Search engine optimization (SEO) can drive traffic to your site and change how search engines rank your website. But (and this is the big one!) managing SEO can be a complex and consuming task that requires a deep understanding of search algorithms and keyword strategies. This process can be challenging for business owners who don’t have the expertise. So, the question is, should you do SEO outsourcing instead? Is it worth the investment?
Before you can work out the answer, there are other questions that you need to consider, which we’ll cover in this article. Those questions will be:
- What is SEO Outsourcing?
- Why should you outsource SEO?
- What SEO can you outsource?
- How do you outsource SEO to an agency?
- FAQ
Read on to answer other questions you might have!
What is SEO outsourcing?
SEO outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring an external agency or professional to manage your business’s SEO efforts rather than handling them internally.
Outsourcing SEO offers numerous benefits, but it may not be suitable for every business. Companies with unique or niche markets can hesitate, as they might feel a broad company might not understand their products or services.
Why should you outsource SEO?
SEO is complex and ever-evolving. Outsourcing allows businesses to take advantage of third-party companies and use their expert knowledge, tools, and resources without dedicating in-house staff to the task. Here are some of those advantages, broken down:
- Tools: To optimize your site, you will need access to software, such as keyword tools and programs, to assist with competitor analytics, link building, and performance tracking. These tools can be expensive and require technical expertise to use. However, an outsourced team will already have them and the knowledge to leverage them.
- Expertise: Agencies are already recruiting the best for their departments. Their strategists are equipped with the latest SEO tools and techniques and ready to handle complex SEO challenges for their clients.
- Cost: Hiring an in-house SEO team can be expensive. You’ll need to pay salaries, provide ongoing training, and invest in SEO tools and software. When you outsource, you pay for one of the services, which often costs much less than a team.
What SEO can you outsource?
Great question! You can outsource a wide range of tasks depending on your business needs and the expertise required. Here is a breakdown of some of the common tasks that can be effectively outsourced:
- Keyword research: Agencies will have top tools that will ensure you target the right search terms relevant to your audience.
- Content SEO: An agency will identify topics, write with optimization in mind, and create different SEO formats, from blogs to case studies, for your website.
- Technical SEO: Outsourcing allows you to hire experts to optimize your website’s backend structure for better search engine crawling and indexing.
- Local SEO: If you have a physical presence, get local SEO to drive foot traffic online.
- On-page and off-page SEO: They can optimize your website’s content and technical elements to improve search engine rankings.
- SEO audited and competitor analysis: Outsourced teams can fully focus on research, and identity areas both on your website, as well as opportunities from your competitors, to optimize your site better.
How do you outsource SEO to an agency?
Here are some steps that you can take in outsourcing an SEO agency for business:
- Define your goals: Determine the specific outcomes you want, such as increased organic traffic, higher search rankings, or improved lead generation.
- Set a budget: Outline a clear budget for SEO services and identify if it’s a one-time project or ongoing.
- Research agencies: Look for agencies with experience in your industry, strong reviews, proven results, and up-to-date knowledge of SEO best practices.
- Evaluate services offered: Ensure the agency offers key services you need, like on-page SEO, link building, technical SEO, content optimization, and reporting.
- Ask for case studies: Request examples or case studies to understand how they have delivered results for similar clients.
- Discuss reporting and key performance indicators (KPIs): Clarify how they report progress and set KPIs to align with your goals.
- Consider communication and culture fit: Ensure they understand your brand tone, and communication style, and are responsive.
- Review contracts and terms: Read through contract terms, pricing models, and exit clauses before signing.
By following these steps, you’ll not only find the right SEO agency but also understand why hiring an SEO company for your business can lead to more effective strategies and better results.
Frequently asked questions about outsourcing SEO
Still have questions? Here are some of the top questions that come our way from our clients:
How much does outsourcing SEO cost?
The quick answer is $2500. However, this could be more or less, depending on your needs, budget and who you work with.
It all comes down to what you need, your industry challenges, and your budget. Everything can be tailored and suited to your business. However, if you are looking for a rough ballpark figure for SEO, the following will give you an idea:
- $2500 to $7500 per month
- $50 to $100 per hour
Can I learn SEO?
If you are looking to expand your own skill set and give it a go yourself, absolutely! There are plenty of guides and videos online, as well as online courses that you can do. To get you started on your journey, here are some resources from SEO.com that will help you get going:
Is outsourcing worth it?
SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. It requires constant monitoring, updating and optimization to ensure your site maintains or (ideally) improves its rankings. In-house teams often struggle to dedicate the time needed to manage SEO effectively, especially when balancing multiple responsibilities.
You must remember that while you will have access to professionals, advanced tools, better resources, and cost-saving advantages, outsourcing is more than that.
As your business grows, your SEO will need to change. Outsourcing allows you to scale your efforts quickly without hiring or training new members. Your outsourced team will also grow with you, learning about your industry, understanding your preferences, and having in-depth insight into your business as a whole.
Additionally, you can learn how to tell if your SEO company works as you continue to collaborate with them.
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Outsource with a trusted agency for your SEO
Deciding whether to outsource your SEO strategy or manage it in-house is a significant decision for any business, whether you’re business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C). This guide has hopefully clarified which approach best suits your needs. If you’re well-equipped to handle your SEO internally, that’s fantastic, and we wish you success moving forward.
However, if you require additional support, we’re here to help. Try it for free today and see how easy it is.
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with your new favorite user-friendly SEO tool