How To Turn Specializing in SEO Into a Side Hustle

Are you interested in specializing in SEO?

Luckily, there are hundreds of websites out there that want to improve their online visibility in search engines.

With the continuous increase in internet usage, you have many opportunities to work in search engine optimization (SEO).

An Overview of Specializing in SEO: A Primer

Specializing in SEO is becoming a person who does website optimization to achieve improved visibility and higher search engine rankings.

As a result of SEO, the website or online content gains more organic traffic from search engines such as Google, Bing, etc).

In general, SEO strategy is essential in digital marketing, helping achieve various business goals.

Working in such the SEO field requires constant adaptation to the changes in users’ behavior and search engine algorithms.

Overall, this career has many different paths. Specializing in SEO, you can end up becoming:

• Search engine optimization Specialist
• Local SEO Specialist
• Content Strategist
• Link Building Specialist
• SEO Data Analyst
• SEO Manager
• Technical SEO Manager
• E-commerce SEO Manager
• SEO Consultant

How Much Can Specializing in SEO Earn You?

According to ZipRecruiter, the national SEO specialist’s average salary (entry-level position) is a little over $65,000.

Yet, your earning potential specializing in SEO may vary depending on factors such as your role and level of expertise. It may also change according to the company’s size, industry, and location.

For example, SEO specialists in California make about $80,000. However, in states like New Hampshire, the median salary goes down by almost $6,000.

Here’s a table of the top five best-paying SEO positions.

Job TitleAnnual PayWork From Home SEO Engineer$152,499SEO Link Building$128,341Enterprise Search$118,710Sem Sales$108,043SEO Team Lead$104,308

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Side Hustle Specializing in SEO?

To become an SEO professional, you don’t have to have a higher degree.

In fact, SEO experts can come from a range of educational backgrounds, as there’s no specific degree related to such a field.

Check out the career requirements and how much it may cost you.

• A Bachelor’s Degree: You can start with any field, such as content marketing, communications, writing, etc. This degree typically costs $23,000+
• SEO Certification Programs: Consider earning a related certificate through an SEO-focused course, some of which you can take for free.
• Finding a Job Training Opportunity: Searching for a job doesn’t cost a dime. Plus, you can find several remote job opportunities in various fields, such as freelance digital marketing.
• Starting Your Business: If you have extra cash to invest, you can consider starting an SEO agency, which costs an average of $32,000.
• Marketing Your Services: You can also build a website to market your SEO services and reach potential clients. This can cost you up to $10,000 if you hire a designer.

Where Can You Find Gigs Specializing in SEO?

If you’re an SEO expert with sharp technical skills, it should be easy to find a job.

Start by creating a LinkedIn account to expand your connection circle. You can also search for local companies in your area that are hiring.

If you don’t consider moving, you may look up companies that hire for remote SEO roles and contact them about potential vacancies.

You can find many gig economy platforms offering hundreds of work opportunities across the country, such as:

• Upwork: It’s one of the largest freelance marketplaces to find gig jobs. What’s great about Upwork jobs is they serve a range of freelancers with different experience levels.
• Fiverr: This platform started by offering digital services by freelance contractors for only $5. Then, Fiverr jobs expanded to serve over 100 categories for a variety of prices.
• Guru: Unlike other platforms, Guru targets professionals with practical experience rather than beginners. It also offers virtual WorkRooms where freelancers can cooperate in jobs.
• Freelancer: This is another great website for gig jobs. Freelancer categorizes projects by skills such as SEO, illustration, 3D modeling, etc.
• FlexJobs: It has an extensive screening and research process that goes through hundreds of postings each day to rule out broken links, ads, repetitive postings, etc.
• PeoplePerHour: This platform utilizes AI to match freelancers with suitable projects. You can use it to find side jobs as a source of extra income.

Why You Should Consider Specializing in SEO as a Side Hustle

The SEO industry is a fast-growing field that serves all businesses because it offers a way to reach more customers effectively.

Here’s why you should consider such an SEO career path.

• Easy to Get Into: You don’t have to get a college degree to start a career in SEO. You only need to complete some online SEO courses to gain the needed SEO techniques for the job.
• High Demand for SEO Services: Most companies understand the importance of promoting their business. That’s why SEO services are always in high demand.
• Multiple Freelance Opportunities: It’s one of those jobs that you can excel in as a freelancer, with many easy-to-find opportunities.

Problems With Specializing in SEO

Despite its potential, specializing in SEO has its drawbacks. This includes:

• It Requires Constant Update: SEO isn’t a structured system with specific steps. It requires focus and continuous adaptation to the changing search algorithms.
• It’s Time-Consuming: SEO takes time, from analyzing (using Google Analytics for example) to implementing changes. Then, it’s more waiting to see the results of these changes.
• It’s Tough to Sell: For the previous reason, It’s tough to market and sell your services as an SEO specialist. That’s because most business owners want to see immediate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SEO a High-Paying Job?

SEO can be a high-paying job. It depends on many factors, from hands-on experience level to the company’s size. Overall, getting higher pay requires working on one’s self and considering job upgrades, such as becoming a digital marketer.

Is Specializing in SEO a Good Side Hustle?

Yes, it can be in many ways if you have patience and consistency. You can find many side hustle opportunities working on SEO that earn you adequate extra cash. Along the way, you get to build a loyal customer base and develop your soft skills through constant practice.