Getting Started in SEO
Want to build a career in SEO? This guide maps out your path from beginner to expert, with clear steps and real-world advice for 2025.
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps websites rank higher in search results. SEO experts make websites more visible to users searching for specific information, products, or services.
Starting Your SEO Career: First 3 Months
Month 1: Building Your Foundation
- Learn how search engines work
- Study basic HTML and CSS
- Read Google’s SEO guidelines
- Set up a test website
- Practice using Google Search Console
Month 2: Core SEO Skills
- Learn keyword research methods
- Study on-page SEO factors
- Practice writing meta titles and descriptions
- Build basic site structures
- Learn about mobile-first indexing
Month 3: Moving Forward
- Study technical SEO basics
- Learn about backlinks
- Practice content writing
- Start using SEO tools
- Join SEO communities
Growing Your Skills: Months 4-6
Technical Knowledge
- Site speed analysis
- Robot.txt setup
- XML sitemaps
- Schema markup
- JavaScript SEO basics
Content Skills
- Writing for users and search engines
- Creating content plans
- Setting up content calendars
- Learning about E-A-T
- Building content clusters
Analytics & Tracking
- Google Analytics setup
- Tracking conversions
- Reading SEO reports
- Understanding user behavior
- Measuring success
Becoming an Expert: Months 7-12
Advanced Skills
- International SEO
- E-commerce SEO
- Local SEO strategies
- Site migrations
- Core Web Vitals
Tools Mastery
- SEMrush
- Ahrefs
- Screaming Frog
- Google Search Console (advanced)
- Google Analytics (advanced)
Building Your Career
Getting Your First Job
- Make a portfolio
- Build case studies
- Take on small projects
- Network with other SEOs
- Apply for junior positions
Career Paths
- In-house SEO specialist
- Agency SEO expert
- Freelance consultant
- Digital marketing manager
- SEO team leader
Salary Guide 2025 (India)
- Junior SEO: ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year
- 0-2 years experience
- Entry level positions
- Fresher roles
- Mid-level SEO: ₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per year
- 2-4 years experience
- Individual contributor roles
- Team lead positions
- Senior SEO: ₹12,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 per year
- 4-7 years experience
- Strategy roles
- Department heads
- SEO Manager: ₹18,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 per year
- 7+ years experience
- Leadership positions
- Head of SEO roles
Additional earnings can include:
- Performance bonuses: 10-20% of base salary
- Project incentives: ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per year
- Profit sharing (in some companies)
- Stock options (in startups)
Salary variations based on:
- City (metros pay 20-30% more)
- Company size
- Industry type
- Skills and certifications
- Client portfolio
Top paying cities:
- Mumbai
- Bangalore
- Delhi NCR
- Hyderabad
- Pune
Daily Tasks of an SEO Professional
- Checking rankings
- Fixing technical issues
- Writing and updating content
- Analyzing competitors
- Making reports
- Meeting with clients/teams
Tools You Need to Know
- Google Tools
- Search Console
- Analytics
- PageSpeed Insights
- SEO Software
- Rank trackers
- Site audit tools
- Keyword research tools
- Technical Tools
- HTML editors
- Screenshot tools
- Browser extensions
Tips for Success
- Stay updated with Google changes
- Test everything yourself
- Learn from your mistakes
- Build a strong network
- Keep learning new skills
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Copying others without testing
- Ignoring mobile users
- Using old SEO methods
- Not checking your work
- Giving up too soon
Next Steps
- Pick a learning path
- Set up a test website
- Join SEO groups online
- Start practicing daily
- Build your portfolio
Keep Learning
- Follow SEO blogs
- Watch tech news
- Join SEO forums
- Attend webinars
- Practice regularly
SEO work changes often. Good SEO experts never stop learning. Start with these basics, then build your skills step by step. Focus on doing good work and helping users find what they need.