Search Engine Marketing Specialist jobs in Illinois

Job Title: Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Associate

Reports to: Paid Media Manager

Job Overview

We’re seeking a smart and dynamic professional to join our growing team as a Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Associate.  As an SEM Associate, you will serve as a vital link bridging the gap between Paid Advertising (PPC) and Organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO), executing strategies tailored to the unique needs of our clients. This role formally reports to the Paid Team Manager while remaining strategically positioned between the Paid and SEO teams. The main goal is to serve an ever growing list of clients executing both Paid Search (PPC) and Organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) campaigns. The ideal candidate will be able to identify opportunities to increase client success by combining strategies and data from both lines of work. 

The SEM Associate will collaborate closely with the Paid Advertising & SEO teams at RyTech to develop and implement comprehensive search marketing  strategies. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting Keyword Research: Informational keyword research on the Organic SEO side combined with transactional keyword research on the Paid Side to implement the best opportunities and marketing mix for our clients 

• Build out Robust, Strategic Campaigns: Striking a balance between PPC campaigns (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, YouTube, Meta, Instagram, LinkedIn) and SEO campaigns (Local, On-page, Off-page, and Content Marketing)

• Content Creation and Optimization: Execute a wide variety of content writing efforts including constructing of ad messaging on the Paid side and partnering with the Content team on the SEO side to ensure progress on a wide range of content types

• Ongoing Management & Optimizations: Continuously monitor and optimize SEO and PPC  efforts to improve search engine rankings, organic/paid traffic, and overall website performance. Implement best practices and recommendations to enhance the overall SEO/PPC performance of client campaigns 

• Developing Multi-Channel Analysis of Client Campaigns: Work alongside the Paid Advertising and SEO team to develop effective strategies and allocate resources to the best channel for clientele who are looking to increase ROI for their business

• Advanced Data Analysis: Conduct deep dives into Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Search Console and other available tools to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement across client PPC and SEO campaigns. Analyze website traffic, user behavior, and conversion metrics to inform optimization strategies and drive measurable results

• Client Reporting and Communication: Provide regular updates and reporting on SEO and PPC performance to clients, highlighting key metrics, optimizations, and insights. Participate in client calls and meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and align strategies with client goals

• Campaign Creation: building from the ground up, developing audiences, conducting keyword research, and implementing it on all the channels RyTech operates on (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, YouTube, Meta, Instagram, LinkedIn)

This position can be based out of our Milwaukee or Chicago locations.

About Working at RyTech

Based in the great cities of Chicago and Milwaukee, RyTech is an innovative full-service digital marketing agency. We work tirelessly to delight our clients in a wide-range of industries from all over the world. Joining RyTech will provide you the autonomy and flexibility to be part of a growing and profitable company. We’re a young but experienced team who knows how to work hard but also have fun. We focus on maintaining an exceptional work/life balance, embrace trying new things and hold firm to providing our clients with the best possible experience no matter the industry.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Meta Ads Management
• Experience in Google Ads Editor (offline editor)
• Google Suite Experience, including GA4,  Google Looker Studio, Google Tag Manager, etc.
• Experience Preferred, but not necessary in Meta Business Suite, LinkedIn & X Campaign Manager
• Build and Implement ad campaigns; take direction from the Paid Media Manager while also bringing unique insights and possible alternative point of view
• Assist and conduct keyword research through platforms like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs
• Ability to identify technical optimization weaknesses as well as implement or recommend fixes across a variety of content management systems
• Write content in a variety of voices - including service pages, location pages, blog posts, product pages
• Ability to identify technical optimization weaknesses as well as implement or recommend fixes across a variety of content management systems
• Collaborate with Paid Advertising, SEO,  and Web Design Associates to ensure consistency across campaigns and marketing platforms
• Lead weekly, biweekly or monthly reporting, as needed for clients across a variety of verticals

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in search marketing
• Prior day-to-day experience in Google Ads, Social Ads, SEO is preferred
• Strong analytical experience (Excel, GA4, Google Looker Studio, etc.)
• Strong creative background — copywriting experience preferred
• Well-organized, able to balance client timelines using project management software for daily, weekly and monthly tasks.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hybrid Remote (1 day in office; 4 days remote)
• Salary, commensurate with experience 
• Unlimited PTO 
• Flexible schedule 
• 401K with company match 
• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Company computer
• Commuter transit plan 
• Monetary awards & recognition
• Annual company retreat 

Inclusivity is fundamental to our organization and we are committed to conscious inclusion. We believe in the potential of everyone; regardless of race, religion or belief, ethnic origin, different physical ability, family structure, socio-economics, age, nationality or citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.