MERGE - SEO Strategist

• Be the primary architect of a client’s digital growth, balancing high-level visionary planning with hands-on execution. You’ll take full ownership of site health, translating complex data into actionable roadmaps and navigating the ever-shifting landscape of search with confidence. This is a high-impact, client-facing role where your ability to forecast performance is just as important as your talent for presenting it. If you’re a lifelong learner who thrives on staying ahead of the algorithm and can turn technical insights into compelling stories, you’ll fit right in. • Be Accountable and Responsible: • Develop and execute comprehensive SEO strategies to increase organic website traffic and improve search engine rankings. • Conduct keyword research to identify high-potential target keywords and optimize website content accordingly. • keyword research • Perform on-page optimization including meta tag optimization, URL structuring, keyword placement, and content optimization to enhance website visibility. • meta tag optimization, URL structuring, keyword placement, and content optimization • Optimize website architecture, internal linking, and navigation structure to improve user experience and search engine crawlability. • website architecture, internal linking, and navigation structure • Monitor and analyze website performance using SEO tools and analytics platforms to identify areas for improvement and track key performance indicators (KPIs). • Conduct competitor analysis to identify opportunities and develop strategies to outperform competitors in organic search rankings. • Identify and resolve technical SEO issues such as crawl errors, broken links, and duplicate content to improve website health and performance. • technical SEO issues • crawl errors • broken links, and duplicate content • Monitor and report on organic search performance, rankings, and traffic metrics using SEO tools and analytics platforms. • Test and optimize landing pages, conversion funnels, and user journeys to maximize organic traffic conversion rates and revenue. • Understandably communicate complex SEO concepts to clients, ensuring transparency and trust. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement SEO recommendations and ensure optimization efforts align with overall marketing goals. • Weigh the complex needs and limitations of a client environment when making strategic recommendations. • Be accountable for the organic growth performance of your clients, adjusting strategies to achieve positive outcomes. • Manage daily customer deliverables autonomously while collaborating with the team for support as needed. • Easily spot trends and outliers to build coherent narratives based on data. • Communicate with authority and understanding about SEO and digital marketing strategy both internally and externally. Act as a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues, an advocate for the agency, and a source of knowledge. • Proactively stay up-to-date on industry trends. • These are the qualifications we’re looking for • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. • 5+ years of proven experience in SEO • Agency experience required • Experience with healthcare and pharmaceutical clients a plus • In-depth knowledge of search engine algorithms and ranking factors • Solid understanding of technical SEO as well as on-page and off-page optimization techniques, and keyword research • technical SEO • on-page and off-page optimization techniques, • keyword research • Experience with site launch activities and collaborating with development teams • Understanding of HTML, JSON-LD Schema, various CMS platforms, and site functionality • Proficiency with SEO tools and programs (e.g., SEMRush, Screaming Frog, etc.) • SEMRush, Screaming Frog • Ability to enhance client performance with innovative strategies and recommendations • Expertise in website analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console) • Google Search Console • Excellent communication skills, capable of clearly explaining complex issues to both internal teams and clients • Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to drive actionable insights • Ability to craft compelling stories based on data • Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment • Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to reputation management challenges • At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed. • We’re a remote-friendly, hybrid company. We have hubs in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Kansas City, Denver, Raleigh, & New York. If you live within 40 miles of a hub, we’d love to see you in person for the moments that matter—like key meetings, team-building, or when a colleague is visiting from out of town. We value flexibility, but we believe the best collaboration happens when we're intentional about connecting in person. • MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices. • The salary range for this role is $66,850 - $80,200 based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time. • $66,850 - $80,200 • MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards. • Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States. • And here’s how we live our values at MERGE • Ability. Mastering our craft • Ability. • Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset • Agility. • Humility. Collaborating for shared success • Humility.