Where to find work for an SEO specialist?

Creating your own website is one of the first steps in business development. But for people to learn about it, it needs to be promoted online. This is precisely the task of an SEO specialist. Their goal is to optimize the site to rank higher in search engine results and attract organic traffic. The specialist strives to make it as visible as possible to the audience for relevant search queries. But how does an SEO specialist find clients? Let’s explore this question.

Who Needs SEO Specialist Services

Every website created needs promotion services because the target audience is not yet aware of its existence. However, the level of optimization may vary depending on the type of resource. Organic search traffic is a high-quality, long-term source of potential clients and subscribers. Therefore, SEO optimization is indispensable in the online space.

There are several categories of clients who are particularly interested in the services of specialists. These are the ones you should primarily focus on when looking for work:

• Commercial projects. Any commercial company that sells goods or services needs promotion. These can be online stores of various scales, offline businesses such as restaurants, clinics, car service stations, lawyers, dentists, etc. Promotion is necessary for clients to easily find and use their services.
• Informational resources. These include news portals, educational blogs, and reference resources. Monetization occurs through advertising or subscriptions. Therefore, these sites require a constant increase in traffic. They need in-depth keyword analysis. Content is fully optimized for search queries.
• Local businesses. Informing the audience about their presence in the region and the services provided is very convenient through the internet. To attract regular customers, it is important to maintain active communication through social networks and other resources. SEO services are useful for catering establishments, offline stores, dentists, hairdressers, etc.

The work of an SEO specialist is needed if clients actively use the internet to search for goods or services offered by the business owner.

How to Prepare for a Job Search

Website promotion is a task that requires high qualifications. Work will not be entrusted to performers without experience and reputation. Without a good portfolio, it is extremely difficult to get stable orders and gain client trust. Therefore, it can be challenging for beginners, even if there is a demand for such services.

To build a portfolio, first offer your services to acquaintances. If the project is not very large, it can be done for free or for a minimal fee. This will help you gain experience and understand how the system works. Practice usually differs significantly from theoretical knowledge. As a token of gratitude, the client can leave a positive review on a freelance exchange or on the specialist’s personal resource.

Many specialists receive their first orders precisely through «word-of-mouth advertising». Business owners maintain active communication. If your collaboration experience is positive, you will definitely be recommended.

The next step is to create a portfolio website or a social media page where potential clients can view your work. This builds trust in your qualifications. In your portfolio, describe the essence and complexity of the task, how you managed to cope with it, and how it affected the client’s website conversion. Such posts indicate that you are indeed a professional who understands SEO. Make regular posts, discuss key issues of website promotion. Professional discussions also attract clients.

Roadmap for a Successful Job Search

After building your portfolio and establishing a good reputation, you can start looking for your first commercial order. There are many methods, and initially, some people use them all at once. However, it is best to gradually move from one method to another.
After building your portfolio and establishing a good reputation, you can start looking for your first commercial order. There are many methods, and initially, some people use them all at once. However, it is best to gradually move from one method to another.

Direct Search

The advantage of a direct search is that you establish a connection with a specific desired client. There are no intermediaries taking a percentage of the work performed, so the executor receives higher pay, and most importantly, builds communication.

Direct search should be conducted in parallel with other methods. Potential employers include small and medium-sized online stores, as large ones usually already have in-house SEO specialists. Pay attention to websites with blogs and local businesses. Analyze their needs, show why your services can be beneficial. Rely on real figures, not theoretical conclusions, as they may not materialize. Find obvious shortcomings in their advertising campaign and show how they can be eliminated with your help.

When creating a mailing list, try to ensure that the recipient receives not a generic, but a personalized letter discussing their specific situation.

Freelance Platforms

Finding work on freelance platforms is not as easy as it seems, despite the large number of offers. The reason is significant competition. Clients prefer verified performers who have many positive reviews, a large portfolio, and a good reputation. To get your first order, stay active.

List of popular platforms:

• Ukrainian — Freelancehunt, Kabanchik.ua, Freelance.ua.
• International — Fiverr and Upwork.
• Job portals — Jooble, Work.ua, Rabota.ua.

When searching, use keywords related to «SEO specialist». Actively participate in auctions, conduct professional correspondence with potential employers. Phrases like «I have extensive experience» usually just don’t work. In personal correspondence, provide evidence of your qualifications, offer a few ideas for collaboration. Only in such a case will the client want to consider your candidacy.

Professional Communities

In online communities, you can not only look for potential employers but also build connections and new acquaintances. This will contribute to getting new orders in the future. Several popular SEO communities:

• Telegram channels. This is where you can find «hot» offers that have not yet been published on large portals and exchanges.
• Facebook groups. There are many professional SEO promotion groups on the social network. Business owners quite often look for specialists in these groups. 
• LinkedIn. The platform allows building connections and finding business owners not only for SEO specialists but also for IT specialists and representatives of other professions.

Be persistent and active in your job search. Try different methods. By following these tips, even beginners can get lucrative orders and start collaborating with large agencies.