Want to land a remote SEO job? Here's how:
With these strategies, you're ready to secure a legitimate remote SEO role offering salaries of $60,000–$100,000.
Keep reading for detailed tips, tools, and platforms to boost your job search success.
Remote SEO specialists work to boost organic traffic by applying optimization techniques. Your daily tasks will revolve around improving website performance and search rankings.
A key part of the role is optimizing web pages for search engine marketing. This involves analyzing site structure, implementing technical updates, and ensuring content aligns with SEO guidelines. You'll also track performance metrics using specialized tools to measure progress and pinpoint areas that need improvement [1].
Collaboration with editorial and marketing teams is crucial for achieving SEO goals. Key responsibilities include:
These tasks are central to remote SEO roles and lay the groundwork for advanced strategies and tools.
To excel as a remote SEO specialist, you need to be proficient with industry-standard tools. Google Analytics is a must for tracking website performance, while other platforms provide deeper insights into SEO metrics.
"The mission of an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Specialist is to maximize the volume of inbound organic traffic from search engines to a website." - LHH [1]
Here are two standout tools in the industry:
Tool | Key Features | Industry Usage |
---|---|---|
Ahrefs | Domain ratings, backlink tracking, keyword research | Used by 44% of SEO professionals for metrics [2] |
Semrush | Competitive analysis, site audits, position tracking | Utilized by 30% of Fortune 500 companies [3] |
Additionally, sharpen these skills:
"If I had to choose one SEO tool for the rest of my career, it would be Ahrefs. You might as well make it your browser's homepage." - Karl Kangur, Director of Marketing, Smash Digital [2]
Stay informed on algorithm updates and industry trends by leveraging professional resources and monitoring search engine changes. Up next, we'll explore where to find remote SEO job opportunities.
Explore multiple avenues to boost your chances of landing remote SEO roles.
Look for job boards that specialize in marketing and SEO roles. For example, Remote.co has a section dedicated to marketing positions, including SEO jobs.
When browsing these platforms, use filters to target SEO-specific roles:
Set up saved searches to get alerts for new listings. Pair these boards with freelance sites to find short-term SEO projects.
Freelance platforms are great for securing project-based SEO work. To stand out, create a profile that highlights your expertise by including:
Showcase measurable results, like increased traffic, better rankings, higher conversions, or revenue growth.
Many companies post remote SEO job openings directly on their career pages, offering stable, long-term roles.
Here’s how to improve your chances with direct applications:
Focus on postings that include clear remote work policies and detailed job descriptions. Be mindful of any location-based restrictions.
To ensure the company's legitimacy, check their LinkedIn profiles, employee reviews, business registrations, and recent news updates.
Once you've identified remote SEO job opportunities, it's time to craft an application that clearly demonstrates your results and expertise.
Your resume should focus on measurable SEO accomplishments rather than listing generic responsibilities. Show the impact of your work with specific data:
Highlight your technical skills and familiarity with tools:
"Every resume you write should be tailored to the job and the company, so it is important to do some initial research." - BrainStation® [4]
A well-organized portfolio is essential for proving your expertise. Many successful SEO professionals use case studies to showcase their results effectively.
Example - Victorious: Their portfolio includes detailed case studies from various industries, complete with metrics, awards, and client testimonials [6].
What to include in your portfolio:
If you're just starting out, consider working on small projects for free to build your portfolio. Document your process and results thoroughly. Pair your portfolio with a personalized cover letter to give a complete picture of your skills.
Keep your cover letter concise - half a page to one page is ideal. Focus on:
Avoid these pitfalls:
"Specificity is better." - Western Carolina University [8]
When discussing your SEO experience, focus on tools and measurable results. For instance, explain how you used Ahrefs to find keyword opportunities that improved rankings.
Your resume, portfolio, and cover letter should work together seamlessly. The resume provides the data, the portfolio backs it up with proof, and the cover letter ties it all together by explaining how you can add value to the role.
Pairing a strong application with networking can greatly improve your chances of landing remote SEO roles. Besides crafting an impressive application, building connections is crucial for finding hidden opportunities in the SEO world.
To make your LinkedIn profile stand out:
Use the "About" section to showcase your SEO achievements and remote work experience. Focus on measurable results, such as traffic growth, improved conversion rates, or increased revenue.
