What does a director of search engine optimization do?
Director of search engine optimization responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real director of search engine optimization resumes:
- Lead re-platform of ecommerce properties to Magento and redesign efforts including mobile optimization through a responsive site.
- Propose and institute the migration of clients from hand code html websites to WordPress.
- Redesign existing sites in both Joomla & Wordpress content management systems.
- Focus on driving maximum brand appropriate advertising coverage while producing target minimum ROI levels and fully optimize campaigns.
- Develop effective lead/opportunity acquisition strategy across multiple search engines globally, including testing protocols while generating positive ROI's.
- Lead re-platform of ecommerce properties to Magento and redesign efforts including mobile optimization through a responsive site.
Director of search engine optimization skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Directors Of Search Engine Optimization are proficient in Digital Marketing, B Testing, and Search Engine Optimization. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Directors Of Search Engine Optimization that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Digital Marketing, 18%
Created an entirely new line of business marketing products and services that comprehensively covered all digital marketing initiatives.
- B Testing, 8%
Manage development of a/b testing implementation and execution.
- Search Engine Optimization, 7%
Co-developed proprietary Content Management System modules that enhance individual website performance, exposure and search engine optimization.
- Google Analytics, 6%
Championed the adoption of Google Analytics Premium platform that reduced acquisition costs and increased customer acquisition by 34% YOY.
- Organic Search, 5%
Key contributor to the development, management and growth of the paid and organic Search Marketing, and Social Media practices.
- Keyword Research, 5%
Conducted competitor and keyword research to develop a plan to increase traffic to the website through SEO.
Common skills that a director of search engine optimization uses to do their job include "digital marketing," "b testing," and "search engine optimization." You can find details on the most important director of search engine optimization responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a director of search engine optimization to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must be able to analyze industry trends to determine the most promising strategies for their organization." Directors of search engine optimization often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "optimize website keywords and analyze website traffic using google analytics, webmaster tools and moz analytics. "
Communication skills. Many director of search engine optimization duties rely on communication skills. "managers must be able to communicate effectively with a broad-based team made up of other managers or staff members during the advertising, promotions, and marketing process," so a director of search engine optimization will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways director of search engine optimization responsibilities rely on communication skills: "manage cost, production, technical issues, scheduling/workflow and client communication from start to finish on all web design projects. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of directors of search engine optimization is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday director of search engine optimization duties, as "advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must be able to generate new and imaginative ideas." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "analyzed and aligned business objectives with custom, creative, strategic marketing solutions that produced results. "
Organizational skills. For certain director of search engine optimization responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "organizational skills." The day-to-day duties of a director of search engine optimization rely on this skill, as "advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must manage their time and budget efficiently while directing and motivating staff members." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what directors of search engine optimization do: "led development roadmap definition through product definition, organizational prioritization, and roi analysis. "
The three companies that hire the most director of search engine optimizations are:
- Wpp Us Holdings Inc19 directors of search engine optimization jobs
- GroupM17 directors of search engine optimization jobs
- 3Q Digital
11 directors of search engine optimization jobs
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Compare different directors of search engine optimization
Director of search engine optimization vs. Web manager
Web Managers are responsible for managing websites for organizations. Their duties include managing website upgrades, testing for website performance, implement a strategy to increase web traffic and subscribers, troubleshooting website issues, and responding to security breaches. They create content audits as well as ensuring the website has brand strategy alignment. A Web Manager ensures website compliance with all regulations and keeps abreast of the best practice of the industry. They must possess good problem-solving skills and knowledge in search engine optimization.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between directors of search engine optimization and web manager. For instance, director of search engine optimization responsibilities require skills such as "organic search," "keyword research," "content strategy," and "paid search." Whereas a web manager is skilled in "web content," "emerging technologies," "project management," and "web development." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, web managers reach lower levels of education than directors of search engine optimization. Web managers are 6.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Director of search engine optimization vs. Media manager
Media managers oversee the department that works on the different communication needs of the company. They execute the communications strategies of the company. They are expected to be updated with the current trends on media platforms. They should also be very familiar with the company and are attuned to the company's brand and image so that they can create relevant communications campaigns. Media managers oversee content creation on different media platforms. They manage the research related to the content they are working on. They develop materials and ensure that these materials are engaging and relatable to the target audience.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, director of search engine optimization responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "search engine optimization," "html css," "organic search," and "keyword research." Meanwhile, a media manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "kpis," "media planning," "powerpoint," and "project management." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, media managers earn a lower salary than directors of search engine optimization. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, media managers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $108,113. Whereas directors of search engine optimization have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $103,816.In general, media managers achieve lower levels of education than directors of search engine optimization. They're 7.2% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Director of search engine optimization vs. Web content manager
Web content managers are executives who are responsible for planning, organizing, establishing, and publishing content. The managers establish a consistent brand identity for a business enterprise along with its online presence. They oversee marketing strategies to develop customer engagement. Their job asks them to ensure an affirmative view of the firm and its services and products. They work closely with the sales and leadership teams to create valuable content for their target audience.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from director of search engine optimization resumes include skills like "organic search," "keyword research," "paid search," and "client websites," whereas a web content manager is more likely to list skills in "web content," "content management system," "digital content," and "project management. "
Web content managers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $93,994. Directors of search engine optimization earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $103,816.Most web content managers achieve a similar degree level compared to directors of search engine optimization. For example, they're 3.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Director of search engine optimization vs. Marketing manager/project manager
A marketing manager/project manager oversees a company's marketing programs and projects, aiming to attract more customers and increase the brand value of a business, product, or service. They primarily perform market research and assessments to identify marketing trends and opportunities, gather and analyze data to generate business leads, study the consumer and competitors in the industry, and identify the weaknesses and strengths of existing marketing projects, utilizing information to enhance operations. Additionally, a marketing manager/project manager leads operations and empowers staff while implementing company policies and industry standards.
Types of director of search engine optimization
Updated January 8, 2025
