Metro.co.uk, Seo Journalist

Are you obsessed with SEO? Are you at home in a busy newsroom with a strong knowledge of current affairs? Do you enjoy predicting what potential readers will be searching for next?

Metro is looking for a talented SEO Journalist to join its SEO team to pitch engaging angles on trending and evergreen topics, perform reactive keyword research, optimise site content, analyse and predict trends and offer SEO guidance to editorial teams.

As well as the ability to spot stories that will drive SEO traffic, suitable candidates will understand the impact social media and other platforms can have on search performance. They will also have an instinct for predicting trends, as well as what stories will land in Discover.

Applicants should have a keen interest in SEO news and how Google's algorithm changes could affect newsroom strategy.

Working with section editors across news, tech, lifestyle, soaps, entertainment, and sport, you will play a key role in shaping the types of stories Metro.co.uk covers as well as supporting long-term strategies around search content and engagement.

Responsibilities will also include occasional shift leading, planning diary events, confidently advising and training reporters and editors on all things SEO and leading shifts as required.

Responsibilities:

• Spotting relevant trends and working with section editors to commission content
• Optimise Metro’s journalism to maximise reach across all search platforms
• Maintain and champion SEO best practice by providing ongoing feedback to reporters and editors
• Nurturing existing site content and offering SEO guidance to reporters on fresh pieces
• Stay up to date with the news agenda and current events
• Reacting to breaking news commissioning and optimising content accordingly
• Take on diary forward planning for key events such as the Oscars/Elections etc

Requirements include:

• Previous experience working in a newsroom is essential
• Knowledge of SEO tools - including Google Trends, Semrush and News Dashboard
• Understanding of analytics and able to turn data into actionable insight
• Ability to apply existing SEO skills and knowledge to new tasks
• Some understanding of technical SEO
• Understanding of legal covenants such as the UK Editors’ Code of Practice
• Willingness to work in a dynamic, fast-paced 24/7 news environment
• Flexibility regarding shift patterns

The above list is not exhaustive and constantly evolving, based on the needs of the business. Out of hours availability and a high level of adaptability are essential.

Please apply by sending an up-to-date CV, a note about yourself and why you’d be perfect for the team.

Any applications received without a CV will not be considered.