/SEO Consultant/ Interview Questions
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you analyzed keywords and SEO techniques used by competitors. How did you use that information to refine your approach?

SEO Consultant Interview Questions
Tell us about a time when you analyzed keywords and SEO techniques used by competitors. How did you use that information to refine your approach?

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role as an SEO Specialist, I regularly analyzed keywords and SEO techniques used by our competitors. One specific example was when I noticed a competitor was ranking higher than us for a certain keyword. To understand why, I used SEO tools like SEMrush to analyze their website and identify the strategies they were using. I discovered that they were using long-tail keywords more effectively and had better backlink profiles. With this information, I refined our approach by incorporating more long-tail keywords into our content and improving our backlink strategy. As a result, our search rankings for that keyword improved and we saw an increase in organic traffic.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as an SEO Specialist, I regularly analyzed keywords and SEO techniques used by our competitors. One specific example was when I noticed a competitor was ranking higher than us for a certain keyword. To understand why, I used SEO tools like SEMrush and Google Analytics to conduct a comprehensive analysis of their website. I examined factors such as their on-page optimization, backlink profiles, and content strategy. Through this analysis, I identified areas where our competitor had an advantage and areas where we could improve. I collaborated with our content team to incorporate more relevant keywords into our content and optimize our website structure. Additionally, I worked closely with our link-building team to develop a strategy to acquire high-quality backlinks. As a result of these refinements, our search rankings for the targeted keyword significantly improved, leading to a noticeable increase in organic traffic.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details about the analytical and problem-solving skills utilized, such as conducting a comprehensive analysis of competitors' websites and examining various factors. It also highlights the collaboration with cross-functional teams, specifically the content and link-building teams. However, it could still provide more information about working with large sets of data and attention to detail.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as an SEO Specialist, I consistently monitored and analyzed the keywords and SEO techniques used by our competitors. One notable instance was when a new competitor emerged, ranking higher than us for our most important target keyword. To address this challenge, I conducted a deep dive into their SEO strategy using a combination of SEO tools, web analytics, and data mining techniques. This involved analyzing their website architecture, meta data, content strategy, backlink profile, and social media presence. Through this comprehensive analysis, I identified a gap in our content strategy and discovered untapped opportunities to optimize our website for long-tail keywords. I collaborated with our content and development teams to create an actionable plan that involved restructuring our website to improve crawlability and incorporating strategic long-tail keywords into our content. Additionally, I developed a link-building campaign to acquire high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites. The success of these initiatives was measured through regular monitoring, tracking key metrics, and adjusting strategies as needed. As a result, we not only regained our top position for the target keyword but also experienced significant growth in organic traffic and conversions.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by demonstrating a high level of analytical and problem-solving skills, showcasing a comprehensive analysis of competitors' websites using a combination of SEO tools, web analytics, and data mining techniques. It also emphasizes the candidate's ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, specifically the content and development teams. The answer further highlights the candidate's attention to detail and ability to work with large sets of data through the extensive analysis conducted. Overall, the exceptional answer provides a more detailed, comprehensive, and impactful response that aligns with the job description.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with various SEO tools such as SEMrush, Google Analytics, and Moz.
  • Stay updated with the latest SEO trends and search engine algorithm updates.
  • Practice conducting in-depth competitor analysis and assessing their SEO strategies.
  • Highlight any experiences where you collaborated with cross-functional teams to refine SEO approaches.
  • Provide specific examples of how you used the information obtained from competitor analysis to improve SEO strategies.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
  • Keen attention to detail and ability to work with large sets of data

Related Interview Questions

More questions for SEO Consultant interviews