Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is more important than ever, especially for businesses. If you are a business owner who wants to increase discoverability, reach your target market, and grow your bottom line, then ranking high on the search results page and matching the user’s search intent is the way. You can achieve all these through SEO and investing in hiring an SEO expert.
In this piece, you will learn about:
- Why Your Business Needs Skilled SEO Experts
- Top Resources for Finding SEO Experts
- Key Qualities to Look for in an SEO Expert
- How to Evaluate SEO Professionals
- Mistakes to Avoid in Hiring an SEO Expert
- Freelancer SEO expert vs. Agency vs. In-House Expert?
Why Your Business Needs Skilled SEO Experts
SEO is all about optimising websites to rank higher on the search results page, driving organic traffic and sales growth. According to Brightedge, 53% of web traffic comes from organic search, which is still the dominant source of web traffic. Moreover, Fire & Spark reported that over 99% of searchers only look and interact with the first page of the search results. These figures tell a lot about the importance of ranking high on the search results page.
Marketers have testified to SEO in terms of sales. According to Meetanshi, 70% of marketers report that SEO drives more sales than paid channels. Therefore, investing in SEO can give you more opportunities to grow your brand reputation and bottom line.
Now that we have established how beneficial SEO is for your business, the question is: should you hire an SEO professional or do DIY SEO? Here is a matrix listing the pros and cons of the two:
Hiring an SEO Expert vs. DIY SEO
| Criteria | SEO Expert | DIY SEO |
| Expertise | Access to experienced professionals with advanced skills and up-to-date knowledge of SEO trends and algorithms | Limited by personal knowledge and lack of industry insights. Mistakes are more likely. |
| Time Efficiency | It saves time, allowing business owners to focus on other priorities | It is time-consuming, especially for learning and implementing strategies. |
| Cost | Upfront costs for hiring professionals or agencies. However, it can give more potential for higher ROI. | Lower initial cost but may lead to ineffective strategies, reducing ROI over time. |
| Results | Proven methods for driving consistent, long-term results | Results are inconsistent and may take longer to achieve |
| Tools and Resources | Access to premium tools and platforms for analytics, keyword research, and technical audits | Limited to free or budget tolls, which may lack advanced features |
| Adaptability | Experts can quickly adapt to algorithm changes and industry shifts | Difficulty in keeping up with the latest SEO updates and trends |
| Scalability | Easily scalable strategies for businesses aiming to grow | It is challenging to scale SEO efforts without extensive time or resource investment |
The table shows that hiring an SEO expert offers professional expertise, time efficiency, access to advanced tools, and scalable strategies to ensure consistent and long-term results. Meanwhile, DIY SEO can be cost-effective initially, but it takes time, relies on limited knowledge, and often produces inconsistent outcomes. Therefore, investing in SEO experts can deliver better ROI and adaptability to industry changes.
Top Resources for Finding SEO Experts
Have you decided to go the route of hiring an SEO expert? Then, here are the top 5 places to find the best SEO professionals.
Professional Networking Platforms
- LinkedIn: The social media platform allows employers and workers to interact. On LinkedIn, you can utilise advanced filters to search for SEO professionals by expertise, location, and recommendations. You can also join SEO-specific groups to network and access expert insights. Personal connections can also lead to trusted referrals.
- AngelList: This platform is ideal for startups looking for SEO professionals familiar with scaling small businesses and working in agile environments.
Freelance Marketplaces
| Platform | Overview | Estimated Professional Fees |
| Upwork | Offers customisable job postings, allowing businesses to outline specific needs and browse professional profiles with client reviews. | USD 20 to 150 per hour, depending on experience and project scope |
| Fiverr | A budget-friendly platform for small SEO tasks like audits, keyword research, or content optimisation | USD 5 to 50 per task for basic services, up to USD 500 for advanced gigs |
| Toptal | Focused on providing vetted, high-quality professionals with specialised SEO expertise for advanced projects | USD 70 to 250 per hour, tailored to premium and complex requirements |
SEO-specific Communities and Forums
- Moz Community: In this space, you can engage with an active user base of SEO professionals for advice, recommendations, and resources.
