In today’s blog, I’m diving into what it takes to rock the role of an SEO Project Manager. If you’re curious about stepping into this career, you’ve got to bring your A-game in several key areas: marketing know-how, strategic planning, a bit of account handling, and some serious skills in execution, organization, and time management. Plus, you need to be sharp at directing team efforts to ensure client projects cross the finish line flawlessly.

So, what exactly does an SEO Project Manager do? Let’s break it down. At its core, the job is all about making sure every SEO task is ticked off the list on time. You’re the one steering the ship, following the strategic map laid out before you, and breaking up the big plan into manageable, bite-sized tasks. Here’s a glimpse of what the day-to-day looks like:

• Handling everything SEO from start to finish.
• Delegating tasks and setting schedules for the team.
• Keeping tabs on project timelines.
• Crafting detailed weekly or monthly reports.
• Evaluating how well the strategies are playing out.
• Rolling out SEO elements on client websites.
• Taking notes during client meetings and much more.

The ultimate goal? Getting our clients to show up on search engines like Google when people search for keywords linked to their products and services. It’s about pushing for more website traffic, better conversion rates, and bumping up their revenue. If these challenges sound exciting, you might just be cut out to be an SEO Project Manager!

What Skills Do You Need to Be an SEO Project Manager?

Becoming an SEO Project Manager isn’t just about knowing your SEO stuff; it’s about mastering a bunch of skills that keep the digital gears turning smoothly. Here’s the scoop on the top skills you’ll need to thrive in this role:

Project Management

Success in SEO isn’t only about nailing those SEO tasks—it’s also about how well you coordinate with account managers, handle multiple projects, and keep clients happy. In an industry that’s always evolving, being able to manage multiple projects effectively is a game changer.

Copywriting & Editing

Whether you’re leading a small team or a large one, chances are you’ll need to dip into some writing and editing. This could be anything from proofreading team content to crafting clear emails for clients. Good writing helps you communicate effectively, which is key in keeping everyone on the same page.

Daily Tool Use

Here’s where the magic happens. Tools help manage the daily grind effectively. At Tribal Pearl Media, for instance, we rely on:

• Hourstack.io to keep track of time spent on projects and meetings.
• Google Drive and Dropbox for storing and sharing files.
• Gmail, Gchat, and Slack for communication.
• Google Calendar for scheduling.
• Asana for task management.
• Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) for creating presentations, spreadsheets, and reports.

Plus, we use essential SEO tools like Moz, SEMRush, Screaming Frog, and Keyword Planner to keep our SEO strategies sharp.

Understanding HTML and CSS

Knowing how to tweak HTML and CSS can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re trying to ease the load off a swamped web developer. Websites speak this language, and even basic knowledge can make a big difference.

Reporting & Analytics

Every SEO Project Manager needs to be a data detective. Google Analytics is the gold standard, and thankfully, they offer free courses to get you up to speed. On top of that, you’ll need to get familiar with any specialized analytics tools your company uses.

Organizational and Planning Skills

Organizing and planning are very critical when you’re dealing with SEO strategies—they can get very complex! At TPMl, we’ve got a solid system in place to make sure everything we promise our clients is delivered on time, if not earlier. Let me walk you through how we keep everything running like a well-oiled machine.

1. Forecasting

We kick things off with an internal document that lays out all the tasks for the month. This isn’t just busy work; it’s about making sure every person on the SEO team knows exactly what they’re supposed to do. Plus, it helps our department head see who’s got a little extra room in their schedule to take on more. This careful planning makes sure workloads are balanced, which is very key in keeping the team happy and efficient.

2. Asana

This tool is a lifesaver. We use Asana every single day to track all our client projects and our internal workflow. Everyone assigns tasks to themselves for the month and sets deadlines to make sure they stay on track. Once they finish their tasks, they pass them back to the account manager for a final check before we send it off to the client. It’s all about accountability.

