Experience with Google and Bing’s services, including Analytics and Webmaster Tools Experience with Google’s Keyword Tool A functional understanding of HTML and CSS The ability to work with back-end SEO elements such as .htaccess, robots.txt, metadata, site speed optimization, and related skills Proven success in link building and viral strategies The ability to deploy an effective local and long-tail search strategy A deep understanding of mobile strategy and how it relates to SEO A solid grasp of how blogging, press releases, social media, and related strategies go hand-in-hand with SEO Experience in building inbound organic search traffic and improving SERPs A background in creating reports showing web analytics data and site evaluations An up-to-date, working knowledge of current, past, and projected trends in the SEO industry Familiarity with the best tools in the trade