What Is Search Engine Optimization?
Before diving into the topic of how much time is spent on SEO efforts, it's important to understand what exactly search engine optimization (SEO) is. Essentially, it refers to the practice of optimizing websites so that they rank higher in SERPs for relevant keywords or phrases.
This involves a variety of tactics such as keyword research, on-page optimization (e.g., updating meta tags and headers), link building outreach campaigns, technical site audits and more.
Becoming An SEO Expert Takes Time And Effort
To become proficient in all aspects of search engine optimization requires significant amounts of training and experience. While there are no formal qualifications required for becoming an SEO professional, many experts hold degrees in marketing or computer science fields.
In addition to academic credentials though, most successful professionals will have years of hands-on experience working with different types of websites across various industries. This allows them not only expertise but also adaptability when faced with new challenges from clients' sites.
A Day In The Life Of An SEO Expert
So, what does a typical day for an SEO expert look like? While every professional will have their own unique routine, there are some common tasks that most will need to complete on a regular basis.
Keyword Research and Analysis
The first step in any successful SEO campaign is identifying the keywords or phrases that potential customers are searching for. This involves researching industry-specific terms as well as analyzing competitors' websites to see which keywords they're targeting.
On-Page Optimization
This refers to making changes directly on the website itself such as updating meta tags, headers, and content optimization. These optimizations help search engines better understand what your page is about so it can be properly indexed and ranked accordingly.
Link Building Outreach Campaigns
To build authority and visibility with search engines, many professionals use link building outreach campaigns. Essentially this means reaching out to other relevant websites asking them to link back to your site's pages. The more high-quality links you earn from reputable sources in your industry, the higher you'll rank in SERPs.
The Time Investment: How Many Hours Do SEO Experts Dedicate To Each Client?
Now that we've covered some of the daily tasks involved in being an SEO expert let's dive into how much time these efforts take when working with clients. It's important to note that every client has different needs depending on their website's size and complexity but here are some general guidelines:
The Initial Audit And Strategy Development Phase (20-30 hours)
The first step when working with a new client typically involves conducting an initial audit of their website followed by developing a comprehensive strategy plan based on findings from said audit.. This phase can take anywhere from 20-30 hours depending on the size of the website, number of pages and complexity of issues.
Keyword Research And Analysis (10-15 hours)
Once a strategy has been developed, keyword research is typically conducted to identify high-priority keywords for optimization. This process can take anywhere from 10-15 hours depending on how many different keywords or phrases are being targeted.
On-page Optimization (5-10 hours per page)
The amount of time spent optimizing individual pages will vary based on their size and complexity. However, as a general rule-of-thumb budgeting between 5-10 hours per page is reasonable when considering all aspects involved in optimization such as content creation, meta tags updates etc..
Link Building Outreach Campaigns (20+hours/month)
To earn backlinks from other reputable sources requires significant outreach efforts which can be quite time-consuming. On average most SEO professionals spend at least 20+hours each month working on link building campaigns for clients' websites.
The Bottom Line: Quality SEO Takes Time
If you're looking to improve your website's visibility in search engine results pages then it's important to understand that quality SEO takes time. While some tasks may only require a few minutes others may take several days or even weeks before seeing any noticeable improvement in rankings or traffic volume.
This article has provided an overview of what goes into becoming an expert in search engine optimization along with insights into how much time different tasks might take when working with clients. By understanding these factors you'll have a better appreciation for why hiring an experienced professional is often necessary if you want real results from your SEO efforts!
