How to become a SEM (Search Engine Marketing) Manager: job description

Becoming a SEM Manager

The SEM (Search Engine Marketing) manager works most often in a web-marketing agency or directly with the advertiser within the e-marketing department. It must promote a brand, product and/or services through the webmarketing levers available to it.

What is a SEM Manager's role?

The SEM Manager’s role is to define a referencing strategy through links and must take into account its objectives and then establish an action plan similar to a communication plan.

He must then set up the action plan and ensure the interface between the advertiser, the affiliate platforms and the various search engines.

He will carry out a posteriori its reports on its objectives and will make editorial and technical recommendations to improve the result and the return on investment.

What qualities and skills should a SEM Manager have?

• Mastery of numerical data
• Good pressure management
• Knowledge of different customer acquisition modes
• Able to negotiate
• Interpersonal skills
• Organization and rigour

The SEM Manager appreciates numbers and knows how to carry out relevant data analysis which allows him to establish action plans. He also masters the pressure and adapts without worry to the market.

As a webmarketing specialist, he knows perfectly well the modes of customer acquisition (SEO, SEA, SMO). His organization is the key to his success, he plans and follows the daily progress of his action plan.

Finally, the SEM Manager is also a communicator, he must have interpersonal skills as well as negotiation skills to successfully complete his projects.

What is the typical salary of a SEM Manager?

As a beginner, the salary of a SEM Manager amounts to 30K to 35K gross per year. After obtaining solid experience and a specialization, the compensation may vary from 40K to 50K gross per year.

Which qualifications do you need to become a SEM Manager?

Become a Marketing Director in 5 years, with the ESDES Lyon Business School’s Grande Ecole Program, specializing in Marketing and Digital business, as a full-time student.

In addition to the basic principles of management and business management, you will learn the skills required for a career in digital marketing, and become an expert in digital transformation, capable of driving change in your company. Your advanced technical skills combined with a strong strategic vision will ensure a successful start to your career and rapid professional development.