How To Become A Search Strategist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a search strategist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Chris Carter

A search strategist is a marketing professional who amplifies an organization's online visibility through search engine optimization. They analyze search engine algorithms and find ways to direct internet traffic to the client's website. They may work directly with the company or as a member of a consulting organization.

Also known as search engine marketing specialists, they also responsible for running website analytics and submitting marketing plans. They study the keywords that appeal most to search engines like Google during web search query, and test and apply the choice of words in the company's website.

The duties of the search strategist require them to work closely with the marketing team. They secure online advertisements and blog links that help internet users to locate the company's website.

Pursuing this career requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, computer science, or related fields. Most employers prefer candidates with excellent communication, analytical, and negotiation skills. The ability and drive to meet deadlines are also essential qualities to become a successful and efficient search strategist.

What general advice would you give to a search strategist?

Chris Carter

Professor, University of Cincinnati

I would recommend playing up their value as critical analysts and researchers who can synthesize information in accessible ways. I would tell them to be open to all kinds of writing opportunities, whether technical, journalistic, or editorial, watching for possibilities in online and print venues alike. English majors' detective skills suit them well to museums and libraries, but also to private and governmental organizations that need shrewd investigators. Turning interpretive savvy into pithy prose and presentations can be great for public relations, and a penchant for lucid communication can set graduates up for podcasting and social media management. Some people might turn those talents toward careers in law or marketing. Others might continue their paths as creative writers and cultural critics, though it's worth noting that full-time, tenure-track jobs in English Departments are hard to come by.

ScoreSearch StrategistUS Average

Salary

6.4

Avg. Salary $82,098

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 23.33%

male 76.67%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a search strategist

Explore search strategist education requirements

Most common search strategist degrees

Bachelor's

79.2 %

Master's

12.1 %

Associate

6.7 %

Start to develop specific search strategist skills

Skills	Percentages
Digital Marketing	15.64%
Google Analytics	8.96%
Paid Search	8.48%
Keyword Research	8.12%
User Experience	5.08%

Complete relevant search strategist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New search strategists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a search strategist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real search strategist resumes.

Research search strategist duties and responsibilities

Implement and manage SEO for web pages, YouTube, and blogs.
Manage 20k a month in client SEM campaigns using ROI, ROAS & Cost/conversion biding strategies.
Lead daily client calls regarding campaign performance, analysis, strategy, testing/learnings, and optimization impacts on all performance KPIs.
Provide graphic, CSS and html support for customer web pages, newsletters and email marketing campaigns.

Prepare your search strategist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your search strategist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a search strategist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable search strategist resume templates

Build a professional search strategist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your search strategist resume.