What Does An SEO Copywriter Do? (Role, Skills, Cost)

Creating content that ranks well on search engines can be challenging.

You could spend hours writing blog posts and still get no results.

That’s where an SEO Copywriter comes in.

With their copywriting skills and SEO knowledge, they create content that not only ranks, but converts and brings in customers for the brands.

Writing for both search engines and humans needs specific skills, tools, and knowledge.

In this complete guide, you'll learn exactly what an SEO copywriter does, how much they charge, and whether you need one. By the end, you'll understand everything about the SEO Copywriter role and whether hiring an SEO copywriter is right for your business.

What Is An SEO Copywriter?

An SEO copywriter creates content that ranks high in Google and converts readers into customers. They combine writing skills with technical SEO knowledge to help businesses get more organic traffic. Most SEO copywriters charge between $75-200 per hour, depending on their experience and results.

Let's look at a real example. When an e-commerce store sells running shoes, their SEO copywriter could create:

• Product descriptions that rank for terms like "best marathon shoes"

• Blog posts targeting keywords like "how to choose running shoes"

• Category pages optimized for searches like "men's running shoes under $100"

Each piece of content they write follows specific SEO rules that help it rank better in Google.

Now, you might be wondering: how are they different from regular copywriters?

Well, here’s the thing.

Regular copywriters focus only on sales. SEO copywriters focus on both sales and search rankings.

Companies pay SEO copywriters more because they bring in free traffic from Google. A well-written SEO article can bring 1,000+ visitors per month for years.

Now that you understand what an SEO copywriter is, let's look at their daily tasks in detail. These responsibilities show exactly how they create content that ranks and converts.

Main Responsibilities Of An SEO Copywriter

Here's a complete breakdown of what professional SEO copywriters do daily. Each task directly impacts content performance and search rankings.

1. Keyword Research And Content Planning

SEO copywriters spend 8-10 hours weekly on strategic keyword research. This research forms the foundation of all content creation.

The process starts with extensive market research to identify valuable search terms. Successful keyword research focuses on search terms with clear commercial intent. For example, terms ending in "best," "vs," "review," or "guide" often convert better than general informational keywords.

Here's how keywords are typically prioritized:

2. Writing And Optimization

The core writing process follows a proven structure for maximum search visibility. Each piece of content needs specific elements to compete effectively in search results.

A well-optimized article contains:

• Main keyword in the first 100 words

• Secondary keywords every 300-400 words

• LSI (related) terms spread naturally throughout

• Strategic header hierarchy

Content Structure Tips:

• Break text into 300-word sections

• Include data points every 2-3 paragraphs

• Add expert quotes or statistics for authority

• Create custom tables, charts, or visuals

3. Technical SEO Elements

Technical optimization goes beyond basic writing. This is where professional SEO copywriters add significant value through specialized knowledge.

Essential Technical Tasks:

• Meta description optimization (150-155 characters)

• Schema markup implementation

• Image alt text optimization

• Internal linking strategy (5-8 links per 1000 words)

4. Content Updates And Tracking

Modern SEO requires constant content refinement. Professional SEO copywriters typically follow a 90-day optimization cycle:

• Day 1-30: Initial ranking analysis

• Day 31-60: First round of updates based on SERP performance

• Day 61-90: Content expansion and link building

Key metrics tracked include:

• Average position for target keywords

• Click-through rate (CTR)

• Time on page

• Bounce rate

• Conversion rate

While these responsibilities might seem complex, they require specific skills to execute well. Here are the core abilities that make SEO copywriters effective at their job.

Essential Skills Of An SEO Copywriter

SEO copywriters combine multiple skills to create content that both ranks and converts. Let's explore the key skills that make a successful SEO copywriter stand out.

Advanced Writing Abilities

Strong writing forms the foundation of SEO copywriting. Professional SEO copywriters know how to craft headlines that grab attention while incorporating target keywords naturally. They understand the art of writing compelling meta descriptions that make readers want to click through from search results.

Beyond basic writing, SEO copywriters excel at creating content that flows logically. They write clear introductions that hook readers and answer their main questions quickly. Each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, keeping readers engaged throughout the content.

