With 68% of online experiences beginning with a search engine, no business can afford to ignore the importance of organic traffic. Higher rankings in search engine results drive organic traffic and enhance brand awareness.
Read this piece to know which states in the United States have the highest concentration of SEO professionals per capita.
Key Takeaways
- Utah has the highest number of SEOs per capita, showcasing its vibrant digital marketing ecosystem.
- States like California, Colorado, and New York have emerged as hotspots for SEO professionals, reflecting the strong demand for digital marketing services in these regions.
- Rural states and regions with smaller metropolitan areas generally have fewer SEO professionals per capita, indicating a digital talent gap.
Methodology
Using LinkedIn, we gathered population data for 2023 alongside the number of SEO professionals in each state. Specifically, we looked at the number of people with SEO in their bios.
This method enabled us to compare the concentration of SEO professionals in relation to the population, highlighting which states are at the forefront of the digital marketing landscape.
Top 10 States with the Highest SEO Professionals Per Capita
1: Utah
Utah ranks first in the number of SEO experts, with 555.07 SEOs per 100,000 people.
The state is known for its remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, particularly in the area referred to as ‘Silicon Slopes,’ which lies between Salt Lake City and Provo. This region has become a major tech hub. Utah’s flourishing tech and startup scene has contributed to the high concentration of SEO professionals.
2: Colorado
Colorado came second place with 544.50 SEOs per 100,000 people. Colorado’s reputation as a hub for digital innovation makes it a hotspot for SEOs. This is no surprise, as Colorado is known for a notable demand for digital services.
3: Oregon
Oregon ranks third with 400.94 SEOs per 100,000 people. The state’s dynamic business environment attracts top digital marketing talent. While it may not have as high a concentration as Utah, Oregon boasts a solid tech presence, particularly in software, hardware, and e-commerce.
4: California
With 397.79 SEOs per 100,000 people, California,’ is the fourth state with the highest SEO experts per capita. Home to the world-renowned ‘Silicon Valley,’ California has an incredibly high demand for SEO experts. It is the tech capital of the world, after all.
5: Florida
Florida ranks fifth with 377.63 SEOs per 100,000 people. Its position among the top ten is largely due to its diverse economy and the growing number of businesses that rely heavily on SEO strategies. The state has a diverse economy, with key sectors including tourism, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, and an expanding tech scene.
6: Vermont
With 370.94 SEOs per 100,000 people, Vermont ranks sixth. Despite its small size, Vermont demonstrates a strong digital presence. While smaller than in states like California or Utah, the state does have a growing tech and startup ecosystem, particularly in Burlington and surrounding areas.
7: New Hampshire
Taking the number seventh position is New Hampshire with 351.25 SEOs per 100,000 people. New Hampshire’s business-friendly environment fosters digital marketing growth. The state has a substantial number of small businesses across various sectors including tourism.
8: Illinois
350.60 SEOs per 100,000 people places Illinois in the eighth position. Home to major cities like Chicago and Illinois, it thrives with digital marketing professionals. As a major business hub, Chicago hosts numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as a bustling startup scene. Businesses across various sectors, from finance to manufacturing, use SEO services to effectively compete in the market.
9: Arizona
On this nineth spot is Arizona boasting 339.72 SEOs per 100,000 people. The state’s growing tech industry significantly contributes to its high SEO per capita. Known as the “Grand Canyon State,” Arizona benefits from a diverse economy, with expansion in sectors like real estate and hospitality.
10: Georgia
339.08 SEOs per 100,000 people places Georgia at the tenth spot. Georgia’s diverse economy, thriving business hub in Atlanta, and growing tech and startup scene create a significant demand for SEO experts.
Top 10 States with the Lowest SEO Professionals Per Capita
1: Mississippi
Mississippi ranks the lowest in SEO professionals, with just 78.26 SEOs per 100,000 people. The state’s limited digital marketing infrastructure contributes to the scarcity of SEO talent. While businesses are gradually adopting digital strategies, the demand for SEO professionals remains relatively low.
2: West Virginia
The ‘Mountain State,’ West Virginia, comes in second-to-last with 96.05 SEOs per 100,000 people. The state faces challenges in attracting digital talent, with fewer tech-driven businesses compared to more urbanized regions. However, as more businesses recognize the importance of online presence, the demand for SEO expertise is expected to rise.
3: North Dakota
128.37 SEOs per 100,000 people places North Dakota in the third spot of states with the lowest SEO per capita. A smaller population and economy contribute to this lower presence.
4: Louisiana
With just 131.20 SEOs per 100,000 people, Louisiana ranks fourth. Digital marketing is still an emerging field in the state. While cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge are seeing growth in tech-related industries, the state as a whole still lags behind in SEO professionals.
5: New Mexico
New Mexico ranks fifth with 132.45 SEOs per 100,000 people. The state’s few metropolitan areas limit the availability of SEO talent. However, the growing startup ecosystem, especially in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, is creating more opportunities in digital marketing.
6: Oklahoma
On the sixth spot is Oklahoma, with 149.25 SEOs per 100,000 people.SEO talent is gradually growing but remains behind larger states.
7: South Dakota
With 154.02 SEOs per 100,000 people, South Dakota takes the seventh spot. The state’s rural nature contributes to fewer digital professionals. However, as remote work continues to rise, digital marketing and SEO opportunities may see an increase in the coming years.
8: Kentucky
Kentucky ranks eighth with 143.61 SEOs per 100,000 people. While it is growing, Kentucky still lags in digital marketing adoption. Nevertheless, its major cities, such as Louisville and Lexington, are making progress.
9: Alabama
With 143.87 SEOs per 100,000 people, Alabama is ninth. The state faces challenges in attracting and retaining SEO talent, with many professionals seeking opportunities in more established digital hubs.
10: Arkansas
Arkansas rounds out the list in tenth place with 141.22 SEOs per 100,000 people. The state’s digital marketing infrastructure is still developing, but with businesses increasingly shifting toward online strategies, SEO expertise is becoming more valued.
Final Thoughts
The data reveals fascinating insights into the distribution of SEO professionals across the United States. States like Utah, Colorado, and California are at the forefront, showcasing their robust digital ecosystems and thriving industries.
On the other hand, states with fewer metropolitan areas, such as Mississippi and West Virginia, lag in SEO professional density, highlighting opportunities for growth and investment in digital talent.
As businesses increasingly prioritize online visibility, the demand for skilled SEO professionals will continue to rise. You may think it’s not the right time to improve your business’s SEO ranking, but do your competitors feel the same way?
