Google’s Take: How Much Coding Do SEOs Need?
▼ Summary
– Google experts suggest SEO professionals need some technical understanding but not advanced coding skills to be effective.
– There is often tension between developers and SEO teams, with developers frequently skeptical of SEO discussions.
– SEOs should grasp basic web technologies like HTTP protocols, headers, and JavaScript’s impact on rendering.
– The level of technical knowledge required varies by SEO role, with technical roles needing deeper understanding than content-focused ones.
– Improving collaboration between developers and SEO teams is crucial to avoid technical issues that harm site performance.
Understanding the technical side of SEO has become increasingly important, but how much coding knowledge do professionals actually need? Google’s Martin Splitt and Gary Illyes recently tackled this question in a candid discussion, shedding light on the evolving relationship between SEO and development teams. Their insights offer valuable guidance for marketers navigating the intersection of search optimization and web technology.
During a recent podcast, Splitt emphasized that while deep coding expertise isn’t mandatory for SEO success, grasping fundamental web concepts can significantly enhance effectiveness. “To optimize a system as thoroughly as SEOs do,” he noted, “you need to understand its underlying characteristics.” This doesn’t mean mastering programming languages but rather developing a functional awareness of how websites operate.
Bridging the Gap Between Developers and SEOs
The conversation highlighted an ongoing tension between developers and SEO professionals. Splitt, who frequently engages with both communities, observed that skepticism often colors these interactions. “Even at developer events,” he said, “discussing SEO can feel like stepping into a strained relationship.” This disconnect sometimes leads to real-world issues, such as the case Illyes mentioned where a poorly implemented calendar plugin generated 100 million unnecessary URLs, wreaking havoc on crawl budgets.
What Technical Knowledge Matters Most?
Rather than pushing SEOs to learn coding, Splitt recommends focusing on core web technologies. Key areas include:
- HTTP protocols (understanding the differences between HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2)
- HTTPS and security certificates (how they impact site connections)
- JavaScript’s role in page rendering (without needing to write complex scripts)
- Basic HTML structure (including headers and metadata)
These fundamentals help SEOs communicate more effectively with developers and troubleshoot issues without relying solely on technical teams.
Tailoring Skills to Your SEO Role
Not every SEO specialist requires the same level of technical proficiency. Splitt pointed out that specialization dictates necessity, those focused on content localization or international SEO may prioritize linguistic and cultural insights over coding. However, professionals handling technical audits, migrations, or large-scale optimizations benefit from stronger technical foundations.
Key Takeaways for SEO Professionals
Technical literacy trumps coding expertise. You don’t need to be a developer, but understanding how websites function improves decision-making. As web technologies advance, technical awareness will likely grow in importance. Google’s stance is clear: SEOs should aim for fluency in web fundamentals rather than full-blown programming skills. For businesses, fostering stronger alignment between marketing and development remains a critical opportunity to enhance search performance.
(Source: Search Engine Journal)
