Behavioral SEM Specialist (SEO/SEM) Interview Questions & Answers:

1. What is Actual CPC?

The actual cost of a click for an advertiser in an auction. The actual CPC is calculated in realtime and we cannot know the Actual CPC, but we can see Avg. CPC.
Actual CPC = (AdRank to Beat/QS)+$0.01

2. Explain me what do you know about Google's algorithm updates?

Google is always trying to work on their algorithm so that “more deserving” websites with better content rank higher than others. The three main algorithm updates of the last two years are Panda, Penguin and Hummingbird.

3. Do you know what is Quality Score in Google AdWords?

Google's quality score determines the value and relevancy of your ad to the user on the basis of keyword relevancy, quality of your landing, and your ad's CTR. Higher quality score keywords will save your money and get better ad ranking.

4. Tell me how can you Improve Conversion Rates?

By creating ads which match perfectly with keywords and creating tightly themed ad groups so we can get targeted users to best landing page. Also by improving the Landing Page quality we can improve the conversions.

5. Tell me what's your methodology in creating ad copies?

This question wants to find out how you would come up with ad copies. Are they compelling and paint an accurate picture of the intended message? You may answer it based on the following guidelines:

☛ Find out why your ad copy should be more effective than others
☛ Your ad's ability to answer basic questions
☛ Testing the ad copy; we'll never know how effective it is until we put it to the test

6. Tell me who are our competitors? What PPC strategies are adopted by them?

You have to be prepared for this question. Do your homework. Before you appear for your interview, learn about the company you are applying to. You should research about the company's background, their rivals, the strategies of the company and their competitors' strategies.

7. How to reduce costs of our paid search campaigns?

Don't immediately answer open-ended questions that lead to answers based on multiple assumptions. Costs of acquisition? Cost per click? You can't answer accurately a question that isn't accurate itself. When in doubt, you should also have the freedom to ask question before you release your thoughts.

8. Tell us are you a part of the SEO community online?

There are many different forums and such out there, being active and up to date is essential to staying on top in the constantly changing world of SEO. A few blogs and forums I recommend are SearchEngineLand, SERoundtable and WebmasterWorld.

9. Tell me do you have a Google Authorship?

Having Google Authorship is a plus and not a necessity. By them attaching their name and face to your content, you're providing readers with a higher level of trust and confidence in your work. Adding this human element also promotes more personal interactions between your potential SEO expert and your audience.

10. Do you know the working of AdWords?

Google AdWords work on the basis of a bidding system. For instance, if the bidding price is higher, your ad will appear on top of the Google page. Working on the ‘pay per click' model, you only pay the amount you have bid if someone taps on your ad that appears on Google SERPs.