SOC 13-1161.01: Search Marketing Strategists — Occupation Classification & Job Zone

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

Job Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Occupations in this zone typically require a four-year bachelor's degree and considerable work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Employees usually need several years of work-related experience and training.

Related industries and commodity codes

Occupations are not industries, but these classifications often appear in the same hiring, procurement, or market research workflow.

Frequently asked questions

What is NAICS 13-1161.01?

NAICS 13-1161.01 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Search Marketing Strategists. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.

What licenses and permits does a Search Marketing Strategists need?

A Search Marketing Strategists typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.

How do I register a Search Marketing Strategists business in the United States?

To register a Search Marketing Strategists business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.

What tax forms does a Search Marketing Strategists file with the IRS?

Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.

Is Search Marketing Strategists the right NAICS code for my business?

Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If Search Marketing Strategists describes your main line of business, NAICS 13-1161.01 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 13-1161.01 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.

What terms of service and legal agreements does a Search Marketing Strategists need?

A Terms of Service (ToS) or Terms of Use agreement sets the rules for using your digital product. It should cover: acceptance of terms, user obligations, intellectual property rights, payment terms, limitation of liability, dispute resolution (arbitration clause optional), and governing law. SaaS businesses should also have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Platforms with user-generated content should include DMCA notice-and-takedown procedures under Section 512(c).

Does a Search Marketing Strategists need to comply with COPPA?

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) applies if your website or app is directed to children under 13 or you have actual knowledge you're collecting personal information from children under 13. You must post a clear privacy policy, provide notice to and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting data, allow parents to review and delete children's data, and maintain reasonable security. FTC fines for COPPA violations can exceed $50,000 per violation.

Does a Search Marketing Strategists need to collect sales tax on digital products and SaaS?

Sales tax on digital products (software downloads, SaaS subscriptions, streaming, e-books) varies by state. As of 2025, approximately 30+ states tax digital goods and services. SaaS is specifically taxable in states like Texas, New York, Washington, and Ohio but exempt in California and Florida. Economic nexus thresholds (typically $100K revenue or 200 transactions per state) apply to remote sellers of digital products post-Wayfair. Check each state where you have customers.

What data breach notification obligations does a Search Marketing Strategists have?

All 50 states have data breach notification statutes requiring you to notify affected individuals and state regulators (usually the attorney general) within a specified timeframe (typically 30-45 days) if personal information is compromised. Some states (e.g., Florida) require notification within 30 days. If the breach affects 500+ residents in a state, you may also need to notify consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Healthcare breaches affecting 500+ must be reported to HHS and local media.