- Reddit (r/SEO): Here, you can get crowd-sourced insights and recommendations from experienced SEO practitioners worldwide.
SEO Directories and Review Platforms
- Clutch: This platform features detailed reviews and rankings of SEO agencies, making it easier to compare based on expertise, location, and customer feedback.
- Sortlist and GoodFirms: These platforms have comprehensive listings of agencies and freelancers, allowing you to evaluate portfolios, services, and client testimonials.
Local Resources and Communities
- Regional SEO Meetups and Conferences: These networking events provide businesses with direct access to skilled professionals and updates on the latest SEO trends. These events foster real-time learning and collaboration, allowing attendees to evaluate potential hires in person. Here are some of the meetups and conferences that you can attend:
| Event | Overview | Venue |
| Search Engine Journal’s eSummit | Offers global and regional sessions with expert speakers, actionable insights, and virtual networking | Virtual |
| Singapore Digital Marketing Conference (DigiMarCon) | Focuses on SEO, digital marketing strategies, and networking opportunities tailored to the Asian market | Marina Bay Sands, Singapore |
| BrightonSEO (UK) | One of the largest SEO conferences in Europe, offering workshops, expert panels, and networking sessions | Brighton Centre, Brighton, UK |
- Local Job Boards: These job boards are tailored to specific regions, making them an excellent resource for hiring professionals familiar with local trends and consumer behaviour. Here are some of the local job boards you can check out:
| Job Board | Overview | Venue |
| JobStreet (Singapore) | A regional job board for hiring SEO professionals with expertise in localised strategies and market trends | Online |
| Reed (UK) | A leading UK job board offering SEO talent with a focus on localised consumer behaviour and trends | Online |
Key Qualities to Look for in an SEO Expert
Before you make a short list of your possible hires, check these four essential qualities an SEO expert should possess.
Experience and Certifications
A skilled SEO expert should have a solid foundation of experience backed by relevant certifications such as Google Analytics, HubSpot, or SEMrush Academy. These certifications demonstrate their commitment to staying current with industry standards and tools.
Proven Track Record
Look for professionals with a solid portfolio. They must have numerous successful projects, case studies, and client testimonials. A proven track record ensures they have the expertise to deliver measurable results tailored to your business needs.
Updated Knowledge
SEO constantly evolves, with Google updates like Core Web Vitals and E-E-A-T shaping best practices. A qualified expert stays informed about these changes and leverages the latest tools like Ahrefs, Moz, and Screaming Frog to implement effective strategies.
Soft Skills
More than technical expertise is required. Strong communication skills help convey complex SEO strategies to stakeholders, while adaptability ensures they can pivot when trends or algorithms shift. Problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming challenges like technical errors or declining rankings.
How to Evaluate SEO Professionals
At this point, you already have your short list of candidates. You are ready to engage them by interviewing them or conducting a practical test. To ensure hiring success and alignment with your business needs, here are some steps that you can do in evaluating SEO professionals:
Step 1: Check Credentials and Certifications
Start by reviewing their qualifications, such as Google Analytics, HubSpot, or SEMrush certifications. These credentials indicate they are knowledgeable about the latest SEO tools and methodologies. Look for evidence of hands-on experience in their resume or portfolio.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions During the Interview
Prepare targeted questions to assess their expertise. For example:
- How do you handle algorithm updates?
- Can you share examples of campaigns that improved organic rankings?
- What SEO tools do you prefer and why?
These questions reveal their problem-solving skills and approach to SEO.
Step 3: Request a Sample Audit or Strategy Plan
Ask for a mini audit of your website or an outline of their strategy for a hypothetical project. This practical test allows you to gauge their analytical skills, creativity, and ability to customise solutions to meet your business goals.
Step 4: Verify Reviews, Testimonials, and Case Studies
Review client feedback, success stories, and metrics from previous projects. Platforms like Clutch or LinkedIn can provide unbiased testimonials. Case studies showing measurable results indicate their capability to deliver ROI.
Should You Hire a Freelancer, Agency, or In-House Expert?
