SEO Strategist Chicago, IL

Sr. Planner, Precision Activation - SEO Strategist Chicago, IL Merge Storytelling and Technology We bring together the minds and passions of creative pioneers, tech innovators, and data explorers to help ambitious clients solve business challenges and rise to the top. MERGE has enduring client partnerships with American Express, T-Mobile, Subway, Kate Spade NY, Coach, The North Face, Meta, Adobe, BlueCross BlueShield, Abbott, Astellas, Supernus, CSL, GE Healthcare, Broward Health, Indiana University Health, and Morgan Stanley. With offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Montreal, New York City and Los Angeles. MERGE uses a talent-to-task process that enables clients to think higher and feel deeper about their customers. Promote Health, Wellness & Happiness We are committed to promoting health, wellness and happiness in the world by partnering with purpose-driven clients in purpose-driven industries in healthcare, life science, and consumer products. Our deep vertical expertise and category insights stem from decade-long partnerships with our top clients. Emerge to the Top of Your Career At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers. As our SEO Strategist, you will…. 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. 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. Perform on-page optimization including meta tag optimization, URL structuring, keyword placement, and content optimization to enhance website visibility. Optimize website architecture, internal linking, and navigation structure to improve user experience and search engine crawlability. 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. 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. Qualifications 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. 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.). Ability to enhance client performance with innovative strategies and recommendations. Expertise in website analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, 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. Salary & Benefits The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000 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. 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. Hybrid Work Model MERGE offers a hybrid work model. If you live in a city where we have an office (Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Kansas City), we encourage you to come into the office 2 days a week. What office are you able to go to? Values Ability. Mastering our craft Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset Humility. Collaborating for shared success Equal Opportunity Employer MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be! #J-18808-Ljbffr Mergeworld