Freelance SEO AEO Strategist

About the Role

SmartBug Media is the most decorated HubSpot agency in the world, recognized globally as a leader in crafting high-impact digital solutions that empower organizations to thrive throughout the entire customer lifecycle. From marketing and revenue operations to e-commerce and customer success, we blend sound strategies with cutting-edge AI and digital innovation to deliver solutions that de-risk the future and drive sustainable growth. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Freelance SEO AEO Strategist to join our fully remote team of over 250 professionals. In this role, you will excel at creating intelligent web and digital ecosystems�from corporate websites to complex web applications�seamlessly integrated with AI-powered solutions. By aligning SmartBug's deep expertise with our clients' unique business realities, you will build scalable, innovative tools that become engines for long-term growth. As a Freelance Strategist, you will work closely with SmartBug�s diverse client base and our internal marketing teams to develop and implement sophisticated SEO and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) strategies. This role is integral to providing quality standards and processes across the board, from keyword research and website audits to the technical implementation of Schema and link-building activities. We are looking for a visionary who understands that the landscape of search is shifting towards AI-driven responses and is prepared to navigate that transition for our clients. Your expertise will directly influence the organic acquisition and digital authority of some of the most innovative brands in the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive SEO and AEO strategies, encompassing keyword research, semantic clustering, and site performance audits.
• Lead technical SEO initiatives to optimize crawlability, indexability, site speed, and mobile-friendliness, collaborating closely with internal development teams.
• Map sophisticated content strategies to the buyer journey, identifying high-impact gaps and creating detailed SEO content briefs for production teams.
• Implement and manage advanced technical elements such as Schema markup, hreflang tags, canonicalization, and XML sitemaps to ensure search engine clarity.
• Monitor and analyze website performance using Google Analytics 4, Search Console, and specialized SEO tools to diagnose and resolve traffic fluctuations.
• Provide expert guidance on website migrations, redesigns, and platform changes to maintain and enhance organic search equity and rankings.
• Investigate how AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) influence search behavior, proactively applying these insights to client deliverables and strategy.
• Manage international SEO strategies for multi-domain and multinational websites, ensuring proper geo-targeting and localized search performance.
• Deliver comprehensive reports and high-level presentations on keyword rankings, backlink profiles, and organic traffic trends to executive stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor�s degree (B.A. or B.S.) is required for this position.
• Professional proficiency in both French and English is essential to support our global client base.
• 5 to 8 years of progressive SEO experience within a digital marketing agency or a high-growth in-house marketing team.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and implementing SEO for multinational, multi-domain websites with complex architectures.
• Expert-level knowledge of SEO platforms including Semrush, Moz, Screaming Frog, Google Tag Manager, and Google Search Console.
• Deep understanding of JavaScript SEO and how search engines crawl and render dynamic, AI-driven, and LLM-influenced content.
• Advanced skills in data analysis using Excel or Google Sheets, including the use of pivot tables and complex logical functions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical data into actionable business insights.
• Familiarity with HubSpot or other major marketing automation platforms is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a 100% remote, distributed team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive freelance hourly rate ranging from $60 to $75 per hour based on experience.
• Flexible, fully remote work environment with a global team of industry-leading experts.
• The opportunity to work with a premier, multi-award-winning HubSpot partner agency.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) tools and methodologies.
• A collaborative culture focused on digital innovation, professional growth, and client success.

Required Skills