The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) playing a critical role in helping businesses improve their online visibility. As a result, the demand for skilled SEO professionals continues to grow.
For those working in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, transitioning to a career in SEO can be an attractive and promising opportunity. Some made the jump and did so successfully like our student Jaypee.
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)
Career Growth & Workplace Environment
It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the happiness of SEO specialists versus BPO employees, as 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.
SEO
Pros
Cons
BPO
Pros
Cons
Do SEO Specialists Earn More Than BPO Employees?
In general, SEO specialists tend to have higher earning potential than entry-level BPO employees, as SEO is a specialized skill in high demand in the digital marketing landscape.
However, comparing the entire SEO and BPO industries may not be entirely accurate, as both industries encompass 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.
What Is SEO?
SEO And Its Importance For Businesses
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing a website to increase its visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). With most online experiences beginning with a search engine query, it's crucial 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 alive.
The Main Components Of SEO
SEO can be broken down into three main components:
Career Options Within The SEO Industry
The SEO industry offers various career paths, including:
- SEO Specialist
- Content strategist
- Link builder
- Technical SEO expert
- SEO analyst
- SEO Consultant
As an example, I’m an SEO Specialist with a focus on Content and Link Building. An SEO specialist may choose to specialize in a specific area for several reasons:
However, it's essential to note that some SEO professionals choose to be generalists, 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.
Assessing Your Skills and Interests
Identifying Transferable Skills From Your BPO Background
As a BPO professional, you possess several transferable skills that can be valuable in the SEO industry:
- Communication skills: Effective written and verbal communication is essential for creating high-quality content and collaborating with team members.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills: Analyzing website performance, identifying SEO issues, and implementing solutions require strong analytical thinking.
- Time management and organization: Managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines are crucial in the fast-paced SEO industry.
TIP: To identify transferable skills from your BPO background, review your job responsibilities and categorize skills into areas like communication, problem-solving, and time management.
Focus on skills relevant to the SEO industry, such as effective communication, analytical thinking, and organization. Incorporate these transferable skills into your resume and cover letter to demonstrate your potential for a successful career transition to the SEO industry.
Discovering 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.
Note: Square One: The Free SEO Starter Course has a short and fun quiz that will help you identify your strengths and match you with ideal SEO career paths. You can enroll here for free - just create an account!
Matching 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 ideal.
Acquiring SEO Knowledge and Skills
Take Online Courses and Certifications
- SEO Training Philippines - A comprehensive SEO course that offers in-depth training on all aspects of SEO, making it an excellent starting point for aspiring professionals.
- 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:
- Structured learning: Learn through an efficient, comprehensive curriculum.
- Expert guidance: Gain valuable insights from industry professionals, which can be difficult to find through self-study.
- Access to resources: Gain access to exclusive materials and tools like templates and themes.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals.
- Certification: Boost credibility and stand out in the job market.
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
- Blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels: Follow industry leaders like Brian Dean and Rand Fishkin to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices.
- SEO conferences and webinars. While there are not many SEO conferences here in the Philippines, you can always join webinars.
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
Showcasing 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.
Documenting 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.
Creating 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.
Tip our SEO Business Breakthrough as well as Module 7 of our Complete Course can help you set up a professional website or blog within a few days!
Leveraging 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
Identifying 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.
Tailoring 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
Transitioning to the SEO industry as a BPO career-shifter can be a rewarding and fulfilling decision.
By leveraging your transferable skills, acquiring in-depth SEO knowledge, and staying committed to continuous learning, you can successfully establish yourself as a sought-after professional in this dynamic field. SEO Training Philippines is here to support your journey and help you achieve your career goals.
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.