3. Weekly Meetings

Think of these as our mini check-ins. Every week, we get together for a quick rundown of what’s been done, celebrate our wins, talk about any upcoming training, and plan out the next week. These meetings help us stay connected and on top of our game.

4. Monthly Reports

At the start of each month, we send out a report to our clients. This isn’t just any report—it details everything we accomplished the previous month, what we’re aiming to tackle next, and the results we’ve seen, like improvements in keyword rankings, traffic, and conversions.

All these processes aren’t just busywork—they’re essential. They help ensure that everyone knows what’s expected and when, keeping the whole team aligned and our clients happy.

Communication Skills

Communication is key in any business, especially when you’re handling SEO projects. It’s very important to build a strong relationship with your client. Why? Well, the better your relationship, the easier it is to understand and meet your client’s expectations.

Improving Client Communication:

One simple yet effective way to keep your client in the loop is to send a weekly recap email. Regular updates about their SEO campaign can really strengthen your relationship. Dive into Google Analytics, pull out some recent successes, and use screenshots to showcase these wins. 

Don’t forget to mention progress on keywords and the status of deliverables. This not only keeps your client informed but also shows that you’re on top of the campaign and genuinely care about their results.

Always communicate what you’re planning to focus on in the upcoming week. It sets expectations and keeps everyone aligned.

Attention to Detail

For project managers, paying close attention to detail is crucial. Skipping final checks can lead to embarrassing mistakes like spelling errors or grammatical issues in your campaigns. Always take the time to go over deliverables thoroughly before they go out to your client.

Understanding Content Management Systems

If you’re an SEO project manager, you should be familiar with popular Content Management Systems (CMS) like Drupal and WordPress. They’re very similar, and once you get the hang of one, you can easily manage the other. Knowing how to create, edit, and publish content, and insert images can be a huge time-saver for developers.

Flexibility

How do you handle change? Being flexible is essential in digital marketing since technology and trends evolve constantly. Plans might seem perfect initially, but they often need to be adjusted. Whether it’s a shift in deadlines, a new idea that pops up, or something not going according to plan, being able to pivot your strategy smoothly is a must. Facing these unexpected challenges with a positive attitude and getting your team on board is part of the job.

Presentation Skills

Let’s be honest—making presentations can be very nerve-wracking. But if you’re stepping into a project manager role, you’ve got to have killer presentation skills. Sure, it’s crucial to have slick, well-designed slides, but what’s even more important? Your ability to communicate clearly. 

Being a standout communicator is a talent that really sticks with people. When you’re leading a project, you need to exude confidence. It’s not just about sharing information; it’s about inspiring your team and making sure everyone is on the same page.

Positive Thinking

The power of positive thinking is more than just a feel-good mantra; it’s a tool. It boosts your confidence, shifts your mindset, and lifts your mood. As a project manager, maintaining a positive outlook is part of the job description. Looking for the silver lining in every situation can transform challenges into opportunities. 

Remember, as the project manager, you’re the glue holding the workflow together. Sure, you’ll get your share of kudos when things go smoothly, but the real test is handling the bumps along the road with a positive attitude.

Leadership Skills

As the lead on an SEO project, the buck stops with you. The quality of the work? That’s on your watch. When the pressure mounts, and things start to feel overwhelming, it’s your drive and leadership that keep things moving. 

Part of your role is ensuring that every piece of work is top-notch before it hits the client’s desk and stepping up whenever the need arises. Your attitude sets the tone for the whole team, influencing morale and ultimately, the outcome of the project.

Wrapping Up

Being an SEO project manager is a non-stop adventure. It’s a tough gig that I absolutely thrive on. The challenge of ensuring all SEO tasks are not just completed, but done excellently, keeps me sharp and engaged. With the array of skills this role demands, you’ve got to be ready to tackle a variety of tasks every single day. It’s about staying prepared and flexible, no matter what comes your way.