The number of SEO job openings in Q1 2024 was down 37% compared to last year.
Analysis by Professional Job Site SEOJobs.com has compiled data on more than 80,000 job listings posted by 4,700 employers in 2023 and early 2024.
The report cites the increasing use of AI in search as a key factor influencing SEO adoption.
Intermediate-level roles will be hit hardest
Senior SEO jobs grew 3% year-over-year in Q1 2024, entry-level jobs grew 1%, but mid-level SEO jobs decreased 6% compared to Q1 2023 .
Nick LeRoy, owner of SEOJobs.com, attributes this difference to AI automation handling routine tasks. This suggests that companies are looking for professionals who can perform higher-level tasks.
He said:
“Tasks that were previously assigned to entry-level positions can now be performed faster and more cheaply with AI technology…
… These entry-level SEOs are now expected to have a basic level of knowledge about search and the soft skills to compete with mid-level colleagues with 3+ years of experience.
…Companies want to “do more with less.” This means hiring inexpensive junior resources and paying them for proven experience and results through senior SEO. ”
On a more positive note, LeRoy found that remote SEO opportunities increased in the first quarter of 2024 after declining in the second half of last year.
Lack of pay transparency
The SEO jobs report also highlighted the industry's need for pay transparency.
Only 18% of job postings provide salary details, but more are likely as more states legally require wage disclosure.
economic pressure
In addition to AI disruption, broader economic conditions appear to be weighing on SEO employment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the decline in publicly traded companies coincides with slower job growth in the U.S. labor market.
The BLS recently reported that “employment in major industries was little changed last month,” including professional and business services. SEO roles often fall into this sector.
6 ways SEO professionals can stay competitive
As the role of AI in search increases, the most successful SEO professionals will be those who can combine technical mastery with strategic thinking, analytical skills, and a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development. Sho.
Here are some possible strategies to differentiate yourself in today's job market.
1. Develop your AI expertise
With AI playing a key role in search, it’s important to understand and leverage AI technology.
Experts who leverage AI tools such as natural language processing, content generation, and semantic analysis gain a competitive advantage.
2. Focus on strategic SEO
As AI automates many technical and execution-based SEO tasks, employers may prioritize hiring SEO talent with strategic capabilities.
Professionals skilled in competitive analysis, audience research, content strategy development, and conversion optimization are likely to be in high demand.
3. Improve your analytical skills
The ability to extract insights from data will become even more valuable as AI impacts search rankings and user behavior.
Our expertise in analytics platforms, statistical analysis, data visualization, and communicating data-driven recommendations will set you apart from other candidates.
4. Specialization
While some SEO professionals take a generalist approach, specializing within a field such as local search, e-commerce, enterprise-level SEO or a specific industry sector can make you more attractive to potential employers.
5. Focus on soft skills
As technical jobs become automated, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability are likely to become more important in the hiring process.
SEO professionals who are able to collaborate across teams and articulate strategies are able to separate themselves.
6. Build your personal brand
Building a strong personal brand through blogging, public speaking, publishing authoritative content, and participating in social media can increase your visibility. This increased visibility can create new employment opportunities.
Thoughts of parting
While the short-term outlook is bleak, the role of SEO professionals is changing rather than disappearing.
Those who can adapt their value proposition and respond to new demands will find viable career opportunities.
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