7 Ideas To Make Your First $1,000 As An S.E.O Specialist

Introduction 

Although there are many high-income skills, and many tweets, materials, and texts that advise picking up a high-income skill, the majority of these skills require some money to learn and a few people might not come by easily! 

Not SEO 

In this article, I’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of SEO in Nigeria, how to quickly pick up SEO as a high-income skill, free platforms to learn SEO, and if you are following, I’ll also share how to get jobs that pay you up to $2,000 as a SEO content writer.

What Is Search Engine Optimization?

In my own words, I will say Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the quality of your website traffic 

And also working on increasing the quantity of traffic to a website or a web page from search engines. 

Search engines are sites like Google.com and Bing, where people try to find answers to different queries/questions etc

The focus of SEO is to target unpaid traffic (known as “natural” or “organic” results) rather than direct traffic or paid traffic. 

Unpaid traffic can originate from different searches, including people searching for images, videos, academic materials, news, and industry-specific vertical searches.

But the question is 

Why Do We Need To Bother About SEO?

We try to use SEO as an Internet marketing strategy with a focus on getting customers or leads to find us naturally whenever they have some questions on their minds that they asked on search engines like Google and Bing, 

So SEO (or an SEO specialist) considers how search engines work, the computer-programmed algorithms that dictate search engine behaviour, what people are searching for, the actual search terms or keywords they type into search engines, and which search engines are preferred by a target audience. 

SEO is performed because a website will receive more visitors from a search engine when websites rank higher on the search engine results page (SERP). 

These visitors can then potentially be converted into leads which can then result in buying/ paying customers.

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How search engine optimization works

As major search engine providers such as Google and Bing also operate as businesses, their primary customer base consists of individuals using their platforms for search purposes.

It is highly important for these platforms to ensure that they provide users with the most current, updated, and pertinent answers to their inquiries on Google.

Failure to do so may lead searchers to discontinue using these platforms for their information needs.

In essence, there are specific criteria that each search engine must adhere to in order to deliver your content (i.e., the information present on your websites and web pages) to users seeking answers on their platforms.

These criteria include:

3 key factors that search engines consider when ranking websites:

1. Content: 

The content (or the information) of your website should be highly relevant, high-quality, and informative to the questions people are looking for 

In other words, we say that it should be optimized for the keywords that people are likely to use when they are searching for a particular topic or question.

For example: If a person is looking for “how do I make $1000 a month from SEO” 

This article you’re reading is an example of content that addresses that question. 

2. Links: 

The number of links that come to and go out from your website also determines whether Google ranks your content higher 

In a nutshell, when a piece of content has a high number of links from other websites to your page, Google sees it as a site that has information that other people think makes sense

So when searchers are searching on Google for terms within your blog, Google shows your page to them on the SERP.

Also, another important factor Google checks is the quality of the links to your website. 

So it is advisable not to junk up a large number of links to your website as the quality of the links and websites are also important factors in SEO. 

Links from high-authority websites are more valuable than links from low-authority websites.

3. Technical SEO: 

Technical SEO refers to the technical aspects of a website that can affect its ranking in search engines.

This includes things like the structure of the website, how fast the website/page loads when someone clicks on it, and how mobile-friendly it is.

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16 Steps To Build A Career With Search Engine Optimization – As A Nigerian

1. Focus On the Fundamentals:

Start by understanding the basics of SEO.

Learn about how search engines operate, the significance of keywords, on-page and off-page optimization, and the role of user experience (UX) in SEO.

2. Stay Updated:

SEO is always evolving.

Stay informed about the latest industry trends, algorithm changes (e.g., Google updates), and best practices through blogs, podcasts, and reputable SEO publications.

Check out learningseo.io and Moz’s SEO Beginner Guide for helpful insights.

3. Develop Technical Know-How:

Master essential technical skills like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as they are crucial for optimizing websites.

Get familiar with SEO tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEO software.

4, Master Keyword Research:

Learn how to conduct effective keyword research.

Identify relevant keywords and phrases that potential users might use to find your content. Tools like Google Trends and Answer The Public can assist you in this process.

5. Optimize On-Page:

Optimize website content, including page titles, headings, meta tags, and images, for SEO.

Ensure your content is well-structured and user-friendly.

6. Create Compelling Content:

Develop high-quality, engaging web content that appeals to both users and search engines.

Understand content strategies such as blog writing, content silos, and content calendars.

7. Understand Off-Page Optimization:

Learn about off-page SEO techniques, including link building, social media marketing, and online reputation management.

Building high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites is crucial.

8. Prioritize Mobile Optimization:

Given the mobile-first approach of most search engines, ensure the websites you work on are mobile-responsive and provide an excellent user experience on mobile devices.

9. Analyze and Measure:

Become proficient in analyzing SEO data using tools like Google Analytics.

Track website performance, monitor keyword rankings, and assess the impact of your SEO efforts.

10. Consider Certifications:

Think about enrolling in SEO courses or obtaining certifications from organizations like Moz, HubSpot, or Google.

These credentials can enhance your credibility.

11. Network:

Engage with the SEO community through forums, conferences, and social media.

Networking can help you stay updated and potentially lead to job opportunities.

12. Gain Practical Experience:

Acquire practical experience through internships or freelancing.

Working on real projects can provide hands-on experience and build your portfolio.

13. Search for Opportunities:

Look for SEO job opportunities in various sectors such as agencies, e-commerce, content marketing, and more.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and achievements.

