What is an SEO strategist – the ultimate guide 2025

The internet is a noisy place. Every business wants to rank #1 on Google, but only a handful actually make it. And that’s not by accident. It’s because they have an SEO strategist in their corner – someone who knows how to make Google love their website – an SEO expert who helps them navigate Google search engine ranking pages (SERPs) and attract relevant traffic.

The key here is relevant traffic. It’s not about hiring an SEO consultant to simply get high rankings – they need to be relevant and part of your overall digital marketing mix.

If you’re wondering “What is an SEO strategist?”, “Do I need one?”, or “How do I become one?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will answer every possible question about SEO strategists, from what they do to how much they earn, the tools they use and how they shape the future of search marketing.

Why should you care?

Because 93% of online experiences start with a search engine. And if your business isn’t showing up in those results, you’re leaving money on the table. An SEO strategist helps ensure that when people search for what you offer, they find you—not your competitors.

And if you’re thinking about becoming an SEO strategist yourself?

Well, you’re in luck. It’s a career that’s in high demand, pays well and is constantly evolving. And we should know – Submerge is home to some great SEO strategists working with businesses big and small.

What this guide covers

• What an SEO strategist actually does (it’s more than just stuffing keywords into content).
• The skills and tools you need to thrive in this field.
• How SEO strategists help businesses win online (with real-world data).
• How to become an SEO strategist, step by step.
• What the future of SEO looks like and why this role is more important than ever.

Whether you’re a business owner looking for SEO help or someone considering a career in SEO, this is the most comprehensive guide you’ll find based on our knowledge and experience providing SEO agency services – from technical SEO to eCommerce SEO services for some of the biggest commercial SEO sites in the UK, US and Australia.

Let’s get into it.

What is an SEO strategist?

An SEO strategist is the professional behind getting a website to rank higher on search engines like Google. They don’t just sprinkle in a few keywords and hope for the best. Instead, they create a data-driven strategy that helps businesses increase visibility, attract the right audience and boost conversions.

Think of an SEO strategist as a digital detective. They analyse search trends, competitor tactics and website performance to uncover opportunities that get their clients seen online.

The role of an SEO strategist

Unlike an SEO specialist, who may focus on just one area (like technical SEO or link building), an SEO strategist takes a big-picture approach. Their job is to develop a comprehensive SEO plan that ties into a brand’s overall marketing goals.

Here’s a quick comparison of SEO roles:

 

Role	Focus	Typical tasks
SEO strategist	High-level strategy, planning and execution	Keyword strategy, content planning, SEO audits and reporting
SEO specialist	Implementation of SEO tactics	On-page optimisation, backlink outreach, technical SEO
SEO consultant	Advisory role, often external	SEO audits, strategy recommendations, training teams

 

Key responsibilities

The role wears many hats, but their core responsibilities usually include:

• Keyword research and strategy – Finding high-impact keywords that match user intent.
• On-page SEO – Optimising pages for search rankings (titles, meta descriptions, internal linking, etc.).
• Technical SEO – Ensuring websites load fast, are mobile-friendly, and meet Google’s Core Web Vitals.
• Content strategy – Planning content that ranks, engages, and converts.
• Link building and authority growth – Developing ethical link acquisition strategies.
• Analytics and reporting – Tracking performance and refining strategies based on data.

Why SEO strategists are essential

SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” game.

Google makes thousands of updates to its algorithm every year, and businesses need a strategist who can keep them ahead of the curve.

Without a solid SEO strategy, businesses risk:

• Losing organic traffic to competitors
• Wasting money on ineffective content
• Missing out on valuable leads and sales

An SEO strategist prevents all of that by ensuring a business’s online presence is strong, visible and constantly improving.

What does an SEO strategist do?

An SEO strategist doesn’t just “do SEO.” They craft a winning game plan that makes a website more visible, attracts the right audience, and helps a business grow. They analyse data, spot opportunities and execute strategies that improve search rankings.

Core responsibilities

 

Task	What it involves	Why it matters
Keyword research and strategy	Finding the best keywords based on search volume, competition and intent.	Helps businesses rank for terms their audience is actually searching for.
On-page SEO	Optimising page titles, meta descriptions, headers and internal linking.	Ensures pages are structured correctly for Google and users.
Technical SEO	Improving site speed, fixing broken links, optimising for mobile and ensuring crawlability.	A technically sound website ranks better and delivers a better user experience.
Content strategy	Planning and advising on high-quality content that targets search queries.	Engaging, optimised content is essential for ranking and conversions.
Link building and authority growth	Earning high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites.	Backlinks signal trust and credibility to Google, improving rankings.
Analytics and reporting	Tracking SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console and SEMrush.	Data-driven insights help refine the strategy and improve results.

