Starting as an SEO Specialist: How to Practice and Earn

You have just finished multiple courses on the intricacies of SEO, following endless tutorials, and reading up on the latest news in the industry. Now what? You might have the theory locked and loaded, but SEO is nothing if not following the old phrase: “practice makes perfect.” SEO is a highly dynamic field that never sits still, and putting your knowledge to work is better done as soon as possible. 

Hence, if you’re unsure how to practice your newly acquired skill set, the following article provides multiple free or semi-free options and suggestions for funding those that require investment. 

How to afford professional tools and website hosting 

Unfortunately, not all of the following examples will be free. Hence, it’s an excellent idea to start saving up for professional tools like Ahrefs or Semrush that are indispensable in the daily life of an SEO specialist. Of course, a beginner can experiment with free SEO tools, and Google also offers options for those building their own websites. Even some SEO plugins, if you’re using WordPress, can do wonders. 

However, you can also take time to save money for affording the more costly subscriptions. For example, picking up a few small SEO projects can serve as practice while also providing some income (more on this later). Besides that, consider splitting the costs if you know other SEO specialists who would like to practice their SEO skills. Additionally, you can explore an online earning platform that could help you get some extra funds. Tools like JumpTask offer a range of virtual tasks and microjobs you can perform and get paid for. Thus, they can also enhance your SEO skills by having you analyze social media data or participate in market research.

Accept small freelancing projects 

In a world where many transactions happen online, any new business requires a top-notch SEO strategy. However, not every new store can afford to hire specialists, so it turns to freelancers. Your greatest strength is that your knowledge is up to date, and you can offer your services at lower prices. Then, you are more likely to find clients, still earn some additional income, and also practice your craft. 

Internship at SEO companies

SEO companies are always looking for new talent, and they sometimes offer internship opportunities. Please apply to these listings. Over time, if you leave a good impression, you may be asked to stay as a full-time employee.

Build your website and produce content

If you stay on the lookout for website hosting offers, you can score amazing deals and have your website running for less than 10 dollars. Then, you have plenty of control to experiment on your website as you please, from the various technical SEO improvements to producing content for ranking as high as possible.

Don’t forget social media

Social media also has a ton of SEO influence. So, if you’re up for it, start an account and practice attracting audiences. It helps you learn how SEO works there, practicing things like captions, hashtags, and keywords, too. 

Analyze existing websites

You can learn a lot by doing things yourself. However, other brands’ mistakes also provide valuable lessons. One of the easiest and free options is to examine articles ranking on the first page and those lower in the rankings. You should be able to identify the factors influencing their positions and the specific actions to take to increase article rankings. 

Apply for junior positions 

Junior positions in SEO might be lenient when it comes to your experience in the field. Thus, you are likely responsible for managing off-site affairs or reviewing analytics daily. During your job interviews or tasks, showcase your strengths and always consider following most customs, while also showing that you are ready to experiment and see what works in different situations. 

Final thoughts 

Dedicating your time and funds to learning SEO is a wise decision, but one that requires as much practice as it does theoretical baggage. So, it is important to start working on projects as soon as possible, even if they are personal ones. They all showcase your talent and can be included in your resume for future hiring opportunities.