Search Marketing Specialist

Search Marketing Specialist

Ascend Digital Agency, a leading digital marketing agency headquartered in Buffalo, NY, is seeking a strategic and results-driven Search Engine Marketing Specialist to join our growing team. In this role, you will develop and execute data-driven paid search strategies that drive measurable results across Google Ads and other PPC platforms. You will play a key role in managing campaigns, analyzing performance data, identifying growth opportunities, and optimizing for conversions to support our clients' business goals. Your expertise will help navigate the evolving landscape of search advertising to deliver efficient, high-impact results.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine comprehensive SEM strategies to improve paid search performance and ROI for agency clients.
• Build, launch, and manage paid search campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
• Conduct in-depth keyword research and targeting to align with client goals, campaign objectives, and user intent.
• Monitor and analyze campaign performance using tools such as Google Ads, Google Analytics, and third-party platforms.
• Continuously optimize campaigns by adjusting bids, ad copy, targeting, and landing pages to improve Quality Score, conversion rates, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with content, design, and development teams to ensure ad creative and landing pages are optimized for performance and aligned with campaign strategy.
• Stay current on SEM trends, platform updates, industry best practices, and competitor activity to proactively refine strategies.
• Conduct A/B tests on ad copy, audiences, and landing pages to drive continuous performance improvements.
• Generate data-driven reports with actionable insights and strategic recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Manage budgets across multiple accounts, ensuring effective pacing and spend optimization in line with campaign objectives.
• Serve as the agency's SEM expert and go-to resource, providing guidance, training, and insights to internal teams and clients.
• Support the agency's own paid media initiatives by running campaigns that generate qualified leads and increase brand visibility.
  

Skills SEM Expertise

• Deep understanding of paid search platforms including Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and campaign types such as Search, Display, and Performance Max.
• Strong proficiency with SEM tools such as Google Ads Editor, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Looker Studio, and competitive research tools (e.g., SpyFu, SEMrush, etc.).
• Experience managing large-scale campaigns with a focus on Quality Score optimization, audience targeting, and conversion tracking.
• Experience managing ad accounts for multiple clients at a given time, with a focus on maintaining performance standards across the board.
• Knowledge of remarketing strategies, audience segmentation, and performance-driven bidding strategies (manual CPC, tCPA, tROAS, etc.).
  

Technical Proficiency

• Familiarity with tracking implementation using Google Tag Manager and setting up conversion events across various platforms.
• Understanding of landing page optimization principles, UX best practices, and CRO tools.
• Experience working within CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress) to ensure landing pages are properly structured for paid traffic.
• Ability to troubleshoot tracking issues, pixel implementations, and cross-platform attribution challenges.
  

Data Analysis & Strategy

• Strong ability to interpret paid search performance data and translate insights into actionable optimizations.
• Experience building and managing dashboards and reports using Google Looker Studio, Sheets, or third-party analytics platforms.
• Results-oriented mindset focused on achieving KPIs such as CTR, CPC, conversion rate, and ROI.
• Proven experience in A/B testing ad creatives, targeting strategies, and landing page performance.
  

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to clearly communicate complex SEM concepts and performance data to clients and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with design, development, and content teams to create high-performing ads and landing experiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple campaigns, clients, and deadlines.
  

Requirements Experience

• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience managing paid search campaigns, preferably in an agency environment.
• Proven track record of improving campaign performance, increasing conversions, and driving ROI across multiple accounts simultaneously.
• Experience with a variety of campaign types, including Search, Display, Remarketing, and Performance Max.
  

Tools & Platforms

• Proficiency with paid media and analytics tools such as Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Google Looker Studio.
• Familiarity with keyword and competitive research tools (e.g., SEMrush, SpyFu, Keyword Planner).
• Experience using project management tools (e.g., Zoho Projects, Asana, or Trello) to track campaign tasks and deadlines.
• Competency with reporting tools to create insightful dashboards and communicate performance to stakeholders.
  

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to quickly adapt to changing platform algorithms and performance fluctuations.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple campaigns and priorities with minimal supervision.
• Proactive, self-motivated work ethic with a strong sense of ownership over campaign performance.
• Eagerness to explore new SEM strategies, tools, and innovations that drive growth and enhance service offerings.
  

Working at Ascend

At Ascend Digital, we prioritize both personal and professional growth, with every decision guided by our core values:

• Accountability
• Solutions, Not Excuses
• Compassion
• Execution
• Never Stop Growing
• Do The Right Thing
  

Location

This is an on-site position based at our office in Downtown Buffalo, NY, conveniently located near the city's top amenities. Our office offers free parking, beautiful lakeside sightlines, and a collaborative work environment designed to inspire creativity and productivity.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for career growth and continuous professional development.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, 401k, and PTO.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Annual company retreat and regular team-building events.