 

Why this matters

Google’s organic search drives 53% of all website traffic. Without using the best SEO experts, businesses risk missing out on half their potential visitors.

Whether it’s increasing traffic, generating leads or boosting conversions they make sure a business isn’t just on Google – but winning on Google.

Why businesses need an SEO strategist

Imagine opening a shop in the middle of nowhere.

No signs. No advertising. No roads leading to it. You might have the best products in the world, but if no one knows you exist, you’re not making any sales.

That’s exactly what happens to businesses without an SEO strategy. A website might look beautiful, the branding might be on point and the products might be exceptional – but if it’s buried on page five of Google, it might as well not exist.

An SEO strategist changes that.

They build the digital roads that lead customers straight to a business’s door. They ensure that when someone searches for a product, service, or answer, it’s their client’s website that appears first, not a competitor’s.

The impact of SEO on business growth is huge. More than half of all people who visit a website find it through Google, Bing or another search engine. Without a strong SEO strategy, businesses are effectively ignoring more than half their potential customers.

And it’s not just about rankings. SEO strategists don’t just bring traffic; they bring the right traffic. A well-optimised website doesn’t just attract random visitors—it attracts people who are actively searching for exactly what that business offers. That’s the difference between someone casually browsing and someone ready to buy.

Another reason is the sheer speed at which search engines evolve.

What worked six months ago might be irrelevant today. A solid SEO strategy isn’t just about keeping up – it’s about staying ahead. Without an expert guiding the way, a website can fall behind overnight.

Then there’s the financial side. Many businesses assume that paid advertising is the best way to get traffic. While PPC (pay-per-click) ads can drive instant visitors, they stop the moment a business stops paying. SEO, on the other hand, is an investment that keeps delivering results long after the initial work is done. A well-optimised page can bring in traffic for years, without the ongoing cost of ads.

Because in the battle for online attention, the brands that invest in SEO win. The ones that don’t? They stay invisible.

Try our free SEO ROI calculator to work out how much SEO can benefit your business.

What skills are needed to be an SEO strategist?

SEO is a blend of science, strategy, and storytelling. It’s part technical, part creative and part detective work.

To be a great SEO strategist, you need a mix of hard skills (the technical stuff) and soft skills (the human stuff).

Hard skills – the technical side of SEO

 

Skill	Why it matters	Tools that help
Keyword research	Finding what people are actually searching for	Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush
On-page	Optimising content, meta tags, headings and URLs for search rankings	SurferSEO, Clearscope
Technical SEO	Ensuring websites load fast, are mobile-friendly and easy for Google to crawl	Screaming Frog, Sitebulb, Google Search Console
Content strategy	Creating and optimising high-value content that ranks	Frase, MarketMuse
Link building and authority growth	Earning high-quality backlinks to boost site authority	Ahrefs, BuzzStream, PressRanger
Data analysis	Understanding trends, tracking rankings, and measuring ROI	Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Looker Studio

 

A strong SEO strategist isn’t just about ticking boxes – they know how to connect the dots. It’s not enough to research keywords. You need to understand why people search for them. It’s not just about writing content – it’s about making sure it answers a real user need. And it’s not just about backlinks – it’s about earning them from trusted, relevant sources.

Soft skills – the human side of SEO

SEO isn’t just about algorithms – it’s about people.

A great SEO strategist needs:

• An analytical mindset – SEO is all about patterns and problem-solving. The best strategists can look at data and instantly see what’s working, what’s not, and why.
• Curiosity and adaptability – SEO strategists need to stay ahead of the curve and constantly test new tactics.
• Communication skills – SEO isn’t just for SEO people. Whether it’s explaining SEO to a client, working with developers or briefing content writers, a strategist needs to translate complex SEO jargon into plain English.
• Patience and persistence – SEO isn’t instant. Rankings don’t skyrocket overnight. A good strategist understands that SEO is a long game and knows how to set realistic expectations.
• Creativity – The best SEO strategies aren’t just based on numbers – they’re built on fresh ideas. Thinking outside the box can be the difference between ranking #1 and getting lost in the noise.

