SEO Specialist

Merkle is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled, global performance marketing agency that specializes in the delivery of unique, personalized customer experiences across platforms and devices. For more than 30 years, Fortune 1000 companies and leading nonprofit organizations have partnered with Merkle to maximize the value of their customer portfolios. The agency’s heritage in data, technology, and analytics forms the foundation for its unmatched skills in understanding consumer insights that drive people-based marketing strategies. Its combined strengths in performance media, customer experience, customer relationship management, loyalty, and enterprise marketing technology drive improved marketing results and competitive advantage. With 9,600+ employees, Merkle is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with 50+ additional offices throughout the US, EMEA, and APAC. In 2016, the agency joined the Dentsu Aegis Network. For more information, contact Merkle at 1-877-9-Merkle or visit www.merkleinc.com. 

Diversity is embedded in who we are and all that we do: our mindset, our solutions, and in our teams to empower an inclusive, equitable environment. We put our people at the center, creating space for growth, understanding and learning so they can thrive. Our differences make us richer and enable stronger relationships with each other and foster greater impact for our clients. We engage with our communities to drive positive social impact by fostering equity and working to create a digital society that works for all. Merkle is an agency of dentsu.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.  Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. 

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of improving a website to increase the number of visitors the site receives from search engines like Google. Sites that are poorly designed, irrelevant, or use black-hat techniques will be pushed lower in the list of results while high-quality and authoritative sites will rank higher. SEO Specialists at Merkle identify opportunities on clients’ websites to improve how search engines find and rank them. Leveraging a combination of technical, creative, and troubleshooting skills, SEO specialists help ensure clients are visible online.

• Perform keyword research based on trends, target audiences, patterns, and competitor analysis 

• Create optimized page titles, meta descriptions, and content 
• Analyze client performance and identify recommendations for SEO opportunities 
• Extract insight from data, identify relevant trends, and provide proactive recommendations to reach client marketing goals. 
• Conduct industry, client, and competitive research  
• Provide regular communication to clients (written and verbal) 

• Identify strategies and trends for client accounts and create client presentations 
• Perform frequent data manipulation and interpretation exercises, with Excel and proprietary tools 
• Self-manage execution of activities against deadlines across multiple work-streams 
• Complete activities according to best practices, standard operations procedures, and team member guidance, consistently meeting quality standards, utilizing ethical approach and striving to add value in each activity 
• Active monitoring and sharing of industry news, online marketing trends, industry tools, and internal cross-team key learnings 

• Day to day engagement, collaboration, and partnering with internal teams, external tools, and client teams 

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative, marketing, or related discipline preferred  

• Experience with HTML editing and CMS programs a plus 
• Experience with web analytics platforms (ex: Google Analytics, Omniture) a plus 
• A fundamental understanding of how the internet works 
• Well-versed in the core MS Office suite programs and an intermediate to advanced user of Excel including the ability to use formulas, functions, and pivot tables  
• Must be able to communicate effectively by phone; write clear emails and memos; be friendly, cheerful, and patient; and enjoy explaining complicated concepts to others  

• Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize responsibilities and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment 
• Keen problem-solving and trouble-shooting abilities; high level of accuracy and attention to detail 
• Occasional travel required (5%) typically for client QBRs 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.