How Much Do SEO Content Writers Earn?
The salary of an SEO content writer can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, which we’ll discuss here. First though, let’s clearly define what an SEO writer does so we’re on the same page about the duties as it relates to this profession.
What Does a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Writer Do?
FYI, these professionals are also referred to as web content writers, article writers and SEO copywriters, among a few other titles. As for what they do, in simple terms, they write web copy to increase a site’s visibility in search engines.
Why SEO Content Writers are So In Demand
There are specific web writing guidelines by search giants like Google that must be followed in order to achieve the desired results, and these change all the time. This is one of the reasons SEO writers are so in demand.
Many small business owners simply don’t have time to stay on top of the changing algorithms of search companies like Google, Yahoo and Bing; nor do they have the time to produce a constant stream of content (which is one of the things that’s required in many cases to rank well in search engines). So, many companies turn to freelance web writers – those who know current SEO guidelines, and who can produce the appropriate copy for their websites, newsletters and blogs.
Now that you know why these editorial professionals are so in demand, let’s look at some of the factors that affect how much they earn.
SEO Content Writing: Salary Expectations
Salaries for this profession are all over the place. If you check major job outlets like SeoJobsFinder and SimplyHired, you’ll find ranges from a low of around $35,000 to a high of approximately $75,000. The average, according to SimplyHired is $66,000 as of this writing (Summer 2013).
Freelance SEO Writers Can Earn More! Why? Because you can tailor your service offerings – and your rates – to achieve whatever income goals you may have.
Factors that Affect SEO Content Writing Salaries
There are many elements that affect what an SEO writer is likely to be paid. Some of them are:
Niche: If you’re an SEO writer who specializes in fields like legal, medical or technology, for example, you can set – and get – higher rates because not everyone can write this type of copy.
Location: If you decide to work full-time, how much you earn will vary depending on where you’re located. For example, using the title “SEO writer” on SimplyHired, it shows a median salary of $57,000 in Jackson, MS. The same position in New York, NY pays $77,000 – a $20,000 per year difference.
Experience: The search marketing industry has matured, and companies seek writers with experience. Ideally, they look for at least three to five years.
FYI, as a freelancer, this won’t matter so much when looking for clients. All they’ll want to know is if you CAN write SEO content and this can be proven by way of writing samples.
These are three of the biggest factors that affect a SEO content writer’s salary. Following are a few more.
Educational background: This is especially important if you specialize in a highly technical niche like the ones listed above.
Writing Samples: You must know where to place keywords; how to write traffic-generating headlines; the do’s and don’ts of using anchor text; etc.
Type of client/company you work for/with: Some clients simply pay better than others, eg, content mills vs. clients you find on your own.
Marketing ability and consistency: If you freelance as an SEO writer, you can easily earn six figures per year if you market consistently. You’ll work your tail off – for sure! – but it’s possible because of the need and because there are so many complementary services you can add to increase your earnings (eg, social media account management).
With the right training, writing SEO content for small and medium-sized businesses can be the perfect high-paying, home-based freelance business, as the salaries cited here prove.
