Navigating the Career Path: Freelancing in SEO vs. Full-Time Remote Employment
Hello, and welcome to my blog!
I’m currently facing a pivotal moment in my career, and I would greatly appreciate your insights as I weigh my options. To provide some background, I started creating websites as a hobby when I was 18. Now, at 20, my journey into digital marketing—particularly focusing on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)—has truly ignited my passion. Through a combination of YouTube tutorials, articles, and hands-on practice, I’ve successfully generated over 10,000 monthly visits to several sites I’ve developed from the ground up.
Fueled by my enthusiasm for SEO, I transitioned into pursuing a more structured career path in this field. However, after several months of applying for remote positions—especially challenging given that I reside in a small town with the nearest city a two-hour drive away—I have yet to receive a single interview.
In the meantime, I’ve received a number of freelance offers to enhance various websites. This has led me to contemplate a shift towards full-time freelancing instead of continuing to chase remote job opportunities.
From my perspective, it seems more attainable to secure 5-7 clients willing to pay approximately $400 per month each for comprehensive SEO services—ranging from audits and keyword research to technical fixes, backlinks, and strategic planning—than to land a single full-time remote position.
The freelance route could offer me invaluable experience, help hone my skills further, and potentially open doors to more exciting opportunities later on. However, I wonder if this is a realistic assessment or just wishful thinking.
For those of you who are already working in the freelancing landscape, I would love to hear your thoughts:
- Do you think my reasoning holds merit?
- Is $400 per month a reasonable rate for starting freelancers providing complete SEO services?
- What platforms or avenues do you recommend for sourcing clients?
- Is pursuing a career in SEO still a viable option, or should I explore alternative pathways, including possibly working in a more traditional environment?
I am open to constructive criticism and new ideas, even if they challenge my current perspective. Additionally, I am willing to consider relocating if that could significantly enhance my job prospects.
Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!