“I am pessimistic about the long-term prospects for SEO jobs”
- Jakob Nielsen, the web usability expert.

In a special report published by ZDNet, Bright SEO career prospects could dim, two experts gave their views on the career prospect of SEO consultants.

It was reported that SEO is such a fundamental skill that every marketing executive and IT specialist should be SEO-savvy.

SEO Industry in the USA

SEO jobs are in demand in the US. Maybe, as Jakob Nielsen predicted, the trend will soon peak and the demand dwindle in 5 to 10 years. SEO and in broader aspect, search marketing will be integrated into traditional marketing. The art and science of marketing will stay, we just have to deal with different platforms and new social behavior of consumers.

SEO in Asia

In this part of the world, Singapore and probably surrounding regions, SEO has barely started. People and business are just beginning to be aware of the need for SEO and search marketing. So, I guess we can add another 5 years to Nielsen’s prediction.

The principles of SEO have yet to be taught in the schools. Maybe, they will do it next year. Then, in 5 to 10 years, marketing executives and IT specialists may be SEO-savvy and can “save themselves from their own stupidities”.

For 10 years, such stupidities have persisted, as mentioned by Nielsen. So what makes him think human nature will change for the better in the next 10 years?

If you were to do a quick research on Google for SEO job opportunities, you would be amazed by the numbers of companies looking for candidates with online marketing skill set which includes SEO, SEM, SMO and SMM.

The hiring of online marketing specialists by large companies and corporations is happening in the USA and the rest of the world.

In Asia, the job market for online marketing expertise will follow similar trend in the USA.

Corporations Going After Online Marketing Specialists

I spoke with a good friend who just returned from a 1-year stint in Hong Kong. He was doing sales and marketing for an international event company based in Hong Kong. According to him – his main market was USA – there is a dearth of marketing executives with online marketing experience in the USA. Marketing people with online marketing skills such as SEO and SEM can command up to 30% increase in salary. I think he is right.

Headhunted by Global Communication Company

Coming back to Asia, particularly Singapore and the region, demand for online marketing expertise for companies is increasing. My friend Larry Lim was headhunted to head the interactive division in one of the leading global communications company in Singapore. Congratulation to Larry!

Expect to be paid top dollar by global companies if you have online marketing skills and experience. Of course, your first step will be to learn what’s SEO and SEM is all about and be really good at online marketing using the search engines.

Come attend my SEO Web Design Workshop and be an SEO expert in online marketing.