Must You Have Full Coding Skills to Succeed as an SEO Expert?
Must You Have Full Coding Skills to Succeed as an SEO Expert?
Demystifying the Search Engine Optimization Role.
Figure 1: What technical SEO experts look to optimize on a website.
No. It is not a must for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts to have coding capabilities to achieve results. SEO does not require coding in most circumstances. However, you may need to understand code when you fix coding-related issues.
Teams vary greatly, and so do projects. It is good to note that some workplaces will require you to learn how to code as an SEO guru.Ā
SEO experts need a variety of skills to execute their duties. Many of them enhance their ability to build websites that stand out online. SEO requires vast knowledge to get outstanding results. In addition, SEO experts must learn other skills that make their work easier.Ā
Coding and SEO
Coding remains important when managing websites as it is the background for everything your website visitors will experience. The code may need a little tweak or additions to make it more efficient. Coding knowledge can make you an effective search engine optimizer.Ā
Coding skills and languages SEO staff can learn include.
Python
Java
CSS
HTML
You can learn the basics of the coding languages above online. A better understanding of CSS and HTML is a plus for anyone who wants to work extensively on a site. For instance, you can easily create an easy-to-navigate website with mobile optimization.Ā
Here are SEO fixes you can complete faster with minimal coding knowledge.Ā
Fix URLs
A websiteās URLs must be in good shape. URLs should be short and precise with all the elements, like the main keyword and hyphens separating the words. A URL directs search engines on how to treat your pages. Fixing URLs makes them easy to crawl and index by search engine bots.Ā
You need basic coding skills to add an Hreflang on pages, for instance. Simple knowledge of code will make it a quick job.Ā
Schema Markup
Schema markup or structured data is an essential part of optimizing a website. Setting up your schema markup may be stressful if you have little knowledge in coding. While you can generate schema markup, understanding the programming behind it is vital. Understanding schema coding will make the job easier and ensure you set up web pages to convey the right message to crawlers.Ā
Page Speed
Loading and page speed will affect your bounce rate, crawling, user experience, and more. Lazy loading is an excellent technique to make your pages load faster.
Fixing page speed may require going over the code and fixing all the issues affecting loading. You may need to compress images, minify CSS and JavaScript, or remove redundant code altogether. You can work with a developer to implement changes. It is vital to understand how the suggested changes will affect your website.
Mobile friendliness
Optimizing your web pages for mobile can help your website rank higher on SERPs. You can check on mobile friendliness on your favorite tools like SE Ranking. Sch a tool will tell you if your site is mobile-friendly.Ā
You can optimize the site to become mobile-friendly without tech skills. CMS like WordPress consider this. A few tweaks will have your site up and running on mobile.Ā
HTML Tags
HTML tags help your pages make sense. Not using HTML tags will make you miss out on SEO spoils like better ranking. You do not require coding skills to master HTML tags. A basic understanding of how to fix the tags will help you complete the task. You can use tutorials to help you understand HTML tags and how to use them when needed.Ā
Figure 2: Technical and non-technical SEO tips.
Other Skills for SEOs
SEO experts need many skills to excel. Some skills will help you work, while others will help you survive the SEO industry. Below are other vital skills that will help you stand out as a search engine optimization guru.Ā
People skills. You need to learn how to work with other people. SEOs learn how to manage teams of writers and other professionals in executing content marketing duties.
Communication and writing skills. An expert must communicate and explain ideas to the rest of the team. Good writing is essential when creating content for websites.
Data analysis. SEOs have to analyze data to make decisions.
Web design and graphics creation skills. Web and graphic design skills help you stand out as an SEO expert. You can make changes to a website or create new websites that standout.
Training skills. As an SEO, you may have to train your team on SEO tasks. SEO changes very fast; therefore, training your team members can help them become efficient in their work.
Link building skills. Backlinking is an essential part of SEO. Learning link building can make you valuable in an agency.
Is Coding important for SEOs?
While coding is not mandatory, you could learn it to make your work easier as an expert in SEO. You do not have to break your back trying to master Python and JavaScript. Instead, focus on learning basics and mastering them.Ā
Many people fear learning technical SEO because of coding. Yet, technical SEO is not as complicated as it sounds. If you are in luck, your team may have a knowledgeable web developer you can work with to fix complex issues.Ā
If you need help with technical SEO or any web design and SEO services, you can contact us at Factwise. We offer a wide range of services to help you improve your websiteās ranking and visibility on search engines. Our team of experts can help you with everything from keyword research to on-page optimization, link building, and more. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality service and support. Contact us today to learn more!