Hey, Dave Fox here from Starscape SEO, and today I want to talk about how IT and SEO are not really the same thing at all.
Ok, maybe you never assumed that they were to begin with, but I have seen confusion about this first hand, so I thought I’d talk about it here.
The confusion often arises because SEO has a technical aspect of understanding computers, which overlaps with IT to some extent. SEO people are computer savvy, yes, and IT people are computer savvy, yes, but they’re savvy about different things.
Now, before we go any further, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and IT stands for Information Technology.
That having been established, here’s how SEO and IT are similar, but very different at the end of the day.
How IT and SEO Overlap
Both IT and SEO involving knowing how computers function, in terms of both the hardware, and the software. The two fields do overlap.
That said, they are also very different, in the same way that the guy who works at the take-out window at Burger King may not know how the deep fryer works. He could, but does he really? If he doesn’t, it will become obvious quickly for the person depending on them to do both jobs.
For instance, SEO tasks include ranking websites in Google (making them easier to find), optimizing a website’s speed, ensuring mobile-friendliness (make sure they look good on a smart phone), and managing links (internal & external links).
These might seem similar to IT tasks like network optimization, cybersecurity, and server management – especially if you don’t understand what any of these tasks involve, but they are really quite different.
To illustrate the point further, here are two “day in the life” scenarios of each worker, both SEO and IT.
Conrad (IT Specialist)
“Today was a typical day in IT—pretty hectic but rewarding. I started the morning by troubleshooting a network outage that affected our entire office. After a few hours of diagnosing the issue, I discovered a faulty switch that needed replacement. Once that was sorted, I moved on to setting up new user accounts and configuring laptops for three new hires, ensuring they had access to all the necessary software and systems. In the afternoon, I dealt with a cybersecurity incident—a phishing attempt that almost compromised our email system. I had to run a full security audit and implement new protocols to prevent future attacks. It was a lot of problem-solving and quick thinking, but that’s what I love about IT: every day brings a new challenge.”
Julie (SEO Specialist)
“My day as an SEO specialist was all about strategy and analytics. I started with a deep dive into Google Analytics to track the performance of a recent content campaign. The data showed a nice uptick in organic traffic, which was exciting. I then spent a couple of hours optimizing a client’s website for mobile-first indexing, ensuring that all images and text were responsive and that the page speed was up to par. In the afternoon, I researched keywords for a new blog series and updated meta tags and descriptions for better search engine visibility. I also had a meeting with a client to discuss their content strategy, explaining how we could leverage long-tail keywords to target a more niche audience. It’s all about making small tweaks that can lead to big gains in rankings, and I love seeing those results come to life.”
The Power of Heuristics
In the realm of digital professions, a common heuristic is the assumption that an IT specialist, often perceived as a tech-savvy “nerd,” must also be adept in other technical areas such as SEO.
This cognitive shortcut stems from the tendency to associate high technical proficiency in one domain with competence in others.
The human mind often generalizes based on observable traits, such as analytical skills or familiarity with technology, leading to the belief that an IT expert’s intellectual capabilities naturally extend to SEO expertise.
However, this assumption overlooks the distinct knowledge and skills required for SEO, which involve a deep understanding of search algorithms, user behavior, and content strategies—areas that are quite different from the focus of IT work.
Different Focus Areas
Having gone over how these jobs can be different, it’s clear now that if you hire an IT person, you wouldn’t want to automatically just assume they’re SEO nerds.
IT professionals prioritize system stability, security, and performance. Their main focus is on ensuring that the digital infrastructure is reliable, secure, and efficient, with tasks like troubleshooting technical issues, managing networks, and implementing cybersecurity measures.
They work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, so the rest of the organization can function without disruptions.
SEO specialists, on the other hand, concentrate on driving organic traffic and improving search rankings.
Their expertise lies in understanding search engine algorithms, optimizing user experience, and crafting effective content strategies.
While both roles involve technical knowledge, SEO specialists focus on visibility and engagement in the digital space, which often requires skills and insights that go beyond the typical IT professional’s scope.
Specialized Knowledge
As you can see by now, IT and SEO are not the same thing at all, and hence you can’t assume that an IT company can handle SEO jobs. Of course, maybe they can, but one should not make these assumptions.
SEO demands continuous learning to keep pace with the ever-evolving search engine algorithms and best practices.
This involves staying informed about Google’s latest updates, mastering tools like Google Analytics and Search Console, and staying ahead of trends in content marketing and user behavior.
On the other hand, IT professionals are deeply engaged with advancements in cybersecurity, network technologies, and system administration.
Given the complexity and breadth of their responsibilities, expecting them to also stay current with SEO developments is unrealistic. Each field requires a specialized focus to excel.
The Marketing Component
SEO integrates marketing with technology, requiring not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of content creation, user intent, and marketing strategies.
Crafting engaging content and running effective marketing campaigns are central to SEO, demanding a blend of creativity and strategic thinking.
These elements often fall outside the traditional IT training and job description.
While IT professionals excel in technical problem-solving and system management, SEO demands a creative approach and marketing insight that may not align with the core competencies of IT specialists.
Thus, SEO’s success relies on a unique skill set that combines both marketing acumen and technical expertise.
Mutually Exclusive Domains
Let’s clear up any confusion for the last time: just because your IT guy can masterfully keep your network secure and your systems humming doesn’t mean they’re a digital marketing wizard too.
It’s a common mix-up to assume that tech expertise translates into SEO prowess, but the truth is, these fields are distinctly separate.
Being a tech genius doesn’t automatically make someone a digital marketing guru.
Each domain—IT and SEO—demands its own specialized skills and knowledge, so let’s give credit where it’s due and recognize that they require different kinds of expertise.
Conclusion
While IT professionals are essential for maintaining the technical health of your computer network, SEO experts are crucial for enhancing your website’s visibility.
It’s important not to assume that IT proficiency automatically equates to SEO expertise, as each field requires specialized skills.
For instance, while I handle both web development and SEO, I don’t specialize in IT.
Be cautious of IT professionals who may present themselves as SEO specialists without the necessary knowledge.
Each role has its distinct value, so invest in dedicated SEO experts to effectively drive your online marketing efforts. For more insights, check out our video on this topic and share it with others!
Call or Text Starscape SEO: (519) 208-8680