The best SEO copywriters also understand how to write for different content types. Product pages need persuasive copy that sells benefits. Blog posts require informative, educational content that builds trust. Landing pages demand strong calls-to-action that drive conversions.

Technical SEO Knowledge

Modern SEO copywriters must understand how search engines work. This means knowing how to structure content for maximum visibility in search results. They recognize the importance of proper header tags, meta descriptions, and URL structure in ranking content.

Internal linking strategy is another crucial technical skill. SEO copywriters know how to connect related content pieces to build topic authority. They understand which anchor text helps rankings and how many internal links each page needs.

Schema markup and rich snippets also fall under technical knowledge. Professional SEO copywriters know when to use schema for better visibility or how to mark up product reviews for enhanced search results.

Research Capabilities

Thorough research sets great SEO copywriters apart from average ones. They know how to find reliable data sources and verify information before including it in content. This research includes studying competitor content to identify gaps and opportunities.

SEO copywriters stay updated with industry changes and Google algorithm updates. They monitor how these changes affect content strategy and adjust their writing accordingly. Understanding search intent is a key part of their research process.

Professional SEO copywriters also research their target audience deeply. They understand what questions readers have, what problems they're trying to solve, and what type of content format works best for different topics.

Tools Proficiency

Modern SEO copywriting requires familiarity with key digital tools. SEO tools help identify valuable keywords and track content performance. Writing tools ensure content meets readability standards and follows best practices for online reading.

AI writing assistants have become essential tools for SEO copywriters. These tools help maintain consistent output while ensuring content meets SEO requirements. However, skilled copywriters know how to use these tools effectively while maintaining a natural, engaging writing style.

Content management systems and basic HTML knowledge round out the technical toolset. SEO copywriters use these to format content properly and ensure it displays correctly across all devices.

Understanding these essential skills helps explain why SEO copywriters charge higher prices than regular writers. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the typical costs of hiring an SEO Copywriter.

How Much Does An SEO Copywriter Cost?

The cost of an SEO copywriter varies based on experience, expertise, and work arrangement. Let's break down the different pricing options and what to expect from each investment level.

Freelance SEO Copywriter Rates

Freelance SEO copywriters typically charge per word or per project. Entry-level freelancers charge between $0.10-0.20 per word, while experienced professionals command $0.30-0.50 per word. For a standard 2000-word blog post, this means paying anywhere from $200 to $1000.

Project-based pricing often works better for ongoing content needs. Professional SEO copywriters charge $300-800 per blog post, including keyword research, writing, and basic optimization. Monthly retainers for regular content creation range from $2,000 to $5,000, typically covering 4-8 pieces of content.

In-House SEO Copywriter Salary

In-house SEO copywriters receive annual salaries plus benefits. Starting salaries for junior SEO copywriters range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year. Mid-level professionals earn between $60,000 and $85,000, while senior SEO copywriters can make $85,000 to $120,000 annually.

Location significantly impacts salary ranges. SEO copywriters in major cities like New York or San Francisco often earn 20-30% more than the national average. Remote positions typically align with national averages regardless of the writer's location.

ROI Of Hiring An SEO Copywriter

SEO copywriting is an investment that generates long-term returns. Well-optimized content typically starts showing results within 3-6 months. A single high-ranking blog post can generate qualified leads for years with minimal ongoing maintenance.

Consider these typical returns:

• A successful SEO article brings 500-2000 monthly visitors

• Quality traffic converts at 2-5% into leads

• Each conversion is worth $50-500 in potential business

This means one well-written, properly optimized article could generate $500-5000 in monthly revenue once it ranks. The key is patience—it takes time for content to climb search rankings, but the long-term payoff often exceeds the initial investment many times over.

With these costs in mind, you might wonder if you should hire a professional or handle SEO copywriting yourself. Let’s explore more about that!

DIY SEO Copywriting vs. Hiring A Professional

Creating SEO content presents three main options: doing it yourself, hiring a professional, or using AI tools. Let's explore each approach to help you make the best choice for your business.