Why these skills matter

SEO is more competitive than ever. Businesses that invest in a skilled SEO strategist will always outperform those that rely on guesswork. Whether it’s tackling Google updates, algorithm shifts, or fierce competition, a great strategist is the difference between ranking and disappearing.

Read our ultimate guide to organic SEO.

Tools SEO strategists use

No SEO strategist works alone. Behind every successful SEO campaign is a stack of powerful tools that help with keyword research, site audits, content optimisation and performance tracking.

Here are the must-haves that form part of Submerge’s SEO toolset:

Google Search Console

Website: search.google.com/search-console
Cost: Free
Expertise Level: Beginner – Advanced

Google Search Console (GSC) is non-negotiable. It provides direct insights from Google on how a website is performing in search. From tracking keyword rankings to identifying indexing issues and analysing click-through rates, GSC is the first stop when diagnosing SEO problems.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Website: analytics.google.com
Cost: Free
Expertise Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Google Analytics is where an SEO strategist measures success. GA4 tracks who’s visiting a site, where they’re coming from, and what they’re doing. The shift to GA4 means more focus on event-based tracking, which can be daunting at first, but it provides deeper insights into user behaviour and conversions.

Ahrefs

Website: ahrefs.com
Cost: Starts at $99/month
Expertise Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Ahrefs is an SEO powerhouse. It’s best known for backlink analysis, but it also excels in keyword research, competitor analysis and technical audits. If you want to see what’s working for competitors – and how to outperform them – Ahrefs is a must-have.

SEMrush

Website: semrush.com
Cost: Starts at $129.95/month
Expertise Level: Intermediate – Advanced

SEMrush is the Swiss Army knife of SEO tools. It does everything – keyword research, competitor tracking, backlink audits, rank tracking and even PPC analysis. It’s particularly strong for content marketing, offering insights into trending topics and SEO-driven content ideas. Submerge is a certified SEMrush Agency Partner.

Screaming Frog SEO Spider

Website: screamingfrog.co.uk
Cost: Free (limited) / £209 per year for full version
Expertise Level: Advanced

Screaming Frog is an SEO strategist’s secret weapon. It crawls websites the same way Google does, identifying broken links, duplicate content, missing meta tags, and other technical SEO issues. It is essential for site audits and deep technical analysis.

SurferSEO

Website: surferseo.com
Cost: Starts at $89/month
Expertise Level: Beginner – Intermediate

SurferSEO takes on-page SEO to the next level. It analyses top-ranking pages for a keyword and provides data-driven recommendations on word count, keyword density, headings and more. It’s perfect for optimising content to rank higher.

PageSpeed Insights and Google Lighthouse

Website: pagespeed.web.dev
Cost: Free
Expertise Level: Beginner – Advanced

A slow website is an SEO disaster. PageSpeed Insights (powered by Google Lighthouse) helps analyse and fix performance issues like slow loading times, large images and inefficient coding. Speed matters – Google considers it a ranking factor. However, note that the mobile score is based on very slow 3G networks and an old Moto flip phone, which means modern sites can be left with low scores. We use tools such as GT Metrix to give more real-world speed tests alongside PageSpeed Insights.

BuzzStream

Website: buzzstream.com
Cost: Starts at $24/month
Expertise Level: Intermediate

BuzzStream is a lifesaver for link-building and influencer outreach. It helps SEO strategists find prospects, manage outreach campaigns and track backlinks in one place, perfect for scaling link-building efforts without losing track.

AnswerThePublic

Website: answerthepublic.com
Cost: Free (limited) / Paid from $9/month
Expertise Level: Beginner

SEO is all about answering what people are searching for. AnswerThePublic generates questions and topics based on real Google searches, helping create highly relevant, user-focused content.

Majestic

Website: majestic.com
Cost: Starts at $49.99/month
Expertise Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Majestic specialises in backlink analysis. It provides Trust Flow and Citation Flow scores, which measure how authoritative and trustworthy a website’s backlink profile is. Our go-to tool at Submerge for link-building.

Frase

Website: frase.io
Cost: Starts at $14.99/month
Expertise Level: Beginner – Intermediate

Frase is content strategy meets AI. It helps SEO strategists research, write and optimise content faster by analysing top-ranking pages and suggesting improvements. It is great for scaling content production without sacrificing quality, though nothing can replace human-centric content marketing (at Submerge, all content, such as blog writing, is human-created).

