Contract Breaking News Writer (SEO, AI, PPC, Social Media)
The Semrush blog is looking for a contract Breaking News Writer who thrives on speed, accuracy, and sharp analysis. Someone who can spot what matters in a fast-moving industry and turn it into clear, insightful coverage within hours — not days.
You’ll cover breaking developments across SEO, AI, PPC, social media, and the broader digital marketing landscape for the Semrush blog. This isn’t general content writing. We’re looking for someone who understands the industry deeply, can quickly identify the real story behind announcements, and deliver timely, high-quality reporting our audience can trust.
This role sits at the intersection of journalism and industry expertise. You’ll help Semrush show up as a credible, go-to source for news and analysis in a rapidly evolving space.
What you’ll do
• Cover breaking news with speed and clarity Monitor industry developments and respond quickly to breaking news across SEO, AI, PPC, and social media. Deliver timely, accurate articles with a turnaround time of 24 hours or less.
• Identify what actually matters Go beyond surface-level reporting. Distill announcements, updates, and trends into clear takeaways for marketers, highlighting why they matter and what to do next.
• Translate complexity into insight Turn technical or nuanced developments (algorithm updates, AI features, platform changes) into accessible, engaging content for a professional marketing audience.
• Maintain high editorial standards under tight deadlines Balance speed with accuracy, clarity, and originality. Ensure each piece meets Semrush’s standards for quality, structure, and usefulness.
• Collaborate with the editorial team Work closely with editors to align on priorities, angles, and coverage. Incorporate feedback quickly and efficiently.
• Contribute to deeper coverage when relevant Occasionally expand breaking stories into more in-depth analysis or follow-up pieces as opportunities arise.
Who we’re looking for
• Proven breaking news experience Demonstrated experience writing timely, news-style articles — not just evergreen or general content. You understand the pace, structure, and standards of news reporting.
• Deep industry knowledge Strong understanding of SEO, AI in search, PPC, social media platforms, and digital marketing trends. You can quickly assess the significance of new developments. Experience using Semrush (or similar tools) is a plus.
• Fast and reliable execution Able to consistently deliver high-quality work on tight deadlines (same-day turnaround). You’re responsive, organized, and dependable.
• Sharp editorial judgment Strong instincts for what’s newsworthy, what angle to take, and how to make content valuable to a professional audience.
• Clear, engaging writing style Able to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively, without oversimplifying or losing nuance.
• Detail-oriented and accurate High standards for factual accuracy, sourcing, and clarity — especially under time pressure.
• Self-starter mindset Proactive in spotting story opportunities and pitching ideas, not just reacting to assignments.
Expectations
• Availability to produce one to two articles per week
• Ability to meet fast turnaround times (typically within 24 hours)
• Willingness to adapt to editorial feedback and evolving coverage priorities
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