Hey guys! Welcome back to my new blog. Today, I’m going to share how I built my career in the field of SEO and provide some tips on how you can do the same. This blog will cover my journey, from where I started, my initial salary, to my current position and earnings. I’ll also discuss how I learned SEO, the challenges I faced, and how I overcame them. So, read the blog until the end for all the details.
My Starting Point in SEO
Let me take you back to where it all began. In 2022, I was studying for a Diploma in Computer Engineering in Delhi by IICS. This long-term course covered various programming languages like C++ and Java. During this time, I attended a seminar on digital marketing that piqued my interest. The seminar introduced a short-term four-month course in digital marketing. Intrigued, I decided to take this course alongside my engineering studies.
The Digital Marketing Course:
The course included various modules: WordPress, SEO, email marketing, social media marketing, and content marketing. This was my first exposure to SEO. One of our instructors, Atul Bhatt, ran a blog and used it to teach us practical SEO techniques. He showed us how to optimize content and images, using his own name as a keyword example.
Early Challenges and First SEO Attempts
Inspired by Atul Bhatt, I tried creating my own blog and optimizing it for my name, “Shivam Panchal Bio.” However, my initial attempts were unsuccessful. My blog didn’t appear in search results, and my keywords weren’t ranking. This was frustrating, but it taught me a valuable lesson: SEO requires patience and consistent effort.
Learning Through Practice:
Despite the initial setbacks, I continued experimenting. I read numerous SEO blogs and articles, particularly focusing on backlinks, which are crucial for SEO. I followed experts like Neil Patel, who shared invaluable tips and strategies. By reading and implementing their advice, I gradually improved my understanding of SEO.
Securing My First Internship:
Realizing the importance of practical experience, I started looking for internships. As a fresher, internships are crucial for gaining real-world experience. I found a six-month internship in Noida, where I was paid a modest stipend of just 5,000 INR / monthly. Although the pay was low, the experience was invaluable.
Internship Experience:
In my internship, my primary task was building backlinks. This is a common entry-level responsibility in SEO roles. I learned how to create profile links, bookmark sites, and write blog posts to generate backlinks. This hands-on experience helped solidify my theoretical knowledge.
Transition to a Full-Time Role:
After completing my internship, I felt ready to take on more responsibility. I applied for a full-time position at a US-based company ( E Virtual Services) in Noida and was offered a job with a significantly higher salary like 20k + INR / month.
Working Independently:
Transitioning to a new company was challenging. Unlike my internship, I was now expected to work independently. Initially, this was daunting because I had never managed projects on my own. However, with the support of my managers and colleagues, I gradually became more confident.
Developing My Skills Further:
In this role, I handled multiple projects simultaneously, which required me to manage my time efficiently and learn advanced SEO techniques. I continued to educate myself through online courses and by following industry experts.
Freelancing and Personal Projects:
In addition to my full-time job, I started taking on freelance projects. Freelancing allowed me to apply my skills in different contexts and earn extra income. I also experimented with creating and managing my own websites, which gave me deeper insights into SEO.
Current Role and Achievements:
| Year | Position | Company Location | Monthly Salary (INR) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Intern | Noida | 5,000 | Initial internship focused on backlinks |
| 2023 | SEO Executive | Noida | 22,000 | First full-time role, handling multiple projects |
| 2024 | Senior SEO Executive | South Delhi | 28,000 | Leading a team, increased responsibilities |
Today, I work as a Senior SEO Executive in South Delhi, overseeing a team of interns. My salary has increased significantly, reflecting my experience and expertise. In my previous company, my salary was 22,000 INR, and now I earn 28,000 INR.
Tips for Building Your SEO Career
If you’re interested in a career in SEO, here are some tips based on my experience:
1. Start with Learning the Basics
Begin with online courses to understand the fundamentals of SEO. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and even YouTube offer excellent free resources.
2. Hands-On Practice
Theory alone isn’t enough. Create your own blog or website to practice what you’ve learned. Experiment with different SEO techniques to see what works best.
3. Stay Updated
SEO is a dynamic field. Follow industry experts like Neil Patel and websites like Moz and Search Engine Journal to stay updated with the latest trends and updates.
4. Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
Look for internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience. These roles often involve tasks like building backlinks, which are crucial for learning the ropes of SEO.
5. Build a Network
Connect with other SEO professionals through LinkedIn and industry events. Networking can provide valuable insights and job opportunities.
6. Continuous Learning
SEO is constantly evolving. Invest time in continuous learning through courses, webinars, and industry blogs.
7. Take on Freelance Projects
Freelancing allows you to diversify your experience and apply your skills to different projects. It also helps in building a strong portfolio.
8. Be Patient and Persistent
SEO takes time to show results. Be patient and persistent. Learn from your failures and keep refining your strategies.
Conclusion
Building a career in SEO requires a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and continuous learning. My journey from a student to a Senior SEO Executive was filled with challenges and learning opportunities. By following these tips, you can also build a successful career in SEO. Remember, the key is to stay curious, keep learning, and never give up.
If you found this blog helpful, share and comment for more informative content. And if you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to drop them in the comments. Thanks for reading, and good luck on your SEO journey!