Google Trends

Website: trends.google.com
Cost: Free
Expertise Level: Beginner

SEO is all about timing. Google Trends helps SEO strategists spot emerging trends, seasonal shifts and rising search terms. Perfect for content planning and reactive SEO.

Having a solid tech stack is essential. Whether it’s technical audits, keyword research, content optimisation or link building, the right tools make all the difference.

SEO success isn’t just about knowing what to do – it’s about using the right tools to do it better, faster and more effectively.

How to become an SEO strategist

Becoming an SEO strategist isn’t something that happens overnight.

It’s not a job you can walk into without experience, and there’s no single path to getting there. SEO is a blend of technical expertise, analytical thinking and creative problem-solving, and the best strategists develop their skills through a mix of study, experimentation and real-world experience.

The first step is to understand what SEO actually is.

This means learning how search engines work, how websites are crawled and indexed, and what factors influence rankings. Google’s own documentation is a great place to start, particularly its Search Essentials guidelines, which outline the fundamental principles of SEO. But theory alone isn’t enough – you need to see SEO in action.

Starting your SEO strategist career

Most SEO strategists start their journey by building and optimising their own websites.

There’s no better way to learn than by experimenting with real content, tracking how it performs, and testing different optimisation techniques. Many people get started with a blog or a small personal project, using tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to measure success. This hands-on experience is crucial because SEO is constantly evolving. What works today might be redundant in a year, and the best way to stay ahead is to test, adapt, and refine strategies over time.

Formal education in SEO is still relatively rare.

Unlike fields such as digital marketing or web development, there aren’t many degree programmes that focus purely on search engine optimisation. However, there are plenty of certifications and courses that can help aspiring SEO strategists develop their skills. Platforms like SEMrush Academy, Ahrefs and Google’s Skillshop offer free training on everything from keyword research to technical SEO. These courses can be useful for building foundational knowledge, but they only go so far – real expertise comes from applying what you’ve learned in practical settings.

Read our guide to the SEO certifications worth considering in 2025.

Building your experience

To progress in the field, experience is essential.

Many SEO strategists begin their careers as SEO specialists, working in agencies or in-house marketing teams. This is where they gain exposure to real clients, competitive industries, and the challenges of ranking in search results. Over time, they move from implementation – things like writing meta descriptions and fixing technical errors – to strategy, where they develop long-term SEO plans and align them with broader business goals.

The best strategists don’t just optimise for algorithms – they optimise for users.

They know how to create content that ranks well but also engages and converts visitors. This means developing strong research skills, learning how to write and edit effectively, and understanding what makes content valuable to an audience. SEO strategists often work closely with content marketers, developers and UX designers, so the ability to communicate and collaborate is just as important as technical expertise.

Read out guide on how to create SEO content.

Another key part of becoming an SEO strategist is keeping up with industry changes.

Google makes thousands of updates to its algorithm every year, and major updates like Penguin, Panda, and Helpful Content have fundamentally changed the way SEO works. Successful strategists stay informed through industry blogs, podcasts, and communities. Websites like Search Engine Journal, Moz and Google’s Search Central Blog are essential reading for anyone serious about SEO. Many strategists also attend conferences like BrightonSEO or participate in online forums where they can discuss new trends and best practices with other professionals.

If you’re ever at BrightonSEO, look up the team from Submerge – we attend each year to stay on top of our knowledge.

Finally, becoming an SEO strategist isn’t just about learning – it’s about proving your expertise.

SEO is a results-driven field, and businesses want to see real evidence of success. Whether it’s improving rankings, increasing organic traffic, or driving conversions, the best way to establish credibility is by demonstrating measurable impact. Many SEO professionals build case studies from their own projects, showing exactly how their strategies have delivered results. Others contribute to the SEO community through blog posts, LinkedIn articles or speaking engagements, positioning themselves as thought leaders in the space.

There’s no single path to becoming an SEO strategist, but the formula is always the same: learn, test, refine and prove. Those who put in the effort, stay curious and embrace the constant changes in search will always be in demand.

Download our free SEO migration checklist.

SEO strategist salaries and job markets

Salaries for SEO strategists can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, location and the specific responsibilities of the role.

In the UK, data from Glassdoor indicates that the estimated total pay for an SEO Strategist is approximately £28,000 to £43,000 per year, with an average base salary of £35,000.

