Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Vacation leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a data-driven SEM Specialist to plan, manage, and optimize paid search campaigns across Google Ads and Bing for the Polokwane market. You will analyze data to improve ROAS and collaborate with marketing and content teams.

The role requires 3+ years of paid search experience, a marketing degree, Google Ads certification, and strong analytics to stay ahead of trends and ensure platform policy compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, or related field.
• At least 3 years managing paid search campaigns.
• Proven expertise in Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
• Strong understanding of keyword research, bid strategies, and campaign optimization.
• Proficient in web analytics (Google Analytics).
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Certification in Google Ads is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, create, manage, and optimize paid search campaigns across Google Ads, Bing Ads, and other platforms.
• Conduct thorough keyword research, competitor analysis, and audience targeting to improve performance.
• Develop ad copy and landing page strategies to maximize CTR and CVR.
• Monitor performance daily and generate reports with actionable insights.
• Manage budgets to achieve target KPIs and ROAS.
• Implement A/B testing for ads, keywords, bids, and landing pages.

Skills

Paid search

Data analysis

Campaign optimization

Keyword research

ROI optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business

Tools

Google Ads

Microsoft Advertising

Google Analytics

Bid management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic technology startup, is seeking a data-driven and results-oriented Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist to join their innovative team in **Polokwane**. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing paid search campaigns across platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads to drive qualified traffic, generate leads, and maximize ROI. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, a deep understanding of SEM strategies, and a proven track record of successful campaign management. Join a forward-thinking company and make a significant impact on its growth trajectory in the **Polokwane** area.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, create, manage, and optimize paid search campaigns across Google Ads, Bing Ads, and other relevant platforms.
• Conduct thorough keyword research, competitor analysis, and audience targeting to identify opportunities and improve campaign performance.
• Develop compelling ad copy and landing page strategies to maximize click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates (CVR).
• Monitor campaign performance daily, analyze key metrics, and generate regular reports with actionable insights and recommendations.
• Manage and allocate campaign budgets effectively to achieve target KPIs and ROAS.
• Implement A/B testing for ad copy, keywords, bids, and landing pages to continuously optimize campaign results.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends, algorithm updates, and best practices in SEM and paid search advertising.
• Collaborate with content and SEO teams to ensure alignment between paid and organic search strategies.
• Identify new opportunities for paid search growth and innovation.
• Ensure all SEM activities comply with platform policies and industry best practices relevant to the **Polokwane** market.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience managing successful paid search campaigns.
• Proven expertise in Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads).
• Strong understanding of keyword research tools, bid management strategies, and campaign optimization techniques.
• Proficiency in web analytics tools such as Google Analytics.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong project management capabilities.
• Experience with landing page optimization (LPO) is a plus.
• Certification in Google Ads is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the **Polokwane** business and digital landscape is beneficial.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of up to ZAR .
• Performance-based bonuses and rewards.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training.
• A dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment in **Polokwane**.
• Access to cutting-edge SEM tools and technologies.
• Employee assistance program.