SEO & AI Search Lead

About the role

We're looking for an SEO & AI Search Lead to own Vagaro's organic search presence and lead our strategy across the rapidly evolving AI search landscape. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role sitting at the intersection of marketing, content, product, and growth. Traditional search remains critical, but the way people discover products and services is fundamentally changing. AI-generated answers, generative search experiences, and LLM-powered assistants are increasingly the first (and sometimes only) touchpoint between a user and our brand. You'll ensure Vagaro shows up — and shows up well — everywhere that matters: classic SERPs, AI Overviews, generative engine results, and LLM responses.

This role is based onsite in Pleasanton, CA Monday through Friday

Compensation

Base Annual Salary: $140,000 - $174,000 Annual Bonus: Up to 10% annual

Your Impact

AI Search (AEO GEO AIO)

• Develop and own Vagaro's strategy across answer engine optimization (AEO), generative engine optimization (GEO), and AI overview optimization (AIO)
• Optimize content to be cited, summarized, and recommended by AI-powered search surfaces including Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude
• Build entity authority and structured knowledge so Vagaro is accurately and favorably represented across LLMs and generative experiences
• Manage the technical foundations of AI search visibility — including structured data implementation, entity optimization across third-party data sources, content formatting for AI parseability, and crawler access policies for LLM bots
• Define and track emerging AI search metrics — LLM citation frequency, AI overview inclusion rate, share of generative voice — and develop internal reporting frameworks as measurement standards mature
• Monitor the AI search landscape proactively and adapt strategy as new surfaces, models, and behaviors emerge

SEO

• Own the end-to-end SEO strategy for vagaro.com, across both B2B (attracting business owners) and B2C (consumer marketplace) surfaces
• Lead technical SEO — crawlability, core web vitals, schema/structured data, site architecture — in close collaboration with engineering
• Conduct keyword research and competitive analysis to identify high-value organic opportunities across the beauty, fitness, and wellness verticals
• Partner with content to build topic clusters, optimize existing pages, and brief net-new content that ranks and converts
• Support local SEO strategy, given Vagaro's marketplace model connecting consumers with nearby service providers

ASO

• Lead App Store Optimization (ASO) strategy across the Apple App Store and Google Play to increase app visibility, installs, and user growth
• Conduct keyword research, competitive analysis, creative testing, and performance monitoring to drive continuous optimization and acquisition improvements

Cross-Functional

• Collaborate with paid, product marketing, product, brand, and lifecycle teams so AI search and SEO insights flow into broader go-to-market strategy
• Translate technical priorities into clear product tickets and content briefs
• Educate internal stakeholders on Google search updates and AI search developments and what they mean for Vagaro's visibility
• Regularly monitor and report on AI search & SEO KPIs, providing visibility to cross functional stakeholders and executives

What You Bring

• 5+ years of SEO experience, ideally at a SaaS company, marketplace, or high-growth tech brand
• Proven track record of building strategies and executing tactics that drive measurable organic growth
• Hands-on experience with AI search optimization — AEO, GEO, and/or AIO — and a genuine curiosity about where the space is heading
• Strong technical SEO fundamentals: crawl analysis, schema markup, Core Web Vitals, canonicalization
• Strong AI-fluency — you use AI tools (LLMs, AI-powered SEO platforms, content intelligence tools) as a natural part of your workflow, and you have leveraged these to increase the impact of domain tactics
• Proficiency with tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and BI tools
• Strong cross-functional communicator who can work fluidly with engineering, content, and marketing
• Experience in the beauty, wellness, or fitness industry is a bonus, not a requirement

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Attractive Compensation & Performance Bonuses: Enjoy a competitive salary paired with performance-based bonuses
• Generous PTO: 15 accrued days, plus 10 company holidays annually
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Exclusive Perks: Discounts on attractions, theme parks, shows, sports events, movies, hotels, and more through TicketsAtWork
• Beauty Perks: $30/month reimbursement for any Vagaro service, including health, beauty, or wellness treatments
• Food Perks: $50 monthly stipend for our onsite microkitchen and a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
• Growth Opportunities: College Assistance Reimbursement, access to EAP & Work/Life Programs, and a LinkedIn Learning account
• Financial Security: 401k program with 4% matching and optional life/supplemental insurance
• Stay Active: Access to our on-site gym, flavored water dispenser, and basketball court to keep you fit and energized!