“Burned-out na po kasi ako. Gusto ko na ng bago.”
Can you relate?
If you said yes, you’ll fit right in! Most of our enrollees who come from the BPO industry are burned out from the daily grind, the exhausting commute, and their unlikable TLs and colleagues. (Aminin, minsan ayaw talaga natin sa katrabaho natin.)
For those working in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry as a call center agent, transitioning to a career in SEO can be an attractive and promising opportunity. Some already made the jump and did so successfully like our student Jaypee.
If you want a change of scenery and are looking for career growth, this guide is PERFECT for you.
In this blog post, we'll say goodbye to the monotonous world of BPO and step into the exhilarating realm of SEO with this insightful guide, tailored for adventurous career-shifters like you!
SEO vs BPO (Pros & Cons)
Do SEO Specialists Earn More Than BPO Employees?
Let’s start with the most important question: do SEO Specialists earn more than your current work?
The answer to that is yes. Generally.
In general, SEO specialists tend to have higher earning potential than entry-level BPO employees because is SEO is a specialized skill in high demand.
According to Indeed, SEO Specialists earn an average of P35,274/month, while a call center representative earns an average of P17,624/month. [1][2]
However, comparing the entire SEO and BPO industries may not be entirely accurate. Both industries covers various roles with different levels of responsibility, experience, and expertise.
For entry-level positions, SEO specialists often earn more than BPO employees in roles such as customer service representatives or data entry specialists.
As professionals advance in their careers, though, the salary gap may narrow or even reverse, depending on the specific roles and responsibilities. For example, a bilingual customer support who is proficient in English and Spanish may earn more than the average SEO Specialist.
Career Growth & Workplace Environment: Are SEO Specialists Happier?
It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the happiness of SEO specialists versus BPO employees. Job satisfaction and happiness can vary significantly depending on personal preferences, career goals, company culture, and individual experiences.
However, there are factors in each industry that may contribute to happiness. Here’s a table that summarizes the pros and cons of each industry.
Maybe some of the pros listed below will make you happier?
SEO
Pros
Cons
BPO
Pros
Cons
What Is SEO?
SEO And Its Importance For Businesses
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of - in simple terms - making a website better to increase its visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs), or search results for short.
Most people online use a search engine like Google to search for things. Because of this, it's important for businesses to rank highly in SERPs to attract more traffic, leads, and customers.
And based on the increase in SEO-related positions, search trends, and other indicators, the SEO industry is truly booming.
And based on the increase in SEO-related positions, search trends, and other indicators, the SEO industry is truly booming..
The Main Components Of SEO
To give you a summary, SEO can be broken down into three main components:
What Are Your Career Options Within The SEO Industry?
The SEO industry offers various career paths, including:
While the above are very very simple definitions of each career path, I hope I gave you an idea of what they do.
Reasons You'd Choose A Certain SEO Career Path
An SEO specialist may choose to specialize in a specific area for several reasons:
However, some SEO professionals choose to be generalists (i.e., jack-of-all-trades), particularly in smaller organizations or as freelancers. This approach allows them to gain a broad understanding of SEO and handle various tasks, making them more versatile and adaptable.
Ultimately, the choice between specialization and a "jack of all trades" approach depends on individual preferences, career goals, and market conditions.
Are There Transferable Skills From My Current BPO Work To SEO?
Working in a BPO environment, you've already developed a wealth of skills that are surprisingly applicable to SEO!
Your ability to communicate effectively, manage time, and solve problems are all invaluable in the world of digital marketing. But how do these translate to SEO, and what can you expect when making the switch?
Assessing Your Skills and Interests
Identify Transferable Skills From Your BPO Background
As a BPO professional, you possess several transferable skills that can be valuable in the SEO industry:
Next, focus on skills relevant to the SEO industry, such as effective communication, analytical thinking, and organization.
Finally, incorporate these transferable skills into your resume and cover letter to demonstrate your potential for a successful career transition to the SEO industry.
How Do I Become An SEO Specialist
#1. Discover Your Interests Within The SEO Field
To find the right career path in SEO, consider your interests and passions.
Are you drawn to writing and content creation, or do you prefer analyzing data and finding patterns? Assessing your interests can help you identify the best fit.
#2. Match your skills and interests to the right SEO career path
Once you've identified your transferable skills and interests, explore the various SEO career paths to find the perfect match.
For example, if you enjoy writing and have strong communication skills, a content strategist role might be a good choice for you.
#3. Acquire The Necessary SEO Knowledge and Skills
There are many SEO training courses, both local and abroad. The challenge is finding one that suits your learning style!