The DIY Approach

Learning SEO copywriting takes significant time and dedication. Most business owners spend 3-4 months mastering the basics of keyword research and content optimization. The learning curve is steep—understanding search intent, technical SEO, and content strategy requires consistent practice.

DIY content creation also demands considerable time investment. A well-researched, SEO-optimized 2000-word article typically takes 8-12 hours to complete. This includes keyword research (2-3 hours), writing (4-6 hours), and optimization (2-3 hours).

Working With Professional SEO Copywriters

Professional SEO copywriters deliver polished content that's ready to rank. They understand search algorithms, user intent, and content optimization techniques. While their services cost more upfront, they save valuable time and often deliver faster results.

However, finding and managing freelance writers takes effort. Communication, revisions, and coordination can eat up 2-3 hours per piece of content. Quality can vary significantly between writers, and good ones often have long waiting lists.

The Smart Alternative: AI-Powered SEO Writing

Modern AI writing tools like SEOWriting offer the best of both worlds. This advanced platform creates SEO-optimized content in minutes, not hours.

With features like one-click SEO content generation, auto internal linking, and built-in keyword optimization, it optimizes the entire content creation process.

SEOWriting stands out with its deep web integration and NLP keyword optimization. The platform automatically researches topics, identifies relevant keywords, and creates content that matches search intent.

Built-in readability tools ensure content appeals to both search engines and human readers.

SEOWriting's brand voice customizer helps maintain a consistent tone across all content, while the blog length customizer ensures optimal content depth for different topics.

The platform also includes advanced features like for social media and automatic internal linking. This comprehensive approach helps content rank faster and perform better in search results. Plus, with WordPress auto-posting, getting content live takes just one click.

For businesses looking for efficient content creation, SEOWriting is the best option. It handles all SEO content creation requirements automatically, letting you focus more on growing your business.

Whether you choose to hire or DIY, understanding the fundamentals of SEO Copywriting is essential for success. Here’s how to begin your journey with SEO content creation.

How To Get Started With SEO Copywriting?

SEO Copywriting role doesn’t require any special certifications. If you have the right set of skills and knowledge, you can get started right away.

One of the best ways to start SEO copywriting is by actually doing it.

• Start writing blog posts for your blog or for your clients.

• Keep learning about fundamental SEO and copywriting principles, analyze the already-ranking pieces, and see how they are structured.

• As you learn along the way, apply your concepts to your writing and try to achieve a better ranking for every post you write.

You may not be able to rank a blog post right off the bat, but with practice, over time, you’ll start seeing results. And as you keep improving your craft, you can pick up more and more complex projects, which will further help you grow your SEO copywriting skills.

Final Thoughts

SEO copywriting combines both copywriting and SEO to create content that performs well in search results.

Success in the SEO copywriting field requires understanding of audience needs, creating valuable content, and staying updated with SEO best practices. The field keeps changing constantly with all the latest trends and updates, making continuous learning essential for growth.

If you want to create high-quality SEO content but don’t want to spend hours writing the posts from scratch, then consider using SEOWriting.

Sign up now with SEOWriting and get your first 5 article generations for FREE!

FAQs

1. What Makes SEO Copywriting Different From Regular Copywriting?

SEO copywriting combines creative writing with technical optimization. Regular copywriters focus on persuasion, while SEO copywriters balance engagement with search visibility.

2. How Long Does It Take To See Results From SEO Content?

New content typically takes 3-6 months to reach its peak ranking position. Quality articles continue generating traffic for years with occasional updates. The key is consistency in publishing and optimization.

3. What's The Ideal Length For SEO Content?

Content length depends on search intent and competition. Product pages work well at 500-1000 words. Blog posts need 1500-2500 words to rank well. Ultimate guides often require 3000+ words to cover topics comprehensively.

4. Do SEO Copywriters Need Coding Skills?

Basic HTML knowledge helps but isn't required. Understanding header tags, meta elements, and link attributes proves useful. Modern content management systems handle most technical aspects automatically.

Prit Centrago Prit is an SEO Content Specialist and Copywriter. His work has helped SaaS brands across multiple industries reach more customers worldwide. When not involved in writing or planning content strategies, you'll find him reading books with a cup of coffee.