Become an SEO Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

The SEO Specialist is responsible for owning and executing Smart Girl Digital’s organic search strategy with a strong focus on local SEO, technical on-site optimization, and search visibility in an AI-driven landscape. This role ensures client websites are technically sound, locally optimized, and positioned to perform across traditional search, AI-powered search experiences, and answer engines.

The SEO Specialist works cross-functionally with the Paid Traffic team and Content team to ensure SEO insights directly inform content development, keyword strategy, and overall client growth. This role is execution-focused with strategic influence and requires current, hands-on SEO expertise—including best practices related to AEO, AI Search, and GEO. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Local SEO & Google Business Profile Management

• Execute local SEO tasks and support ongoing optimization plans for client accounts, including Google Business Profile updates, local listings, and on-page improvements.
• Optimize and maintain NAP consistency, local citations, categories, services, and geo-targeted content.
• Monitor and respond to changes in local search behavior, algorithm updates, and GBP features.
• Track and report on local SEO performance, visibility, and conversion indicators.

Technical & On-Site SEO

• Conduct routine technical SEO reviews, flag issues affecting search performance, and collaborate with internal or external web partners to implement approved recommendations.
• Optimize on-page elements, including metadata, headers, content structure, and schema markup.
• Monitor website health using SEO tools and proactively flag issues that could impact rankings or user experience.
• Partner with web and dev resources (internal or external) to ensure technical recommendations are implemented correctly.

Keyword Research & Topic Strategy

• Perform keyword research with a focus on search intent, local modifiers, and conversion relevance.
• Support keyword research, maintain keyword tracking, and provide optimization recommendations that inform content updates and new page opportunities.
• Identify content gaps and emerging opportunities based on performance data and search trends.
• Translate SEO insights into clear recommendations for content creation and optimization.

Content Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Content team on SEO priorities, content updates, and optimization opportunities. 
• Review content drafts as needed to ensure SEO alignment and SEO best practices for content structure, internal linking, and on-page optimization.
• Review content briefs or drafts as needed to ensure SEO alignment (without being the primary content writer).
• Ensure SEO efforts support both organic growth and paid search efficiency.

AEO, AI Search & GEO Optimization

• Stay informed on evolving SEO trends, including AI-influenced search behavior, and apply relevant best practices as directed.
• Optimize content and site structure for featured snippets, AI summaries, FAQs, and conversational search.
• Test and adapt SEO strategies as AI-driven discovery continues to evolve.

Reporting & Performance Insights

• Monitor organic search performance, rankings, and technical health.
• Track and report on SEO progress, rankings, visibility, and technical health.
• Support Client Services with clear updates on SEO activity and results.
• Support the continuous improvement of SEO reporting frameworks.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 3+ years of hands-on SEO experience, preferably within a digital marketing agency.
• Strong experience in local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization.
• Solid technical SEO knowledge, including site audits and on-page optimization.
• Proven ability to perform keyword research and develop topic strategies.
• Familiarity with emerging search trends, including AI-powered search experiences, is preferred.
• Experience collaborating with content and paid media teams.
• Track core SEO metrics and contribute data for monthly reporting and client updates.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and reliable in a remote work environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with service-based or multi-location businesses.
• Familiarity with SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, etc.).
• Basic understanding of GA4 and conversion tracking.
• Experience contributing SEO recommendations based on performance data.

YOU ARE PERFECT FOR OUR TEAM IF YOU

• Are extremely organized and detail-oriented
• Know and are willing to learn + get your hands in a wide variety of of software and systems
• Enjoy assisting with project plans and collaborating with a team
• Can multitask and have full control of all the moving parts
• Are a quick and a fast action taker
• Can think creatively to problem-solve and navigate through challenges
• Are a person of the highest integrity and ethical standards
• Are proactive and the type of person who thinks to do something first before being asked
• Can jump in and implement big ideas with confidence
• Are excited about digital marketing and working with a variety of businesses to help transform their digital strategies and foundations.
• Are available to work about 20 hours per week (with option to go full time after 90 days)
• Are available between the hours of Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm CST. You don’t have to work these exact hours but your general availability is within this time frame.
• This is a W2 position this is not a contractor position