Hiring a freelancer SEO expert, collaborating with an agency, or hiring an in-house expert all have advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should depend on your business size, budget, and the complexity of your SEO goals.
To help you arrive at a decision, here is a table comparing your three options.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Freelancer / SEO Expert |
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| Agency |
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| In-House |
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- Freelancer SEO experts are ideal for businesses with smaller budgets or short-term projects. While cost-effective, they may need more resources or capacity to handle complex SEO needs.
- Agencies offer scalability and a team of specialists, making them the best choice for businesses that need well-rounded expertise or multi-faceted campaigns. However, their services come at a higher price.
- In-house experts are perfect for companies requiring constant SEO support. They align closely with company objectives but involve significant hiring costs and ongoing investments.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an SEO Expert
If this is your first time hiring an SEO expert, don’t worry. You are not the only one. Many businesses have tried to find the best fit, but they ended up hiring someone not aligned with their goals. Wrong hiring can sometimes lead to wasted money, time, and resources. So, finding the right SEO expert at the onset is always better.
To help you spot the red flags and avoid the mistakes in hiring an SEO expert, heed these three pieces of advice:
Falling for Cheap Offers or Unrealistic Promises
Low-cost services or promises like “Guaranteed #1 on Google in a week” are often red flags. Quality SEO requires time, expertise, and resources. Cheap providers may use black-hat tactics that can lead to penalties or harm your website’s credibility. Always evaluate value over price.
Neglecting to Define Clear Goals
Hiring an SEO expert without clear objectives can waste time and money. Clearly outline your goals, whether they are increasing organic traffic, boosting local visibility, or improving e-commerce sales. This effort ensures the expert focuses on strategies aligned with your business priorities.
Failing to Align with Your Business Niche or Industry
An SEO professional unfamiliar with your industry may struggle to craft strategies that resonate with your target audience. Prioritise experts with experience in your niche, as they will better understand relevant keywords, market trends, and audience behaviour.
Avoiding these mistakes can ensure a successful partnership that delivers long-term SEO success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key skills to look for in an SEO expert?
An effective SEO expert should possess a mix of technical and strategic skills, including:
- Keyword Research: Expertise in identifying high-value keywords that align with your business goals.
- On-Page and Off-Page SEO: Ability to optimise meta tags, content, and structure while building quality backlinks.
- Technical SEO: Proficiency in improving site speed, fixing crawl errors, and implementing schema markup
- SEO Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Screaming Frog for performance tracking and strategy building.
Soft skills like adaptability, communication, and analytical thinking are essential for customising strategies.
How much does it cost to hire an SEO expert in 2024?
The cost varies based on the type of expert and project complexity:
- Freelancers: USD 50 – 150/hour or USD 500 – 2,000/project, ideal for smaller businesses.
- Agencies: USD 2,000 – 10,000+/month for comprehensive services.
- In-House Experts: USD 40,000 – 80,000/year, plus benefits.
Factors like the scope of work, industry competition, and service location can also affect pricing.
How long does it take to see results from SEO?
SEO is a long-term strategy. On average:
- 3–6 months: Noticeable improvements in rankings and traffic for low-competition keywords.
- 6–12 months: Significant growth in organic traffic for competitive industries.
- Factors like website history, content quality, and backlink acquisition influence timelines. Patience is crucial as results compound over time.
What questions should I ask before hiring an SEO professional?
Before hiring, ask these key questions:
- What is your approach to SEO? (Look for strategies tailored to your goals.)
- Can you provide examples of past successes? (Check for case studies or testimonials.)
- How do you measure success? (Ensure that they track metrics like organic traffic and conversion rates.)
- Do you stay updated with algorithm changes? (They should demonstrate familiarity with recent Google updates.)
Should I hire a freelancer, agency, or in-house SEO expert?
The choice depends on your needs:
- Freelancers: Affordable for small projects but may need more resources for complex campaigns.
- Agencies: Provide comprehensive expertise and scalability, which is ideal for medium to large businesses.
- In-House Experts: Dedicated support for ongoing SEO needs but require higher investment.
Evaluate your budget, project complexity, and long-term goals before deciding.
