital team members for any organization with a website (which is virtually everyone these days!). Their work serves to help users find their employers’ sites, boosting traffic and engagement. For e-commerce businesses, this also translates into additional sales. 
 
With websites being easier and cheaper than ever to build, the number of online sites grows daily. Meanwhile, smart website owners are investing in SEO strategists to help their sites rank higher and thus raise brand awareness. 
 
Big companies with deep pockets can afford to sink more funding into such campaigns, making it tough for smaller enterprises to get noticed. But skilled SEO Content Writers can offer a relatively low-cost means of enhancing a site’s digital footprint. It’s critical for writers to understand which topics are being searched for, what keywords to use, how to structure content, and how to write in a way that is compelling and genuinely useful for readers. 
 
Because of the stationary aspect of the work, writers are at risk of developing repetitive stress injuries, neck and shoulder pain, and eye strain. It’s important for them to take breaks and engage in regular physical activities for exercise and muscle relief. 

Companies often feature mascots or ambassadors who help potential customers connect and relate to a brand. As organizations continue to shift to online entities, the need for relatable, human touchpoints is as high as ever. SEO Content Writers can help by writing in a first-person style, using “I” and “we” pronouns to make content more personable. 
 
Using quotes is a handy trick to enhance content. As Pestle Analysis writes, quotes “assure the reader in the credibility of the arguments provided in the text.” This, in turn, helps content be more persuasive. 
 
It is important for SEO Content Writers to keep the language of their articles natural, easy to understand, and long enough to get noticed but without being stuffed with useless filler. That said, keywords are still vital components of a good SEO article, with a target range of 80%  “evergreen keywords” plus 20% trending keywords.

SEO Content Writers were likely avid readers who took to writing early on, perhaps penning short stories or throwing everything into homework essays. Good writers probably grew up naturally inquisitive, willing to explore a topic broadly, and follow any interesting tangents to get to the most interesting tidbits. 
 
Because of the analytical nature of Search Engine Optimization requirements, they must also be dispassionate when editing, able to view and adjust their work objectively. Accepting outside editorial feedback and criticism isn’t always an inborn characteristic; these are skills likely learned at an early age, taught or enhanced by supportive parents or teachers. 
 
Content writers could have been introverts as kids, but many are outgoing. That doesn’t mean they crave the spotlight. SEO Content Writers appreciate having their names referenced as authors but are typically comfortable turning in white label content (i.e., ghostwriting) when the job calls for it.