📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEO Specialist II
🔹 Company: Cars Commerce
🔹 Location: Remote - United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-30
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote Solely
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing organic search strategies for assigned clients
- Managing a heavy client load (25-35 accounts)
- Conducting research, creating strategy plans, and performing site health audits
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver industry-leading results
- Adapting to changing processes and embracing new ideas
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conduct preliminary research following established processes, using critical thinking and reasoning to identify organic search strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for assigned clients
✅ Create required deliverables based on research following established processes, applying critical thinking skills to reach accurate conclusions and recommendations
✅ Use research, analysis, and client needs to create sound organic search strategy within confines of established process that will drive organic performance for clients while meeting package requirements
✅ Meet with clients and performance managers on a scheduled basis to review monthly reports, upcoming strategy execution, and client questions or concerns
✅ Complete monthly tasks for all clients' strategy to department standards on or before internal deadlines, including but not limited to:
- Content editing and publishing
- Google Business Profile check-ins and updates
- Citation management
- Social posting
- Technical site audits
- Technical site updates
- Google Search Console audits and investigation
- Performance deep dives
- Monthly performance reporting
- Strategy adjustments
- Other tasks as required
✅ Make proactive recommendations about service upgrades
✅ Engage in department and company OKR efforts
✅ Understand and abide by compliance rules for brands
✅ Participate in and support case study and experiment efforts led by Seniors and Team Leads
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of SEO principles, tools, and best practices. The ability to analyze data, draw insights, and make data-driven decisions is crucial for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in SEO, digital marketing, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in SEO, with a strong understanding of SEO principles, tools, and best practices
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple clients and complete tasks accurately and efficiently
- Proficient in using and understanding Google Search Console, SEMRush, Google Analytics, MozBar, and Yoast
- Fully functional in all areas of the SEO skills matrix
Preferred Skills:
- Active interest in organic search, search engines, and digital marketing
- Always learning attitude, driven by the desire to continuously gain knowledge and improve skills
- Willingness to work overtime as needed to complete client work on schedule
- Critical thinking and reasoning skills
- Adaptability; willingness to accept and embrace changing processes, gray areas, and new ideas with ease and enthusiasm
- Ability to think creatively to solve problems
- Ability to interpret information and quantitative data and apply key findings to support client goals
- Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a proven track record in SEO and a passion for staying up-to-date with industry trends will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $56,700.00 - $68,050.00 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans
- New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up
- Generous PTO
- Refuel - a service-based recognition program where employees receive additional paid time away to learn, grow, and reset
- Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for SEO Specialist II roles in the United States. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: Not specified
Company Description:
- Cars Commerce is an audience-driven technology company empowering automotive that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars.
- The Cars Commerce platform includes the flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site Cars.com, innovative digital marketing technology and services from Dealer Inspire, industry-leading trade-in and appraisal technology from AccuTrade, an exclusive in-market media network, and powerful and predictive AI technologies that enable more efficient and profitable retail operations.
- Cars Commerce is the essential partner to stay one step ahead in automotive.
Company Specialties:
- Mobile Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Data and Analytics
Company Website: http://www.carscommerce.inc
ASSUMPTION: Cars Commerce is a well-established company in the automotive technology industry, focusing on simplifying car buying and selling processes through innovative technology and data-driven insights.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the SEO Department.
Work Arrangement: Remote solely, with the flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to Senior SEO Specialist or Team Lead roles
- Expansion of skills and knowledge through training and mentorship programs
- Potential to work on high-impact projects and case studies
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the SEO Department and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (no physical office required)
Office Location(s): Not applicable
Geographic Context:
- The United States is a large and diverse country with varying time zones, climates, and cultures.
- Working remotely allows for flexibility and the ability to balance work and personal life more effectively.
- Cars Commerce supports a remote work environment, providing the necessary tools and resources for employees to succeed.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work schedule that allows for a healthy work-life balance.
ASSUMPTION: The remote work environment at Cars Commerce offers employees the opportunity to work from anywhere in the United States, with the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities more effectively.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- Technical assessment or case study presentation
- Final interview with the SEO Department Team Lead
- Background check and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO knowledge and experience
- Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Adaptability and willingness to learn
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant SEO experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and communication abilities
- Be ready to discuss your approach to SEO strategy development, implementation, and optimization
- Demonstrate your understanding of the automotive industry and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements
ATS Keywords: SEO, Search Engine Optimization, Organic Search, Digital Marketing, Client Management, Task Management, Time Management, Google Search Console, SEMRush, Google Analytics, MozBar, Yoast
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Cars Commerce is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the SEO Department and the broader organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Search Console
- SEMRush
- Google Analytics
- MozBar
- Yoast
- SEO skills matrix
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in various SEO tools and technologies, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively within a remote team environment.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Rise Together: Collaboration is at the core of our shared values. We like to say we rise together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community.
- Open to All: We encourage open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is caring to challenge and taking ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today.
- Do the Right Thing: At our foundation, we have integrity. We do the right thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible but downright unavoidable.
Work Style:
- Remote work environment with flexible scheduling
- Collaborative and supportive team culture
- Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement
- Focus on innovation and staying ahead of industry trends
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a remote work environment and enjoy the flexibility it offers?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively with a team, even when you can't be physically present?
- Do you embrace a data-driven approach to decision-making and continuous improvement?
- Are you comfortable challenging the status quo and driving innovation in your role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Cars Commerce's values and work style will be most successful in this role and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a heavy client load (25-35 accounts) can be challenging and requires strong organizational skills and time management
- Working remotely can present unique challenges, such as maintaining work-life balance and staying connected with colleagues
- The fast-paced nature of the SEO industry can require continuous learning and adaptation to new tools, technologies, and best practices
- The competitive nature of the SEO industry can present challenges in driving organic performance and staying ahead of competitors
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, Cars Commerce provides the necessary resources, support, and growth opportunities to help employees succeed in their roles.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- SEO Specialist II at Cars Commerce focuses on managing a heavy client load and executing organic search strategies, while similar roles at other companies may have a broader focus on SEO strategy development, team leadership, or technical SEO implementation
- The automotive industry presents unique challenges and opportunities for SEO specialists, requiring a strong understanding of the industry and its trends
- Career progression in SEO roles can vary depending on the company's size, structure, and growth opportunities. At Cars Commerce, SEO Specialists can progress to Senior SEO Specialist or Team Lead roles, with opportunities for further growth within the SEO Department and the broader organization
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles at other companies and consider their career goals and preferences when evaluating this opportunity at Cars Commerce.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive SEO audit of a client's website and developing a strategic plan to improve organic search performance
- Managing a client's Google Business Profile and optimizing local SEO strategies to drive local search visibility and traffic
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement content marketing strategies that support SEO goals and drive organic traffic
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and collaborative nature of the SEO Specialist II role at Cars Commerce.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical client load for an SEO Specialist II and how the team supports each other in managing workloads?
- How does the SEO Department collaborate with other departments, such as Content Marketing and Paid Media, to deliver integrated digital marketing solutions for clients?
- What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the SEO Department and the broader organization?
- How does Cars Commerce support work-life balance for remote employees, and what resources are available to help manage remote work effectively?
- Can you provide an example of a recent SEO trend or industry development and how Cars Commerce is responding to it?
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 fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO experience and skills, using the ATS keywords provided
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and communication abilities
- Research the automotive industry and Cars Commerce's platform to demonstrate your understanding of the role's requirements and the company's offerings
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
