What does an SEO executive do?
An SEO executive supports the optimisation of websites to improve rankings in search engines. Their responsibilities include keyword research, on-page optimisation, content briefs, link building outreach, and technical audits using tools like Screaming Frog or SEMrush.
They collaborate with content teams, developers, and external writers to ensure SEO best practices are implemented. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a working knowledge of how algorithms impact rankings.
In smaller businesses, they may manage SEO independently. In larger companies, they contribute to strategy and reporting within a broader SEO or digital team.
Key responsibilities of an SEO executive.
An SEO executive is usually responsible for a combination of technical and on-page optimisation tasks, including:
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Conducting keyword research and competitive analysis
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Writing or optimising metadata, headings, and internal linking structures
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Running audits to flag and fix technical issues like broken links, duplicate content, or crawl errors
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Supporting content teams with SEO-friendly briefs and optimisation guidance
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Monitoring performance using Google Analytics, Search Console, and SEO platforms
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Managing backlink profiles or supporting outreach efforts
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Contributing to content calendars based on search trends and gaps
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Staying up to date with algorithm changes and search updates
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Reporting on rankings, visibility, and traffic changes
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Supporting local SEO, schema markup, or international optimisation where required
The role blends technical SEO with content support and performance analysis.
Skills and requirements for a SEO executive.
SEO executives drive organic visibility across content, technical, and link-building activities. Employers typically look for:
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1–3 years of experience in SEO, content, or digital marketing
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Familiarity with keyword research, metadata, and on-page optimisation
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Basic understanding of technical SEO, crawlability, and page speed
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Experience using tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush
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Ability to create and optimise blog content and landing pages
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Comfortable with data analysis and SEO reporting
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Strong attention to detail in copy, URLs, and site structures
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Interest in Google algorithm updates and SEO best practices
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Willingness to learn and adapt across SEO disciplines
Most SEO execs have a content or marketing background and gain hands-on experience with tools and CMS platforms over time.
Average salary for an SEO executive.
In the UK, the average salary for an SEO executive typically ranges from £28,000 to £38,000, shaped by technical SEO skills, content strategy, and backlinking knowledge.
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Mid-level SEO executives tend to earn between £28,000 and £33,000
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Senior SEO executives or those owning full funnel strategy can earn between £34,000 and £38,000
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In-demand niches like ecommerce SEO and local search optimisation tend to attract higher pay
Salaries rise in larger cities, particularly in performance marketing teams, content-driven brands, and growth agencies.
Career progression for an SEO executive.
An SEO executive plays a key role in organic traffic and visibility. This role typically develops into technical, content, or leadership positions. Career progression includes:
Marketing assistant
Supports on-page updates, keyword tracking, and SEO reporting.
SEO executive
Implements SEO tactics, performs audits, and contributes to content and link strategies.
SEO manager
Leads strategy, reporting, and cross-functional coordination with dev/content teams.
Head of SEO
Owns the SEO roadmap, manages specialists, and aligns organic with business outcomes.
Director of growth / acquisition
Drives strategic initiatives across SEO, CRO, and digital visibility.
SEO and Content Executive
Senior SEO Consultant
Senior Paid Media Manager
Senior Paid Media Manager
salary guide
Our UK marketing salary guide.
SEO talent is in high demand, especially at junior and mid-level. If you're hiring an SEO executive, your offer needs to be competitive to attract candidates with the technical and content know-how you need.
Use our 2025 UK marketing salary guide to benchmark salaries and build offers that help you secure the right talent early.
FAQS
SEO executive FAQs.
They typically work on technical audits, on-page SEO recommendations, keyword mapping, metadata updates, and content optimisation. They might also liaise with developers to fix crawl issues and with writers to improve SEO content.
They often work with content teams to ensure keyword alignment, with developers for technical fixes, and with marketing teams to support campaign pages or product launches. Communication is key for implementing effective SEO changes.
SEO executives should be confident using tools like Google Search Console and Analytics to track rankings, traffic, and crawl health. Reporting might also involve identifying low-performing pages and suggesting opportunities to improve them.
Sometimes. In smaller teams or agencies, they may run outreach campaigns or manage backlink acquisition. In larger companies, this task is often assigned to a digital PR or outreach specialist.
The typical route is into SEO Manager or SEO Strategist roles. From there, many go on to become Head of SEO or move laterally into broader digital marketing, technical product roles, or data analytics.