Here’s a quick summary of the type of courses or modes of learning you will encounter:
Style | Definition | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Self-Paced | You go through the lessons on your own pace. | Perfect for people with busy schedules. The discussion pace will be at your pace | You can’t ask questions in real-time. Bad choice for those with no time management skills or lack accountability |
Live & Online | You take the lessons via a virtual classroom, often Zoom meeting | You can ask questions in real-time. Great for those that need accountability partners. | The pace of teaching might not be right for you. You can’t rewind a lesson |
Face-To-Face | You take classes in a physical classroom | Some people absorb information better in a physical classroom setting. You can ask questions in real time | The commute. |
Hybrid | A blend of multiple course setups (e.g., 50% Face-to-Face and 50% self-paced) | You get the advantages of multiple modes of learning. | One mode of learning might not be for you. |
SEO Training Philippines is one example of a hybrid set up. 90% of our lessons are self-paced but we hold four live sessions a month.
Other reputable SEO courses and certifications: In addition to our course, consider completing certifications from Moz, Google, and SEMrush to further enhance your knowledge and credibility.
Should You Take A Course Or Self Study?
Taking an SEO course can be more beneficial than learning SEO on your own for several reasons:
On the other hand, self-learning SEO also has its benefits, offering flexibility and autonomy in the learning process.
By learning at your own pace, you can focus on areas that interest you the most or address specific challenges you face in your work.
Additionally, self-learning allows you to explore a wide range of resources, such as blog articles, webinars, and online forums, enabling you to stay updated with the latest trends and practices in the industry.
This approach can be both cost-effective and rewarding, as it encourages self-discipline and fosters a continuous learning mindset.
While self-learning can still be a valuable approach, an SEO course offers a more structured, guided, and resource-rich experience that can accelerate your learning and improve your chances of success in the industry.
Learn From Industry Experts And Influencers
Practice On Personal Projects
Work on personal projects or offer pro-bono services to gain hands-on experience and build your confidence in implementing SEO strategies. You can also check out our Apprenticeship Program for an internship or OJT experience.
Building Your SEO Portfolio Is A Surefire Way To Succeed
Showcase your SEO knowledge and expertise!
A well-crafted portfolio is essential to demonstrate your skills and attract potential employers. Include examples of your work, such as website audits, keyword research, content optimization, and link-building projects.
Document Case Studies And Success Stories
Highlight specific projects where you've made a significant impact on website performance, traffic growth, or keyword rankings. Provide detailed explanations of your strategies and the results achieved.
Create A Professional Website Or Blog
Develop a personal website or blog where you can showcase your portfolio, share your thoughts on SEO trends, and demonstrate your expertise in the field. This will serve as your online business card and help establish your credibility.
Leverage Social Media Platforms for Networking and Personal Branding
Create profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other relevant platforms to connect with industry professionals, share your work, and participate in discussions.
Building a strong online presence can help you expand your network and uncover job opportunities.
Job Hunting and Networking in the SEO Industry
Identify Job Opportunities On The SEO Field
Explore job boards, company websites, and social media to find open positions in the SEO industry. Keep track of companies you're interested in and set up alerts for new postings. Most of our students start with Online Jobs PH.
Watch: An oldie, but goodie. Here's a webinar I did on how to optimize your OLJ profile:
Tailor Your Resume And Cover Letter For SEO Positions
Craft a targeted resume and cover letter that highlights your SEO skills, accomplishments, and transferable experience from your BPO background.
Be sure to emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends.
TIP: A lesser-known tip for tailoring your resume and cover letter for SEO positions is to optimize them for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) using relevant keywords.
Just as SEO involves optimizing web content for search engines, strategically incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases into your resume and cover letter can help you rank higher in ATS search results.
Research common terms, tools, and techniques used in the SEO industry and weave them naturally into your application documents.
This approach not only demonstrates your familiarity with SEO concepts but also showcases your ability to apply optimization principles in a practical context, making your application more appealing to potential employers.
Networking with SEO professionals and joining online communities
Join SEO groups and forums, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on social media to establish connections and learn from their experiences. Networking can provide valuable insights and even lead to job referrals.
Preparing for interviews and demonstrating your SEO knowledge
Before interviews, research the company and its SEO needs. Be prepared to discuss your experience, strategies, and successes, and demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
TIP: Download our SEO Specialist Blueprint for commonly asked interview questions and their answers.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Staying updated with the latest SEO trends and best practices
SEO is an ever-evolving field, and staying informed about changes in search engine algorithms, tools, and techniques is vital for long-term success.
Regularly read industry blogs, participate in webinars, and subscribe to newsletters.
Expanding your skillset through additional training and certifications
As you gain experience, consider pursuing advanced certifications and training to broaden your expertise and increase your marketability in the industry.
Networking and collaborating with fellow SEO professionals
Continue to engage with peers through conferences, meetups, and online communities. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.
Setting career goals and striving for constant improvement
Set both short-term and long-term goals for your SEO career, and regularly evaluate your progress. Continuously refining your skills and staying proactive in your learning journey will help you excel in the competitive SEO industry.
You Can Successfully Shift To The SEO Industry!
Are you a BPO professional looking to make a career shift into the thriving world of SEO? Our comprehensive SEO Training Philippines course is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and resources to excel in the industry.
Leverage your transferable skills, learn from experienced instructors, and become a certified SEO specialist. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock new career paths and transform your future! Join our supportive community and start your SEO journey today.
