Google Maps, AI Search & Local Growth Strategist - Contract to Hire

We’re a growing digital marketing agency focused on local business growth, not outdated SEO checklists. We’re looking for one strong strategist who understands: How Google Maps and local search work today How AI search and AEO are changing how businesses get customers And how to turn visibility into real business growth This is not a task-only SEO role. This is a thinking role with a clear path into leadership. What We Do We help local businesses: Win visibility on Google Maps Compete in local search and AI-driven results Show up clearly when customers ask questions (AEO) Turn searches into calls, visits, and bookings Understand why competitors dominate — and how to take market share Every client starts with a paid Growth Assessment, then we execute based on clarity, not guessing. The Role You’ll work as our Google & AI Growth Strategist. Your work will include: Analyzing Google Maps, search, and AI-driven visibility Understanding how Google and AI interpret entities, intent, and answers Contributing to AEO and AI-search strategies Breaking down why competitors are winning Helping design clear, prioritized growth plans Guiding execution and improving systems over time This role requires ownership, curiosity, and clear thinking. Skills & Experience We’re Looking For You should be comfortable with most of the following: Google Maps & Local Search Google Business Profile optimization Categories, services, attributes Reviews, trust, and prominence signals Competitive Maps analysis AI Search & AEO (Important) Understanding how AI answers local queries How Google chooses sources for answers Structuring content for clarity, entities, and intent Awareness of where search is heading (not just where it was) You don’t need to be an AI engineer — but you must be actively thinking about this. On-Site SEO for Local Growth Service and location clarity Page structure and intent Helping Google and AI understand what a business actually does Mindset You think in terms of customers and revenue You ask “why” before “how” You want more responsibility over time Compensation, Bonus & Growth Path We’re very clear about pay and progression. Phase 1: Onboarding & Proof (Months 0–2) Title: Google & AI Growth Strategist Base Pay: $600–$800 USD / month (based on experience) Hiring Bonus: $300 total $150 paid in Month 1 (after onboarding) $150 paid after 60 days Focus: Learn our Growth Assessment process Contribute to competitor and AI-search analysis Show ownership, reliability, and clear thinking Phase 2: Strategy Ownership (Around Month 3) Title: Senior Google & AI Growth Strategist Base Pay Increase: +$200–$400/month (based on performance) At this stage: You own assessment recommendations You guide priorities and execution Your thinking directly impacts results Phase 3: Leadership Track (6–9 Months) Title Options: Lead Google & AI Growth Strategist Head of Local Search & AI (Internal) Base Pay Target: $1,200–$1,500+ USD / month You will: Lead strategy across multiple clients Mentor junior team members Help shape how the agency scales Think in systems, not tasks Who This Role Is For This role is a strong fit if you: Think beyond traditional SEO Care about AI, AEO, and search evolution Want to lead, not just execute Enjoy competitive analysis and problem-solving Are looking for a long-term role, not a short gig Who This Role Is NOT For Please do not apply if: You only want to follow SOPs You’re stuck in old SEO tactics You avoid learning new search models You only want task-based work You’re not interested in growth or leadership We’re building for the future. How to Apply (Read Carefully) Please answer briefly and honestly. We care more about how you think than perfect answers. When a local business is not ranking in Google Maps, what are the first 3 things you personally check — and why? What do you believe matters more today for local rankings — website clarity, Google Business Profile optimization, authority/brand signals, or user behavior — and why? How do you think AI answers and AEO will change how local businesses get customers in the next 1–2 years? Imagine two competitors ranking above a client. What’s your high-level approach to figuring out why they’re winning? Which best describes you — and why? A) I like clear SOPs and executing tasks B) I like understanding systems and improving them C) I want to lead strategy and help others execute Are you looking for a short-term contract or a long-term role with growth and leadership opportunities? Final Note We’re selective because this role matters. If you want stability, responsibility, and a chance to grow into a real strategist and leader, we’d like to hear from you. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job