Networking Tips:
In addition to optimizing your profile, participating in industry communities can open up even more opportunities.
Get involved by:
When reaching out to industry leaders or potential employers, keep these best practices in mind:
Element | Best Practice |
---|---|
Initial Contact | Offer a genuine compliment about their work [10]. |
Common Ground | Mention shared experiences or perspectives [10]. |
Value Add | Share insights or resources relevant to their goals [10]. |
Call to Action | Make a clear and specific request for connection [10]. |
"The whole premise online networking and getting what you want when reaching out to people online is that it really comes down to coming from a place of service first and focusing on building the relationships. Remember, relationships take time. You need to constantly nurture them and be patient." – The Remote Nomad® [10]
Stay active by commenting on discussions, sharing useful tools, offering solutions to SEO challenges, and building connections before you need them.
When searching for remote SEO roles, it's just as important to avoid scams as it is to craft a strong application. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, especially as remote work gains popularity. Before applying, take a moment to confirm the job listing is legitimate by watching for these warning signs.
Here are some key red flags to look out for in remote SEO job postings:
@gmail.com
or @yahoo.com
instead of official company domains.Warning Sign | What It Means |
---|---|
Upfront Fees | Legitimate employers won't charge for background checks or onboarding. |
Urgent Pressure | Scammers often rush applicants to prevent them from verifying details. |
Vague Details | Real job postings clearly outline responsibilities and requirements. |
Personal Info | Reputable companies won’t ask for sensitive data, like banking details, early on. |
If something feels off, take these steps to confirm the job and company are legitimate:
"The recruiter OR the employer's name is required information for you to verify that applying for the job is worth your time." – Susan P. Joyce, Online job search expert [13]
"If something feels off, it probably is. Don't ignore any doubts just because you really want the job." [12]
For instance, in October 2023, a job seeker lost $250 after a supposed "founder" requested payment for a background check and onboarding fees. Once the money was sent, the contact disappeared.
Legitimate remote SEO employers will:
Keeping track of job opportunities and maintaining momentum requires a clear plan. A structured approach ensures you don’t miss leads and increases your chances of landing the right job. This method works hand-in-hand with the application strategies covered earlier.
Setting up job alerts saves time by delivering relevant opportunities straight to your inbox, so you don’t have to manually search multiple platforms every day.
Platform | Key Alert Features | Suggested Filters |
---|---|---|
Boolean search operators | "SEO Specialist" AND "Remote" | |
Indeed | Location filtering | "Remote" or "Work from home" |
Simply Hired | Industry filters | "Digital Marketing" + "SEO" |
Google for Jobs | Customizable radius | "Anywhere" or "United States" |
To make job alerts work for you:
"Job alerts are a powerful tool for streamlining your job search. They bring opportunities directly to your inbox, saving you time and ensuring you are aware of openings that match your goals." - Tracy Shroyer, PhD [14]
Use a tracking system to stay organized with your applications and follow-ups. A simple spreadsheet or a project management tool can help you manage deadlines, interviews, and other key details.
Here’s what to track:
To stay prepared, maintain a digital portfolio that includes:
Update your tracker frequently to meet deadlines and schedule follow-ups. Use calendar reminders to stay on top of key dates, ensuring you don’t miss any opportunities during your remote SEO job search.
Finding legitimate remote SEO jobs involves combining modern search methods with careful employer research. Using advanced search operators and ATS URLs can help uncover job opportunities that might not appear on major job boards. This method supports the strategies discussed earlier, ensuring you focus on genuine positions.
Recent data shows companies like Perrill and Miles Partnership offering remote SEO roles with salaries ranging from $65,000 to over $80,000 as of April 2025. These examples highlight the increasing demand for SEO professionals across the U.S.
When considering job offers, watch out for common warning signs in remote SEO hiring. Be cautious of roles that:
Use advanced search methods, track your applications as detailed in the application tracking section, and thoroughly evaluate potential employers. By researching companies and trusting your instincts, you can avoid questionable opportunities.
The remote SEO field is competitive but offers great potential. With these practical strategies and a careful approach, you're well-equipped to navigate this growing market confidently.