Bill Gates in his essay “Content is the King-1996”, mentioned:
…..For the Internet to thrive, content providers must be paid for their work. The long-term prospects are good, but I expect a lot of disappointment in the short-term as content companies struggle to make money through advertising or subscriptions. It isn’t working yet, and it may not for some time…….
Some reluctance on the part of advertisers may be justified, because many Internet users are less -than- thrilled about seeing advertising. One reason is that many advertisers use big images that take a long time to download across a telephone dial-up connection. A magazine ad takes up space too, but a reader can flip a printed page rapidly. As connections to the Internet get faster, the annoyance of waiting for an advertisement to load will diminish and then disappear. But that’s a few years off.
From the extracts of his essay, I can confidently say his words still hold true and say, “If someone works in creating and optimizing content creators’ (i.e. Businesses’) advertisements or contents consumable without annoying the intended internet users and get paid for helping the creators then s/he is called SEO specialists.”
15 tasks of SEOs
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an ever-evolving field, and in 2025, SEO specialists play a crucial role in helping businesses succeed online.
Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from keeping up with search engine algorithms to creating compelling content and building backlinks.
Let’s dive into 15 examples of what an SEO specialist does in 2023 to understand their role better.
1 Keep Updating Knowledge on How Search Engines Work
SEO specialists stay up to date with search engine algorithms and trends to adapt their strategies accordingly.
For example, with the advent of voice search, they understand the importance of optimizing for natural language queries.
SEO specialists continuously study search engine algorithms, ensuring that they adapt their strategies to the latest updates, like Google’s BERT or Core Web Vitals.
2 Keyword research in a better way
Keyword research is the foundation of SEO. Specialists employ advanced tools and techniques to identify the most relevant and high-impact keywords for their clients, optimizing content for better search visibility.
They meticulously research and select relevant keywords to optimize a website’s content, making it more discoverable by search engines and potential customers and use the best keyword research tool and strategy.
3 Plan SEO campaign Stage-wise
SEO specialists plan and execute campaigns in a well-structured manner, setting specific goals for each stage of the project.
A well-thought-out SEO campaign involves meticulous planning, with distinct stages for on-page optimization, content creation, and backlink building, ensuring a holistic approach to SEO.
4 Research Competitors and Identify Roadblocks
By studying competitors, SEO specialists identify areas of opportunity and potential roadblocks, allowing them to fine-tune strategies for maximum impact.
They analyze competitors’ strategies to discover opportunities and understand potential obstacles that businesses might face.
5 Analyze the Viability of SEO for Businesses
SEO specialists evaluate whether SEO is the right digital marketing strategy for a particular business, based on its goals and target audience.
Not every business benefits from SEO, and specialists make data-driven decisions to determine if it’s a viable investment, considering factors like market saturation and competition.
6 Analyze, track, and monitor website performance
Continuous analysis and tracking of website performance are essential. Tools like Google Analytics help SEO specialists understand what’s working and what needs improvement.
Using various tools, they monitor the website’s performance, track key metrics, and make data-driven decisions to improve rankings and user experience.
7 Communicate professionally
Effective communication is key. SEO specialists organize meetings to keep clients and team members informed about strategies and progress.
They organize meetings with clients or coworkers, effectively explaining SEO processes, strategies, and results in a clear and professional manner.
8 SEO content writing
Creating content that’s not only optimized for search engines but also engaging for readers is a skill SEO specialists possess. They balance keywords with quality to provide value.
9 Prepare automated SEO reporting dashboard
SEO specialists develop automated reporting systems to track key metrics and present them to clients in an easily digestible format.
They use tools to automate reporting, making it easier to track and share performance data with stakeholders.
10 Perform Website Audits for Optimization
SEO specialists conduct comprehensive website audits, identifying technical issues, and optimizing for both search engines and user experience.
In-depth website audits help specialists uncover technical issues, on-page optimization opportunities, and improvements in user experience, leading to better rankings and satisfied users.
11 Fix technical issues
Identifying and addressing technical issues such as broken links, site speed, and mobile optimization are crucial for improving website performance.
SEO specialists work on resolving technical SEO issues, like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and crawl errors, to ensure a seamless user experience.
12 Manage clients
SEO specialists maintain relationships with clients, addressing concerns, and ensuring strategies align with business goals.
Building and maintaining client relationships is a significant part of SEO specialists’ role, ensuring client satisfaction and understanding of the SEO process.
13 Own a personal project
Many SEO specialists work on personal projects or blogs to gain practical experience and keep their skills sharp.
Many SEO specialists run personal projects or websites to experiment with strategies and stay updated with the latest industry trends.
14 Build backlinks
Earning high-quality backlinks remains a cornerstone of SEO. Specialists engage in outreach, partnerships, and content marketing to acquire these valuable links.
Specialists create a network of quality backlinks from authoritative websites to boost a site’s authority and search engine rankings.
15 Building authority through Personal Branding
Establishing authority in the SEO field, specialists often maintain personal blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and active social media profiles to share insights and build their reputation.
Some specialists establish their authority in the field through blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and social media, creating a strong online presence.
Conclusion
SEO specialists wear many hats in 2023, from staying on top of search engine algorithms to creating engaging content and building relationships with clients.
They’re not just technical experts but also strategic thinkers, content creators, and communicators. With their extensive skill set and adaptability, they play a pivotal role in helping businesses succeed in the ever-competitive digital landscape.
Their role is pivotal in helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape, making them an indispensable part of the online ecosystem.
By staying informed about how search engines operate, conducting thorough keyword research, and implementing a multi-stage SEO campaign, these specialists ensure that their strategies align with business goals and that SEO remains a viable investment.
They are not just focused on technical issues but also on improving user experience, managing client relationships, and building their own authority in the field.
In a constantly evolving digital world, SEO specialists are more vital than ever.
This article provides a glimpse into the multifaceted world of SEO specialists, shedding light on their diverse responsibilities and contributions to online success.
So, whether you’re a business owner seeking to enhance your online presence or someone aspiring to become an SEO specialist, understanding these 15 examples of what an SEO specialist does in 2025 is a valuable insight into the evolving world of digital marketing.