Being a recent transplant from the advertising industry, I can’t lie and say I don’t miss the glitz and glamour that was part of our daily workload. So I was overjoyed to read 11 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Job in Search Engine Marketing, by Kalena Jordan, which reminded me of the unique benefits to being in our industry. I’ve summarized her article below as a fun reminder for all of my new friends in SEM, as well as for those that may be considering Search Engine Marketing as a career.
- The Search Industry is HOT
You can’t deny that businesses are falling all over themselves to get seen by online searchers…and they’ll pay big bucks to search engines for the privilege. Search giants like Google and Yahoo! can’t fail to make money because everybody wants a bit of the search action. - You Can Learn it all Online
Most all of what you need to know, to become a Search Engine Marketer, you can learn online. The information is out there, you just have to find it. Research, research, research and read everything you can on a daily basis including articles, forums, ebooks, blogs and newsfeeds. There are also online courses available to ensure you gain the right types of skills to make you immediately employable in the industry. Put your knowledge into practice by experimenting with your own or guinea pigs sites to find the methods that give you the best results. - The Demand is Strong and Growing
Currently, there are more jobs than there are skilled marketers to fill them. What this means for the marketer is the ability to pick and choose their jobs and/or clients, and the more skilled SEM’s are head-hunted regularly. - The Skills are Portable and Global
You do not need to be at a desk, in an office or on the phone all day. You don’t even need to meet your clients in person. You literally need a computer and an Internet connection. The Internet is the universal equalizer, allowing you to compete with one man operations and Fortune 500 companies on the same level playing field. The flexibility of the search industry is a huge advantage over other career options. - Search Marketing Has the WOW Factor
Once they know what they are doing, it is very easy for Search Engine Marketers to wow their clients. The difference that a successful SEO or PPC campaign can make to a client’s bottom line is substantial, not to mention the sheer excitement clients get from seeing their site listed in the top 10 search results for certain keywords. - The Industry is Hip and Groovy
There is a constant media buzz around marketers in the Search Engine Marketing field. If you have ever been to a search engine conference you’d know these ‘geeks,’ varying in age from teens to Baby Boomers and coming from many different professional backgrounds, give off an air of professionalism and a true vibe of happiness…while still managing to socialize, party and hang with the best of ‘em each night. - Job Satisfaction is High
With all the hype, gossip, corporate take-overs, start-ups and geek toys, you won’t get bored. This combined with a flexible work schedule and a high income keeps job satisfaction soaring for Search Engine Marketers!
Need More?
On top of the points made above, SEM is considered one of the four jobs on the “cutting edge” (according to a recent article on MSN Careers.) You can break into it without a college degree, extensive knowledge of MySpace and other social media sites is essentially a job requirement (how fun is that?), there are great salary opportunities, low start-up costs and if desired and with the right experience you have the potential to be your own boss.
After reading Jordan’s article (and noting my own experience with point six at PubCon in Vegas) I am happier than ever to be a Project Manager at Pole Position Marketing!