What is an SEO Analyst: Role, Salary, & Skills in 2025

An SEO Analyst drives a website’s visibility by combining technical knowledge with data-driven insights to improve search rankings. As digital competition intensifies, this role has gained critical importance across industries. The Regenesys Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing equips learners with job-ready skills in SEO, analytics, and digital strategy—preparing them for high-growth careers in the evolving digital landscape.

This article will cover what is an SEO Analyst, how to become one, their expected salary in South Africa, essential tools, and how Regenesys can support your career in this field.

What Does an SEO Analyst Do?

When we try to define what is an SEO Analyst, their roles serve as the bridge between marketing strategy and search engine visibility. Their primary goal is to improve a website’s organic reach by analysing data and implementing best practices that align with search engine algorithms.

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They work closely with content creators, web developers, and marketing managers to ensure all aspects of a website contribute to better search rankings. From tracking keyword performance to resolving indexing errors, the scope of their work is broad and technical.

Typical responsibilities of an SEO Analyst include:

Conducting keyword research to identify high-potential search terms and user intent.
Performing technical SEO audits to detect and resolve issues affecting site crawlability and indexing.
Monitoring and reporting on website traffic, rankings, and SEO KPIs using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console.
Collaborating with content teams to ensure articles, blogs, and landing pages are optimised for target keywords.
Analysing competitor SEO strategies to uncover gaps and opportunities.
Managing on-page SEO elements such as meta tags, headings, and internal linking structure.
Building and monitoring backlinks to improve domain authority and search visibility.
Staying updated with algorithm changes and applying new SEO tactics accordingly.
Enhancing site speed, mobile usability, and Core Web Vitals to meet Google’s performance standards.
Providing recommendations to web developers for structural and UX improvements that support SEO goals.

SEO Analyst Job Description

The SEO Analyst job description often varies, but it always revolves around driving organic growth through data and optimisation. Understanding what is an SEO Analyst means recognising that the role is both technical and strategic.

Whether working in-house or at an agency, SEO Analysts are responsible for reviewing web metrics, aligning with content teams, and ensuring sites meet ever-changing algorithm standards.

A standard SEO Analyst job description can include the following responsibilities:

Conducting site audits to identify technical SEO issues and optimisation opportunities.
Implementing on-page SEO strategies, including title tags, meta descriptions, header structures, and image optimisation.
Monitoring and analysing website performance metrics such as bounce rate, page speed, and dwell time.
Researching and tracking keyword performance to guide content development and updates.
Collaborating with writers and designers to align content structure with SEO best practices.
Staying up to date with search engine algorithm updates and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Evaluating backlink profiles and conducting outreach for link-building opportunities.
Generating reports to demonstrate the ROI of SEO initiatives and campaign outcomes.
Using SEO tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Screaming Frog to support analysis and reporting.
Recommending changes to website architecture and UX to improve visibility and user engagement.

How to Become an SEO Analyst?

Learning how to become an SEO Analyst starts with developing foundational knowledge in SEO. While self-learning is valuable, structured education adds clarity, credibility, and practical insight. For those serious about the field, understanding what is an SEO Analyst must be backed by training in core areas such as analytics, optimisation strategies, and content performance.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing at Regenesys Business School is specifically designed to prepare professionals for roles such as SEO Analyst. The programme covers SEO fundamentals, Mobile Marketing, Integrating Marketing Communication, and Digital Analytics.

Steps to become an SEO Analyst:

Earn a qualification in digital marketing: A recognised course, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing, provides theoretical and practical insights.
Build foundational knowledge in SEO: Learn about on-page, off-page, and technical SEO practices through coursework and tutorials.
Gain practical experience: Internships, freelance projects, or personal websites help solidify learning through real-world application.
Master SEO tools: Use platforms like Google Search Console and SEMrush to monitor and optimise site performance.
Stay updated with industry changes: SEO is dynamic; staying current with search engine updates is essential.

SEO Analyst Salary in 2025

Salary is often a deciding factor when exploring what is an SEO Analyst as a career. In South Africa, earnings for SEO Analysts can vary widely depending on experience, skill set, and location.

In South Africa, the salary of an SEO Analyst varies based on experience, skill level, and the size of the employer. Junior professionals may start at an entry-level rate, while experienced analysts earn substantially more in corporate or agency settings.

According to Talent.com, as of May 2025, the average annual salary in SEO in South Africa is R 331,333. Most entry-level roles begin from R 240,000, while experienced professionals can earn up to R 759,423.

The table below includes some related salaries that can provide insight into the SEO Analyst salary in South Africa. These figures have been gathered from multiple sources and are accurate as of May 2025.

SEO Roles	Average Annual Salary
SEO Manager	R 360,000
SEO Specialist	R 294,000
Content Manager	R 300,000
Content Strategist	R 348,732

Essential SEO Analyst Tools

To understand what is an SEO Analyst in practice, one must consider the tools used to perform the role. Tools are the engine behind data collection, technical audits, and performance tracking. Proficiency in these platforms is non-negotiable for any professional in the role.

Listed below are some SEO Analyst tools that professionals use to derive insights:

Google Analytics – Tracks website traffic, user behaviour, and engagement metrics.
Google Search Console – Monitors site indexing, keyword rankings, and search performance.
SEMrush – Supports competitor analysis, site audits, and keyword tracking.
Ahrefs – Analyses backlinks, domain authority, and keyword opportunities.
Screaming Frog – Conducts technical site audits to detect SEO issues and crawl errors.
Yoast SEO – Assists with on-page optimisation for WordPress websites, including content readability and meta tags.

The Evolving Role of SEO Analysts

Understanding what is an SEO Analyst also means keeping up with how the role evolves. Modern SEO Analysts need to incorporate artificial intelligence, voice search, mobile UX, and Google’s AI-generated search features into their strategies.

Future-ready SEO Analysts must combine technical know-how with creative marketing instincts. As search behaviour becomes more dynamic, so too must the analyst’s approach.

Emerging skills for future SEO Analysts:

Familiarity with AI tools and content generation
UX and Core Web Vitals optimisation
Voice search and mobile-first indexing
Data interpretation beyond basic metrics
Collaboration with developers and content teams

The Regenesys Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing prepares students to meet these challenges head-on. With a curriculum that evolves alongside industry trends, learners gain real-world knowledge backed by academic rigour.

Conclusion

Understanding what is an SEO Analyst reveals just how integral these professionals are to helping organisations stay visible in a competitive digital marketplace. Their role combines technical expertise with strategic insight, involving detailed data analysis, problem-solving, and ongoing adaptation to algorithm changes. As businesses continue to prioritise online growth and visibility, SEO Analysts will remain among the most sought-after professionals in the marketing landscape.

The Regenesys Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing offers a powerful foundation for those aiming to enter or advance in this field. With expert-led instruction, practical projects, and access to the latest tools, it is the ideal starting point for a successful SEO career.

Explore the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing at Regenesys and take your first step towards becoming a future-ready SEO Analyst.

What is an SEO Analyst? – FAQs

What is an SEO Analyst in simple terms?

An SEO Analyst is someone who improves how easily a website can be found through Google or other search engines by analysing data and applying strategic fixes.

How do I start a career as an SEO Analyst?

Start by studying digital marketing, build foundational SEO skills, and gain hands-on experience. Enrolling in a structured programme like the one offered by Regenesys is highly recommended.