In today’s fast-changing job market, traditional career paths are no longer the only route to success. With the increasing importance of online presence, alternative careers have emerged as viable options for those who choose to skip college. One of our favorites is becoming an SEO consultant. In this post, we’ll explore why pursuing a career as an SEO consultant can be a great choice for career seekers looking skip college. We’ll also provide you with the steps to pursue this career and give you an idea of the earning potential in this field.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a digital marketing discipline that focuses on increasing the visibility of a website through search engines. When implemented correctly, SEO can greatly improve a site’s traffic by ensuring that it ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords and phrases. When implemented poorly, or not at all, a company’s site is invisible. SEO is vital in the digital age, where the majority of consumers turn to search engines like Google for information, products, and services. As an SEO consultant, you’d be at the forefront of this continuing trend, using your skills and knowledge to help businesses thrive on the web.
Why Choose a Career as an SEO Consultant
The decision to skip college and pursue a career as an SEO consultant comes with some decisive benefits. First, it offers a unique opportunity to enter a rapidly growing industry without the need for a degree. The phrase “rapidly growing” gets thrown around quite a bit so let’s be specific. SEO as a business has a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. And if you haven’t had a chance to shop CAGR’s lately, 20% is off the charts. By specializing in SEO, you get to ride this wave for many years.
Another advantage of choosing this career path is the potential for growth and flexibility. As an SEO consultant, you have the freedom to work independently as a freelancer or join an agency. This flexibility allows you to tailor your work to your own schedule, choose your clients, and even work remotely. With growing demand for SEO services, the potential for career growth in this field is virtually limitless. And if you like the idea of working remotely, this is a role that lends itself very well to working wherever you want to be.
Timing is everything, and we think NOW is the best time to get into SEO for one simple reason. LLM’s: Large Language Models, are fundamentally changing the search game. Increasingly, people are using tools like Chat GPT, Grok, and Perplexity to find information on the web. And with this shift happening in search, most companies with a web presence are starting to find themselves flat-footed, as best practices in SEO are changing rapidly. What worked yesterday, won’t work tomorrow, and SEO Consultants are the people who will be pulling companies out of the weeds and saving their businesses. This may sound like hyperbole, but companies can live or die based on their visibility online. Researchers and experts agree we’ll hit an inflection point by 2030, where LLM’s overtake traditional search; however, that research is already proving itself to be out of date, and it’s likely to happen much sooner. That makes NOW the best time to get into the SEO business.
Steps to Pursue a Career as an SEO Consultant
To establish yourself as a successful SEO consultant, here’s your roadmap:
- Online Learning: For beginners with no experience in SEO, there are numerous online platforms that offer comprehensive courses to help you grasp the fundamentals. Our favorite, offered by Udemy, has received 4.5 stars from 9,599 reviewers. This course, completed by 107,000 students is the most comprehensive and up-to-date training available anywhere. SEO Training Masterclass 2025: Beginner To Advanced SEO
- Continuing Education: SEO is an ever-changing field, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and algorithm changes is paramount. Platforms like MOZ Academy, SEMrush Academy, and Google’s own SEO Starter Guide offer comprehensive and up-to-date training materials. Also, consider obtaining SEO certification from these platforms to enhance your credibility.
- Practical Experience and Networking: After you’ve laid the theoretical groundwork, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned. Consider starting a personal blog or website to practice your SEO skills. Beyond mere practice, this platform can double as a portfolio showcasing your abilities to potential employers or clients. Networking can open doors to mentorship opportunities and valuable industry insights. Most importantly, learn how to talk to people. There are plenty of questionable SEO consultants on Fiverr with no people skills; but, a good SEO Consultant who can sit down with a business owner, face to face, ask questions, listen, and connect on a personal level is a unicorn in the SEO business.
- Establish Your Brand: As your expertise grows, so should your online presence. Create a professional LinkedIn profile, engage with your audience on social media, and consider offering free webinars or blog posts on SEO topics. These efforts can help you establish your brand and authority in the SEO community.
- Building a Portfolio and Gaining Experience: Start by optimizing your own website or blog to showcase your SEO expertise. As you gain confidence, offer your services to friends, family, or local businesses in exchange for testimonials and case studies. Building a strong portfolio will help you attract clients and demonstrate your capabilities.
- Networking and Industry Involvement: Engage with the SEO community by attending industry conferences, joining online forums, and participating in webinars. Networking with professionals in the field can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential client referrals.
Earning Potential as an SEO Consultant
The earning potential as an SEO consultant can vary based on several factors, including experience, specialization, and client base. While it may take time to establish yourself and build a solid reputation, the average income for SEO consultants ranges from $50,000 to $125,000 per year. As you gain expertise and expand your client roster, your earning potential can increase significantly – this can be a six-digit income for people who stay on top of the latest trends and market themselves effectively.
Case Studies and Success Stories
There are numerous success stories of individuals who have found remarkable success as SEO consultants without a college degree. Take inspiration from professionals like Neil Patel, Brian Dean, and Rand Fishkin, who have built highly successful SEO careers through their expertise, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. These individuals prove that with the right skills and mindset, a college degree is not a prerequisite for success in the SEO industry.
Let’s Wrap This Up
A career as an SEO consultant can be a smart alternative to a traditional college education. SEO customers care about results, not degree’s. With the right combination of self-education, skill development, and people skills, you can establish yourself as a sought-after expert in the field. The flexibility, growth potential, and earning capacity make this career path an attractive option for those seeking success outside the debt and years associated with a college degree. So, if you’re ready to dive into SEO and unlock formidable income, we are recommending the online platform with the deepest catalogue of SEO courses and the highest rated SEO courses completed by the most students.
Let’s go!: SEO Training Masterclass 2025: Beginner To Advanced SEO