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June 20.2025
2 Minutes Read

How Much Code Should SEO Pros Know? Insights from Google

Smiling woman with laptop on vibrant orange backdrop.

Understanding SEO in the Digital World

In an era where the digital landscape is constantly evolving, SEO professionals are often left pondering how much technical knowledge they truly need. Recently, Google’s own Martin Splitt and Gary Illyes provided insights on this topic during a Search Off the Record podcast, clarifying that while understanding web technologies is beneficial, coding skills are not strictly essential for effective SEO.

Why Technical Skills Matter, But Coding Isn’t Everything

According to Splitt, understanding how web systems function is crucial for SEO specialists. He emphasized that “to optimize a system or work with a system so deeply like SEOs do, you have to understand some of the characteristics of the system.” This highlights a significant point: being aware of concepts like headers, HTTPS workings, and differences in web protocols such as HTTP/2 can vastly improve an SEO professional's effectiveness.

The Developer-SEO Divide: Bridging the Gap

One persistent issue raised by Splitt is the often strained relationship between SEO professionals and developers. The disconnect can create serious issues; for instance, he recounted a scenario where a calendar plugin led to an explosion of URLs, creating a crawl budget crisis for a website. Understanding each other's roles can ease these tensions and foster collaboration, ensuring that both SEO and development perspectives are integrated into web projects.

Tailoring Technical Knowledge to SEO Specializations

Not all SEO roles require the same level of technical proficiency. For those specializing in international SEO, a more nuanced understanding of technical components is essential. Splitt noted that while some may excel in content localization, grasping the underlying technologies can enhance their strategies. This recognition of diversity in SEO roles is crucial; generalists can benefit from a broader grasp of development concepts, while specialists might focus deeper on content and structure.

How to Cultivate Essential SEO Skills

While coding is not a mandatory skill for SEO professionals, there are practical steps one can take to enhance their technical understanding. Starting with HTML basics and familiarizing oneself with JavaScript interactions can significantly improve one's ability to communicate effectively with developers. Additionally, staying updated on emerging technologies and trends will keep SEO professionals relevant in a fast-paced digital marketplace.

Conclusion: The Balance of Technical Knowledge in SEO

In sum, the insights provided by Google’s experts underscore an essential balance: while coding may not be necessary for all SEO roles, a solid foundation in how web technologies operate is invaluable. As the digital landscape evolves, so too should the skill sets of SEO professionals. By understanding the technical aspects of their work, they can better collaborate with developers and ultimately drive more effective optimization strategies.

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Agentic Browsers Are Revolutionizing Digital Marketing: What You Need to Know

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Google Chrome Will Warn Users Of Insecure HTTP Sites: What to Expect

Update Chrome’s New Security Protocol: What You Need to Know In a significant step towards enhancing web security, Google has announced that Chrome will automatically enable the "Always Use Secure Connections" feature starting October 2026. This means that users will receive warnings before accessing any public website that does not use HTTPS encryption. The move comes as part of Google's ongoing initiatives to bolster online safety and protect users from potential threats associated with unencrypted HTTP connections. Why HTTPS Matters HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, ensures that communications between your web browser and the website are encrypted. This encryption is crucial for protecting sensitive data from potential hijackers and other malicious entities looking to exploit vulnerabilities in unsecured networks. Studies show that HTTPS adoption has increased markedly, with 95-99% of web sessions on Chrome using secure connections. However, the remaining fraction still represents millions of unsecured navigations that could lead to serious security risks. User Experience Under the New Protocol With the implementation of the new warning system, Chrome will not bombard users with repeated warnings for sites they frequently visit, instead limiting notifications to less frequently accessed pages. This approach reduces annoyance while still keeping users informed of potential security risks. Approximately, users will only see a couple of warnings per week, striking a balance between ensuring security and maintaining a smooth browsing experience. Future Implications for Website Owners For website owners operating HTTP-only sites, the clock is ticking. By October 2026, all website operators will need to assess their security protocols and migrate to HTTPS to prevent security warnings that could deter visitors. Google’s push for HTTPS adoption aims to close invisible security gaps, especially since many websites still use HTTP primarily for redirects. Testing the New Security Feature Website developers and IT professionals are encouraged to enable the “Always Use Secure Connections” feature in Chrome settings today to get familiar with potential impacts on site traffic. By doing this, users can identify sites that may need immediate attention before the official rollout in 2026. This proactive approach not only enhances user safety but also reflects well on reputations, as a secure site fosters trust among visitors. Looking Ahead: A Safer Browsing Environment As digital threats continue to evolve, Google’s decision to make secure connections the default setting signifies a broader trend towards prioritizing user safety in the online environment. While currently the move targets public websites, discussions are ongoing to improve HTTPS adoption even for private sites, making it critical for everyone involved in digital platforms to stay aware of these changes.

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