5 replies to this topic

[dannyfaw]

I'm getting ahead of myself because currently I'm just optimizing my own site, but in soaking up the SEO advice here and elsewhere I'm getting more and more fascinated with SEO, and tantalized with the idea of picking up some spare $ by applying the skills I learn in optimizing my own site, to other sites.

Where I come from: I know HTML and have a background in journalism and copywriting.

How much opportunity is there in starting out with SEO contracting now? Is it like the mid-90's with web design, or have I missed the boat? Is there enough business around for those currently doing SEO, without more aspirants trying to break into the field?

Thanx

[SearchRank]

I think the opportunities are great right now and will only get better. When my company began doing SEO back in 97, the vast majority of people didn't even know what SEO was. Today it is becoming a foundational in online marketing strategy, with more people than ever recognizing what it is and how it can benefit them.

It will be more difficult for new SEOs to break into the business simply because there are so many of us now. I think the SEOs that can get past simply changing a few meta tags or incorporating some spam techniques and offer a full suite of services such as optimization, PFI and PPC management, SEO copywriting, link building, usability, ROI tracking, etc. are going to be the ones that come out on top.

[dannyfaw]

Wow, nothing like bringing a little sunshine into a grey March day!

Thanks for your candid assessment.

[Jill]

Yep, opportunities definitely abound.

Especially if you're interested in going to work for a larger SEO company or a company that is looking to open up an in-house SEO dept.

I think freelance opps are there too, but the field is pretty crowded and you have to be able to stand out from the crowd with some sort of unique selling proposition.

Jill

[projectphp]

There are oportunities, but are there oportunities for you specifically? That I can't answer. A lot of SEOs got into it by accident. They did a site, worked out how to get it to rank, a friend asked them to do it for their site, the rest is history.

If SEO really does appeal to you, the trick will be working out how you can actually get involved, given your unique siutuation, e.g. do you get a job with an SEO firm, do you freelance or chase your own clients etc etc.

Oportuinities abound in SEO, and the answer to how to get involved a business / career focussed decision, rather than an SEO oportunities based decision. So approach it thge way you would starting any business: Business plan, marketting plan, budgets etc etc. That, or email a few SEO firms and see what happens re a job.

[wozza]

I work in contract SEO and believe there is a great future in SEO but pressure to deliver results