SEO Applied Researcher

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead monthly research projects that uncover new trends, consumer behaviors, and industry shifts.
• Turn research findings into compelling content that drives organic visibility and brand authority.
• Own the monthly SEO research pipeline — from idea generation, data gathering, analysis, to polished publication.
• Partner with SEO strategists, content designers, and brand storytellers to package research into search-friendly, share-worthy pages.
• Identify and validate data sources (internal, public datasets, surveys, third-party tools) to fuel research.
• Develop repeatable methodologies to ensure research is credible, consistent, and scalable.
• Monitor the performance of published research (rankings, links, engagement) and refine future projects based on results.
• Act as the in-house R&D function for SEO, exploring new data sets and storytelling approaches.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in SEO, data journalism, applied research, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to wrangle data and tell a story with it.
• Comfort with qualitative research (surveys, consumer insights) and quantitative data analysis (Excel, SQL, Python/R a plus).
• Experience publishing SEO content that ranks and earns links.
• Ability to translate complex findings into clear, engaging narratives.
• Proficiency with SEO tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, Google Analytics, Search Console).
• Understanding of technical SEO fundamentals (site architecture, page speed, mobile optimization, structured data).
• Experience with keyword research and competitive analysis.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a bias toward shipping — willing to test and learn in public.

Nice to Have

• Background in economics, journalism, behavioral science, or another research-heavy discipline.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted research workflows.
• Experience collaborating with design and brand teams to package insights visually.
• Understanding of auto insurance customer journey and decision-making factors (coverage types, deductibles, state requirements).
• Knowledge of insurance regulatory landscape and its impact on content strategy across different states.
• Experience with high-competition, high-value keywords typical in insurance verticals.
• Familiarity with insurance comparison shopping behavior and intent signals.

Qualifications

• Educational background in relevant fields (implied by experience requirements).

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation & Stock Option Offering
• Health, Dental, Vision & Disability Coverages
• End early Fridays (wrap up work at 2pm CST on Fridays!)
• Sabbatical program for tenured employees
• HSA offering + employer contribution
• Fertility support through Carrot
• $100 monthly wellness perk
• $300 pet reimbursement program
• 401k with match
• Unlimited PTO (paid time off) + flexibility to enjoy it
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Learning & Development Opportunities