SEO Content Strategist (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SEO Content Strategist (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

🔹 Company: DC Thomson

🔹 Location: London, United Kingdom (Remote-First)

🔹 Job Type: Contract (12 months)

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Remote-First with regular team days in London

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing SEO-driven content strategies to enhance organic search visibility and conversions
• Producing high-quality, SEO-optimised content across various formats, with a focus on commercial landing pages
• Analyzing performance metrics to continuously improve content strategy and outcomes
• Collaborating cross-functionally with content, product, design, and technical teams

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a blend of SEO expertise, content strategy skills, and a keen understanding of user intent to drive organic traffic and conversions for Findmypast's genealogy and ancestry research platform.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement SEO-driven content strategies, focusing on high-converting commercial landing pages and engaging, educational content

✅ Identify content gaps and opportunities, ensuring content aligns with user needs, search trends, and business objectives

✅ Produce high-quality, SEO-optimised content across landing pages, guides, blogs, and other formats, using a modular CMS

✅ Craft commercial landing pages that are optimised for conversions, blending best SEO practices with compelling calls-to-action and user-focused copy

✅ Track and analyze key SEO and content metrics, including organic traffic, keyword rankings, conversion rates, and engagement metrics on commercial pages

✅ Adjust strategy based on performance to continuously improve outcomes

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, content creation, and performance analysis to drive organic growth for Findmypast.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, English, or a related field

Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) in SEO, digital marketing, or content strategy, with a focus on both organic search optimisation and commercial content development

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of SEO principles, including on-page optimisation, technical SEO, and link-building
• Proficiency with SEO and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and a commitment to quality
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally, particularly with content, product, design, and technical teams
• Passion for genealogy, history, and creating content that meets both search intent and business objectives

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with content management systems (CMS)
• Familiarity with the genealogy and ancestry research industry

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in SEO and content strategy, particularly in creating and optimising commercial landing pages, to excel in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (pro-rated for the 12-month contract)

Benefits:

• Generous holiday allowance (26 days + bank holidays) with the chance to buy more
• Pension contribution (9.5% matched company contribution with a 6% contribution from the employee's side)
• Health cash plan and corporate gym discounts
• Competitive salary and many more staff discounts and benefits

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, with regular team days in the London Fleet Street office

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for mid-level SEO and content strategy roles in the London area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: DC Thomson is a family-owned business headquartered in Scotland, with a presence in London and across the globe. It operates in the technology, information, and media industries, with a focus on consumer publishing, digital content, and genealogy.

Company Size: DC Thomson has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company with a significant presence in the market.

Founded: 1905, with a rich history in publishing and media

Company Description:

• DC Thomson is purpose-led and future-focused, with a mission to champion, entertain, and bring together its communities
• It is home to some of the UK’s best-loved media brands, including the iconic Beano, Stylist, and People’s Friend, as well as a portfolio of regional newspapers and radio stations
• DC Thomson has a thriving genealogy community (Findmypast), a trusted technology solutions business (Brightsolid), and a global marketing agency (Fifth Ring)

Company Specialties:

• Consumer publishing, including children's comics and magazines
• Lifestyle/fashion and special interest publications
• Digital content and media
• Genealogy
• Radio
• News brands
• Events
• Technology and digital platforms

Company Website: http://www.dcthomson.co.uk/

ASSUMPTION: DC Thomson's diverse portfolio of media brands and its focus on digital content make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a dynamic and innovative work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Acquisition Family and works closely with content, product, design, and technical teams

Work Arrangement: Remote-First with regular team days in the London Fleet Street office

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for contract renewal or permanent placement, depending on performance and business needs
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Chance to gain experience in the genealogy and ancestry research industry

ASSUMPTION: This role offers candidates the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, working on meaningful projects and collaborating with talented team members.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-First with a modern, collaborative office hub in London's Fleet Street

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving job market and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth
• The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy for employees to commute to the office for team days
• London offers a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and recreational activities

Work Schedule: Full-time (35 hours per week) with regular team days in the London office

ASSUMPTION: The remote-first work arrangement and modern office hub in London provide employees with the best of both worlds – flexibility and a collaborative work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call with the hiring manager to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
• Technical assessment or case study to evaluate SEO and content strategy skills
• Final interview with key stakeholders to discuss the role, team dynamics, and career growth opportunities

Key Assessment Areas:

• SEO knowledge and experience
• Content strategy and creation skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with DC Thomson's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEO and content strategy experience, as well as your passion for genealogy and history
• Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by brushing up on your SEO skills and researching Findmypast's content strategy
• Be ready to discuss your approach to content creation, optimisation, and performance analysis during the interviews

ATS Keywords: SEO, content strategy, digital marketing, commercial landing pages, user intent, on-page optimisation, technical SEO, link-building, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, collaboration, copywriting, genealogy

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with DC Thomson's values and Findmypast's content strategy.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• SEO research tools (e.g., Semrush, Ahrefs)
• Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role, as they are used to conduct SEO research, create and optimise content, and track performance metrics.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Championing communities
• Entertaining and bringing people together
• Purpose-led and future-focused

Work Style:

• Collaborative and cross-functional
• Data-driven and results-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you share DC Thomson's passion for championing communities and bringing people together through engaging content?
• Are you comfortable working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals?
• Do you thrive in a data-driven environment and enjoy using analytics to inform your content strategy?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with DC Thomson's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Adapting to a remote-first work arrangement and collaborating effectively with distributed teams
• Staying up-to-date with the latest SEO trends and best practices
• Balancing the need for high-quality content with the demands of a commercial landing page optimisation strategy

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organisational skills, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other SEO and content strategy positions in its focus on the genealogy and ancestry research industry and the need to balance commercial landing page optimisation with engaging, educational content
• DC Thomson's diverse portfolio of media brands and its focus on digital content make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a dynamic and innovative work environment
• This role offers candidates the opportunity to gain experience in the genealogy and ancestry research industry and work on high-impact projects with a talented team

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider this role's unique focus on the genealogy and ancestry research industry and its potential for growth and career development when comparing it to similar positions.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing an SEO-driven content strategy for Findmypast's commercial landing pages, resulting in a 20% increase in organic traffic and a 15% increase in conversions
• Creating a series of engaging, educational blog posts and guides on genealogy and ancestry research techniques, which attracted 50,000 unique visitors and generated 10,000 leads in the first six months
• Optimising Findmypast's commercial landing pages for conversions, using a modular CMS, and achieving a 10% increase in conversion rates within three months

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the real-world impact that successful candidates can have in this role, driving organic growth and improving user engagement for Findmypast.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role, and how it collaborates with other departments?
• How does DC Thomson support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in mid-level roles like this one?
• Can you provide examples of how DC Thomson's values – championing communities, entertaining and bringing people together, and being purpose-led and future-focused – are reflected in this role and the company's broader mission?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured and evaluated?
• How does DC Thomson foster a remote-first work environment, and what resources and support are available to help employees thrive in this setting?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, enabling them to make an informed decision about their application.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link: https://jobs.workable.com/jobs/1546669016
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEO and content strategy experience, as well as your passion for genealogy and history
• Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by brushing up on your SEO skills and researching Findmypast's content strategy
• Be ready to discuss your approach to content creation, optimisation, and performance analysis during the interviews
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.