Q and A: How do I start a career as a Search Engine Marketer?

Dear Kalena...

Hi, I am interested in starting a career as a Search Engine Marketer but honestly do not know where to begin. I currently have an online store hosted with ecrater.com, but I am looking to supplement that income. I am looking for a suggestion as to how to start the new endeavor. Any help would be appreciated.

Carolyn

Kalena's Answer:

Dear Carolyn

I can only assume you are writing to me after reading my article 11 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Job in Search Engine Marketing? Apart from the tips contained in the article, I have the following suggestions:

• Scan the Search Engine College Employment Forum and these SEO/SEM job sites to see what employers are looking for in an employee and try to match your skills to the demand.
  
  
• Consider taking an industry-recognized formal certification course in SEO/SEM such as the Certification Pathways we offer at Search Engine College.
  
  
• Join Elance.com to freelance your services and bid on projects you are interested in to supplement your income.
  
  
• Practice your skills on as many guinea pig sites as possible.
  
  
• Join a few busy webmaster forums and observe and participate in discussions regarding the search industry. This really helps keep you up to date with methodologies used by the experts and the problems faced by general webmasters. I recommend cre8asite forums and high rankings.
  
  
• Read everything you can get your hands on relating to search engine marketing. This includes blogs, sites, newsfeeds, magazines, articles and newsletters.
  
  
• Create a business plan, even if you are setting up a part time freelancing business. It helps you get organized and focus on where you want to be in 5 years.
  

Good Luck!

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