14. Keep Learning:

SEO is ever-evolving. Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning.

Experiment with new strategies and adapt to industry changes.

15. Build a Portfolio:

As you gain experience, create a portfolio showcasing your successful SEO projects.

This can be a valuable asset when seeking job opportunities.

16. Be Patient:

Building a career in SEO takes time and persistence.

Results may not be immediate, but continuous effort and dedication will yield success.

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SOME REPORTS OF S.E.O EARNINGS ACROSS THE WORLD

Country	Estimated Income in 2023	Estimated Earning Projections in 2024	Source
Nigeria	$20,000 – $30,000	$25,000 – $35,000	Payscale
United States	$60,000 – $70,000	$65,000 – $75,000	Indeed
United Kingdom	£50,000 – £60,000	£55,000 – £65,000	Glassdoor
Canada	$55,000 – $65,000	$60,000 – $70,000	Salary.com
Australia	$70,000 – $80,000	$75,000 – $85,000	Seek.com.au
India	₹10,000 – ₹15,000	₹12,000 – ₹17,000	Naukri.com
Germany	€50,000 – €60,000	€55,000 – €65,000	StepStone
France	€45,000 – €55,000	€50,000 – €60,000	Monster.fr
Japan	¥5,000,000 – ¥6,000,000	¥5,500,000 – ¥6,500,000	Indeed Japan
South Korea	₩50,000,000 – ₩60,000,000	₩55,000,000 – ₩65,000,000	Saramin.co.kr

HOW TO MAKE YOUR FIRST $1,000 AS AN SEO SPECIALIST– 7 UNIQUE IDEAS

These are some unique strategies that can help you make your first $1,000 or (1 million naira +) as an SEO specialist

1. Offer SEO Audits for Small Businesses:

Provide affordable SEO audits for small businesses.

The first step will be for you to choose a specific niche of businesses, maybe agencies, maybe small logistic companies

Many local businesses are often unaware of the SEO improvements they need.

Offer a detailed audit report and suggest actionable steps for improvement (or implement it for them for a fee).

2. Try Freelance SEO Writing:

Offer your SEO writing services on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

Many businesses are looking for SEO-optimized content.

Also, pitch your services to bloggers, startups, or small businesses in need of website content.

3. Affiliate Marketing with SEO Tools:

Sign up for affiliate programs with popular SEO tools.

Create content comparing or reviewing these tools and include your affiliate links.

You can also create a community of SEO specialists and help them with their content writing journey, then you recommend your SEO-affiliated tools to them.

When your audience purchases through your links, you earn a commission.

4. Local SEO Work for Individuals:

Offer local SEO services for individuals, such as freelancers, consultants, or job seekers.

Enhancing their online presence can be crucial for personal branding and career opportunities.

5. SEO for Social Media Profiles:

Offer SEO services specifically for social media profiles.

Many professionals, freelancers and businesses want to optimize their LinkedIn or Twitter profiles for better visibility.

6. Partnerships with Web Developers:

Collaborate with web developers on Linkedin and other sites, and offer SEO services as part of their package.

Many businesses invest in websites but overlook SEO, providing you with an opportunity for collaboration and earning money.

7. SEO for E-commerce Startups:

Target foreign and local e-commerce startups that are just getting off the ground.

Offer SEO services tailored to their specific needs, such as product page optimization and e-commerce SEO strategies.

Offer them payment on a performance basis, and tell them you don’t get paid until your SEO strategies bring them sales.

The most important thing however to make sure of is that you’re building a reputation

Although gaining initial clients may take time, but if you focus on delivering quality results, getting good reviews and maintaining good communication, these two practices will contribute to your long-term success as an SEO specialist.

Some Free Search Engine Optimization Courses To Take As A Nigerian 

If you can’t understand everything you just read, you can start from scratch with these free SEO courses:

1. SEMRUSH SEO COURSE

This course is administered and organized by SEMRush, a prominent SEO tool provider.

It guides you through the essential aspects of SEO and grants a digital certificate upon successful completion, which you can showcase on your LinkedIn profile to enhance your professional credentials

To access the academy, simply follow this link

2. HUBSPOT ACADEMY SEO COURSE

Administered and carefully organized by HubSpot, a renowned provider of marketing, CRM, and sales tools, the HubSpot Academy offers two levels of SEO courses. 

These courses come with certifications that are valid for a period of two years.

The SEO I and SEO II courses offered by HubSpot Academy cover the basics of SEO and technical SEO, and upon successful completion, provide digital certificates that can be showcased on your professional LinkedIn profile.

To access the academy, simply follow this link

3. NEIL PATEL’S YOUTUBE SEO COURSE

Neil Patel’s YouTube SEO course is presented as a playlist on YouTube. 

It covers the fundamental principles of SEO and offers valuable insights into best practices.

It’s important to note that this course does not offer a digital certification and serves primarily as a practical guide for hands-on learning and implementation.

To access the playlist, simply follow this link

Conclusion

Certainly, acquiring a skill is distinct from marketing it effectively. 

Successfully selling your skill demands a solid grasp of sales techniques, professionalism, and methods for attracting clients, ranging from a basic to an intermediate level of understanding.

While this might appear complex, I’ll provide valuable content to aid you in your journey. 

To stay updated, be sure to follow and subscribe. 

You can also join me on my YouTube channel for more insights and ideas.

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