How to get an SEO marketing internship with no experience

The world of SEO can be complex and challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can have a successful interview and internship period. In this article, we discuss some key things you need to know when interviewing for an SEO internship, what to expect during your internship, and how to get the most out of it.

What is SEO?

SEO, or ‘Search Engine Optimisation’, is the practice of optimising your website to appear at the top of search engine results, increasing your organic (non-paid) traffic.

How to prepare for an SEO marketing internship interview

Experience isn’t always the most important thing companies are looking for in their SEO interns. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn will take you a long way, as will some basic research into the world of SEO and the company you’re applying for.

- Start with researching the three pillars of SEO: On-page, off-page and technical. Just knowing some key terms will make potential employers take notice of you. One excellent resource for this is Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO.

- Research the company thoroughly, taking note of their website structure, social media channels, marketing campaigns, recent content, and the industry they work in. Impress them with your knowledge of their brand!

- Anticipate their questions. You did you apply for this internship? Why are you interested in marketing? What do you hope to learn in this internship? These are just some of the questions you’ll be targeted with in the interview, so do yourself a favour and come prepared with as many answers as you can.

- Come prepared with examples of the value you can bring to their company. Links to articles you’ve written, content you’ve created, or a successful social media account you run will all highlight your marketing skills, or a small presentation on what you plan to create for them in your internship will go a long way.

- Lastly, be confident! Treat the interview as practice for a full-paying job; dress appropriately, come prepared, give a firm handshake, and try to maintain eye contact. Old-fashioned? Yes, but it works for a reason.

Congratulations, you nailed it! What’s next?

Starting an internship in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can be an exciting step in your career. As an SEO intern, you get the chance to gain valuable experience in a fast-growing field and learn from the experts.

So what exactly do you do in an SEO marketing internship?

Within your internship you will gain a solid foundation of SEO knowledge. You will become familiar with the basics, such as keyword research, on-page optimisation, link building and technical SEO. Online resources and courses can also help you further your knowledge and learn new skills.

Hands-on experience with SEO tools:

You will work with various SEO tools and software, such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, MOZ, SEMrush or AHRefs, and Screaming Frog. By learning to use these tools, you will be able to process a vast amount of valuable SEO data.

Analytical thinking skills:

A good SEO intern should be able to analyse data and draw conclusions from statistics and reports. Analytical thinking skills are essential to evaluate SEO performance and recommend improvements. Be prepared to develop your analytical skills and work with data to gain insights.

Flexibility and adaptability:

The world of SEO is dynamic and constantly changing. As an intern, you need to be flexible and quick to respond to new developments and trends in the industry. Expect to have to constantly learn and adapt your approach to changing search engine algorithms and best practices.

Teamwork and communication:

SEO is often a team effort, where collaboration and communication are essential. As an intern, you should be able to communicate with colleagues, ask questions, give/request feedback and collaborate on projects. Being a good team player adds value to your internship period.

How to make the most of your SEO internship

As an SEO intern, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect. Make sure you have a solid foundation of SEO knowledge, hands-on experience with SEO tools, analytical thinking skills and the flexibility to adapt to changes. Moreover, teamwork and communication skills are essential for a successful internship experience. With this knowledge, you will be well prepared to get the most out of your SEO internship and gain valuable experience.