Voices of Search Podcast Summary

Episode: SEO Jobs Week - Does Location Matter In SEO?
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Nick Leroy, SEOjobs.com
Podcast Network: I Hear Everything

1. Introduction

In this episode of Voices of Search, host Tyson Stockton engages in an insightful conversation with Nick Leroy from SEOjobs.com to delve into the latest findings of their 2025 SEO Jobs Study. Building upon their previous discussions on job roles and titles, this episode specifically explores the significance of job location in the SEO industry.

2. Overview of the 2025 SEO Jobs Study

Tyson begins by referencing their ongoing analysis of SEO job trends, particularly focusing on how location influences job availability and preferences within the industry.

Notable Quote:
Tyson Stockton at [03:06]:

"A lot of people have opinions on remote versus on-site, and it's interesting to see how the industry's evolving."

3. Remote vs. Hybrid vs. On-Site SEO Jobs

The conversation highlights the prevailing perceptions and actual trends regarding remote work in SEO roles. Contrary to popular belief amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study reveals that a significant portion of SEO jobs still require some level of physical presence.

• Current Perceptions vs. Reality:
  While many assume SEO jobs are predominantly remote, Nick points out that remote roles are mostly concentrated in agency settings. In-house positions tend to adopt a hybrid model, often requiring employees to be on-site two days a week. Large brands are increasingly mandating full on-site presence.

Notable Quotes:
Nick Leroy at [04:00]:

"People that are remote are typically agency side, and in-house are more of a hybrid."

Tyson Stockton at [04:34]:

"At the start of the year, approximately 20% were hybrid, 43% office, and 37% remote."

• Quarterly Shifts:
  The study observed a notable shift in Q4, with an increase in office-based roles (from 43% to 49%) and a decrease in remote positions (from 37% to 29%), while hybrid roles saw a slight uptick (from 19% to 23%).

Notable Quote:
Tyson Stockton at [06:30]:

"In Q4, remote decreased from 37% to 29%, and office increased from 43% to 49%."

4. Regional Analysis: Key Markets and Surprising Trends

The discussion transitions to geographical trends in SEO job postings across the United States, identifying both expected and unexpected hotspots.

• Top Markets:
  Major cities like New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, and Boston consistently show high numbers of SEO job opportunities. These cities harbor a mix of established enterprises and emerging companies, making them attractive for both job seekers and employers.

Notable Quote:
Nick Leroy at [11:10]:

"California does not surprise me because you have three times the population of Minnesota."

• Emerging and Outlier Markets:
  States such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio are experiencing a positive trend in SEO job postings. Contrarily, Florida, Colorado, and Utah are seeing a decline, which Nick speculates may be influenced by political climates and corporate decision-making.

Notable Quotes:
Tyson Stockton at [14:32]:

"North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio were all positively trending, while Florida, Colorado, and Utah saw the steepest decline."

Nick Leroy at [16:02]:

"Higher cost of living on coasts versus more affordable Midwest and Rocky Mountain states might influence these trends."

• City-Specific Insights:
  Boston emerges as a particularly interesting market, balancing cost of living with a robust presence of both traditional firms like Fidelity and innovative companies like DraftKings and Datadog. Raleigh in North Carolina is also highlighted for its strong per capita SEO market presence.

Notable Quote:
Tyson Stockton at [20:12]:

"Boston has a lot of strong universities contributing to a rich talent pool."

5. Implications for Job Seekers and Employers

Tyson and Nick discuss the practical implications of their findings for both job seekers and employers in the SEO field.

• For Job Seekers:
  Understanding that approximately 70% of SEO jobs have some location requirements can help candidates tailor their job search strategies. Those entering the field may find fewer remote opportunities and might need to consider relocation or hybrid models to enhance their prospects.

Notable Quote:
Tyson Stockton at [18:03]:

"If you're just breaking into the market, remote's going to be a lot tougher."

• For Employers:
  Companies, especially SMBs, might face challenges in attracting local SEO talent if they prefer on-site roles. This could lead to a more competitive landscape where larger enterprises have an advantage due to their ability to offer more stable positions.

Notable Quote:
Nick Leroy at [21:26]:

"SEOs were getting premium pay because someone like myself can be in Minnesota and work for a company in New York or San Francisco... but now, we're limited to a 25-mile radius."

• Market Strategy:
  Employers may need to balance their location preferences with the availability of talent, possibly increasing their flexibility or adjusting compensation packages to remain competitive in less saturated markets.

6. Conclusion and Future Episodes

The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming discussions, including deep dives into trending SEO skills and salary insights. Tyson emphasizes the importance of aligning job search strategies with market realities and staying adaptable to evolving industry trends.

Notable Quote:
Tyson Stockton at [22:22]:

"Skills are the area that you can control as a candidate. Salaries come from those skills."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of how location impacts SEO job opportunities, offering valuable insights for both professionals seeking employment and companies aiming to hire top talent. By examining regional trends and the evolving dynamics of remote work, Tyson and Nick equip listeners with the knowledge to navigate the competitive SEO job market effectively.

For more detailed insights and to stay updated on future episodes, visit voicesofsearch.com and subscribe to the Voices of Search podcast on your preferred platform.