The SEO job market has experienced fluctuations in recent times. In the first quarter of 2024, SEO job listings declined by 37% compared to the same period in 2023. This downturn was particularly noticeable in mid-level roles, which saw a 6% decrease. In contrast, senior-level positions experienced a slight increase of 3%, and entry-level roles saw a modest rise of 1%. Several factors contribute to these trends, including economic pressures and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in search processes. The automation capabilities of AI have led companies to seek professionals with advanced skills capable of handling more complex tasks, thereby impacting mid-level positions.

How to land a job as an SEO strategist

Clearly, if you’re good enough, we’d love to hear from you!

Generally, securing a position as an SEO strategist requires a combination of technical proficiency, strategic insight, and adaptability.

Here are some strategies to enhance your employability in this field:

• Develop AI expertise – As AI continues to influence search algorithms and user behaviour, understanding AI technologies, such as natural language processing and content generation, can set you apart from other candidates.
• Focus on strategic SEO – Beyond technical skills, the ability to devise comprehensive SEO strategies that align with business objectives is highly valued. This includes skills in competitive analysis, content strategy development and performance measurement.
• Build analytics prowess – Proficiency in analytics platforms and data interpretation is crucial. Employers seek professionals who can make data-driven decisions to optimise SEO performance.
• Specialise – Consider focusing on specific areas within SEO, such as local search, eCommerce, or enterprise-level SEO. Specialisation can make you more attractive to employers looking for targeted expertise.
• Emphasize soft skills – Communication, problem-solving, creativity and adaptability are essential soft skills for an SEO strategist. These abilities enable effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and adaptability to the evolving digital landscape.
• Build a personal brand – Establishing a strong personal brand through blogging, speaking engagements or active participation in industry forums can showcase your expertise and commitment to the field.

Focusing on these areas can enhance your prospects in the competitive SEO job market and position you as a valuable asset to potential employers.

Common challenges SEO strategists face

SEO is a constantly shifting landscape, and even the most experienced strategists face ongoing challenges. From Google’s unpredictable algorithm updates to proving SEO’s ROI, the role requires a mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking and – frankly – a thick skin.

Here are some of the biggest obstacles SEO strategists deal with daily.

Algorithm changes and Google updates

Every day is a learning day!

While most are minor tweaks, some – like the Helpful Content Update or Core Web Vitals – can cause significant ranking fluctuations overnight. The problem? Google rarely provides clear guidance on what’s changed, leaving SEO strategists scrambling to analyse traffic drops, diagnose issues and adjust strategies accordingly.

Staying ahead of updates means constantly testing, monitoring and adapting. A single Google update can render previously successful tactics obsolete, so SEO strategists must remain flexible and data-driven. Those who rely on outdated or black-hat techniques (keyword stuffing, spammy backlinks) are often the first to get penalised, while those who prioritise high-quality content and strong user experience tend to weather the storm.

Managing client or stakeholder expectations

SEO isn’t a quick win.

Unlike PPC, where results can be seen almost instantly, SEO is a long-term investment. Many businesses don’t realise this and expect immediate rankings and traffic boosts. Managing these expectations is one of the most difficult parts of the job.

Clients and stakeholders often ask, “When will we rank #1?” or “Why isn’t traffic doubling yet?”

SEO success depends on multiple factors, including competitor activity, site authority and Google’s ever-changing rules. A strategist’s job is to educate stakeholders, set realistic timelines, and show progress in ways that make sense to non-SEO professionals.

This often involves focusing on leading indicators rather than just rankings – things like improved site health, increased engagement and growing organic traffic.

Learn why SEO fails with our guide.

Measuring and proving SEO ROI

Unlike paid ads, where ROI is clear-cut, SEO’s impact is harder to measure. A page might rank well, but if it doesn’t convert visitors into leads or sales, is it really successful? Businesses often struggle to see the direct link between SEO efforts and revenue, making it crucial for strategists to prove their value.

The key is tracking the right metrics. Organic traffic alone isn’t enough – SEO strategists must measure conversion rates, lead generation and assisted conversions. Using tools like Google Analytics 4, Search Console and Looker Studio, they can show how SEO contributes to real business goals.

Attribution is another challenge. A customer might discover a business through an organic search, return later via a social ad, and finally convert through an email campaign. Without proper tracking, SEO’s role in the journey gets undervalued. Strategists need to implement multi-touch attribution models to demonstrate the full impact of organic search.

