Job profile

SEO Manager (m/f/d)

Around 80% of search engine users click on one of the first three results on Google. Very few stumble across page 2. It is therefore important for websites that want to be found via Google to invest in SEO (search engine optimization). And this is where SEO managers come into play. Because they know what it takes to ensure that websites are rated well by Google and are therefore displayed by the algorithm.

In this job profile, you can find out exactly what SEO management means, what the salary of SEO managers can look like and how you can become an SEO manager yourself.

► Definition
► Salary
► T asks
► Training, studies & further education
► S kills
► FAQ

What is aN SEO manager? Meaning and overview

SEO managers plan and control all measures required to optimize websites. They ensure that domains receive the best possible ranking with the major search engines and are therefore easy to find on the internet. SEO managers are particularly in demand in marketing today, as they make a significant contribution to a company's success.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and describes all processes that are intended to improve the performance of a website in search engines such as Google.

SEO managers therefore take care of all measures – both content-related and technical – to ensure that certain pages are ranked as high as possible on popular search engines. It is important to identify the right keywords that are being searched for. The SEO manager therefore tries to understand the searchers' intentions as well as possible and then creates the appropriate content for the respective websites.

SEO managers also need to be technically adept. In addition to good content (SEO content), it is also important to set up the website in a technically correct way (technical SEO). This is because the content will only be listed in the search results if the search engine can find and "understand" the website.

The goal of SEO managers is to get your website to the top of the Google search results. This is why they develop a sophisticated and data-based strategy for their company and create high-quality and optimized content. They also need to regularly review and update this content to ensure they don't lose out on good results. This requires a good analytical understanding, as key figures such as CTR (click-through rate), dwell time, domain authority or visibility index are part of the SEO manager's everyday work.

The great advantage of SEO is the organic (unpaid) "traffic", i.e. the visitors who reach a website as a result. In this way, companies create visibility, can position themselves as experts on certain topics and address potential customers.

SEO Manager salary Austria:
A comprehensive overview

SEO managers in Austria can expect a gross salary of around €41,000 per year. However, the salary level depends heavily on factors such as company, location and professional experience.

Starting salary as an SEO manager:
Junior SEO manager salary

Junior SEO managers in Austria earn around €30,000 gross per year as a starting salary.

Senior SEO Manager salary:
your earnings with more professional experience

With increasing professional experience, higher salaries of between €50,000 and €60,000 per year can be achieved. Senior SEO managers who are employed in large media companies and take on management functions can earn €70,000 and more per year.

What does an SEO manager do?
Tasks and activities

The range of tasks performed by SEO managers is very diverse. They not only take care of search engine optimization and the visibility of domains, they are also responsible for improving user-friendliness.

An SEO manager improves the structure of websites and is familiar with the search mechanisms of Google, Bing, YouTube and Amazon. Since these mechanisms and algorithms change and are adapted regularly, SEO managers must always stay up to date and keep themselves informed.

In order to rank as well as possible (to be listed) and to constantly improve the user experience, SEO managers carry out regular analyses. In this way, they identify potential for improvement, both in the technical and content-related SEO areas of responsibility. Together with their colleagues who are responsible for websites or texts, they take care of the necessary measures to rank at number 1 in the search results.

Specific tasks of SEO managers are:

SEO strategy development and management consulting
Keyword research and creation of text briefings
Creation of SEO texts and other content
Technical improvement of the websites
Regular as-is analyses of the various pages
Creation of website architectures
Backlink placement

SEO managers are needed in a wide range of industries and often work in agencies. There, they take care of the web presence of various client companies and ensure their improved visibility.

The following areas of application also arise for SEO managers:

Advertising and communication agencies
Editorial offices
Software company
Media houses
E-commerce stores

Becoming an SEO manager
- SEO training, studies and courses

If you want to learn SEO, there are various ways to do so. Although many SEO managers have a degree in communications, marketing or business administration, an academic background is not essential. Many SEO career changers have completed an SEO course and developed their skills through professional experience.

There is no official and legally prescribed training for SEO. Nevertheless, employers look above all for professional experience and proof of theoretical knowledge. Completed SEO training is therefore an advantage for all prospective "SEOs".

SEO manager training

A multi-day SEO course is the best way to learn search engine optimization. There are numerous providers who offer SEO training both online and in person.

Possible courses are:

SEO for beginners: 3 days at WIFI Salzburg
SEO: Effective search engine optimization in 2 days at bfi
SEO seminar on 2 days from 121 Watt

SEO Manager studies: The academic background

There is no relevant SEO degree program in Austria. Instead, SEO is part of various degree courses such as marketing, communications, journalism or IT. Since search engine optimization is often only one aspect of a holistic (online) marketing strategy, it is also advisable for SEO managers to learn about other sub-areas. As a scientific and empirical understanding of this professional field is also required, a degree is recommended. This is because understanding and interpreting the most important KPIs is one of the daily tasks in the field of SEO.

Skills of an SEO manager

SEO managers are not trained professionals and the requirements for these experts are diverse. An SEO manager must have a good technical understanding of how search engines and ranking algorithms work.

At the same time, soft skills are important, as the SEO professional must also be able to function in a larger team. Because the requirements of search engines are constantly changing, SEOs must have a high willingness to learn.

The following SEO skills are particularly important:

Knowledge of search engines
Excellent SEO knowledge
Marketing knowledge
High affinity with the Internet
IT skills/software development
Confident handling of e-services
Ability to work in a team
Strong communication skills
Quick comprehension
Load capacity
High willingness to learn

SEO Manager career:
opportunities on the job market

SEO managers are currently more in demand in Austria than ever before. Although this role is still a comparatively young profession, many companies have understood the importance of SEO and are therefore looking for experienced specialists.

Since nearly all companies today are also present on the Internet and their own websites and content play an important role in marketing, SEO managers are becoming increasingly important. The employment opportunities for SEO professionals are correspondingly good. SEO specialists are particularly sought after in advertising and communications agencies. SEO managers are usually academics and have completed communications, media informatics or related courses of study.