Read our guide to some of the must-have analytics tools for SEO.

Overcoming industry myths and misinformation

SEO is plagued by misinformation.

Clients and even some marketers still believe outdated myths like “Keyword density is key,” “SEO is just about backlinks,” or “You can guarantee a #1 ranking.”

The problem is that bad SEO advice spreads fast, and businesses often waste time and money chasing tactics that no longer work – or worse, harm their rankings.

SEO strategists constantly find themselves debunking myths, explaining Google’s evolving priorities and fighting against SEO snake oil. The challenge is balancing education with execution – clients want results, but they also need to understand why certain approaches work (and why others don’t).

The best SEO strategists stay on top of industry trends, test strategies themselves and rely on data-driven insights rather than assumptions. They don’t chase shortcuts.

Read our guide to what an SEO agency is and why you need one.

The future of SEO and strategists

SEO is constantly evolving, and the role of an SEO strategist is shifting alongside it.

As AI, automation, and new search technologies redefine how users find information, SEO strategists must stay ahead of the curve.

Read our guide on how to create the perfect SEO strategy.

AI and Machine Learning (ML) in search

Google’s search algorithm is no longer just a set of rules – it’s an AI-driven system that learns and adapts.

With updates like RankBrain and the Search Generative Experience (SGE), Google is becoming better at understanding intent rather than just keywords. This means SEO strategists need to move beyond traditional keyword optimisation and focus on content that answers questions in a natural, conversational way.

• AI-generated content is becoming more common, but Google still prioritises expertise, experience, authoritativeness and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
• SEOs must combine AI-driven insights with human creativity to produce content that engages users while satisfying search algorithms.
• Google’s increasing reliance on zero-click searches and AI-generated summaries means ranking #1 might no longer guarantee clicks – SEO strategists must optimise for visibility beyond just rankings.

The rise of voice and visual search

Typing keywords into Google is no longer the only way people search for information.

The rise of voice search (Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant) and visual search (Google Lens and Pinterest Lens) is changing how people interact with search engines.

• Voice search queries are more conversational and longer than traditional searches, meaning SEO strategists must optimise for natural language and question-based queries.
• Visual search is growing, especially in eCommerce. Brands that optimise their images with descriptive alt text and structured data will have an advantage.
• With the rise of multi-modal search (combining text, voice and images), SEOs must think beyond written content and ensure their entire digital presence is optimised for different search methods.

The evolving role of an SEO strategist in an automated world

Automation is making many SEO tasks faster and more efficient, from keyword research to site audits.

AI-powered tools can now generate content, analyse backlinks and even predict ranking trends. But this doesn’t mean SEO strategists are becoming obsolete – in fact, their role is more important than ever

• Strategists will shift from manual execution to high-level decision-making, using AI to enhance their strategies rather than replace them.
• Creativity and human insight will remain irreplaceable—while AI can generate content, it can’t create original thought leadership, brand storytelling, or truly engaging experiences.
• SEO will become more integrated with other digital disciplines, such as UX, data science, and brand strategy. A successful SEO strategist will need to collaborate with multiple teams to create holistic, user-first experiences.

What this means for SEO strategists

The future of SEO isn’t about gaming the system – it’s about understanding how people search and delivering content in the most relevant way possible.

SEO strategists will need to adapt, experiment, and embrace new technologies while staying grounded in the fundamentals of great content and user experience.

One thing is certain: SEO isn’t going anywhere. It’s just evolving.

The best SEO strategists will be the ones who evolve with it.

Wrapping it up

SEO isn’t just about ranking on Google – it’s about being found, building trust and driving real business growth.

At the heart of it all is the SEO strategist. They don’t just chase keywords or tweak meta tags. They create strategies that connect brands with the right audience at the right time and in the right way.

As search engines evolve, so does the role of an SEO strategist. AI, automation and new search behaviours mean the job isn’t just about following best practices – it’s about adapting, experimenting and thinking ahead. Those who embrace change, refine their skills and focus on delivering genuine value will always be in demand.

For businesses, the message is clear: SEO isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing investment that requires expertise, patience, and a strategy tailored to long-term success. Whether you’re looking to hire an SEO strategist or become one yourself, the opportunities in this field are bigger than ever.

Want to take your SEO to the next level?

Let’s talk. Contact Submerge today and let’s build an SEO strategy that gets results.