A Step-by-Step Guide on Outsourcing SEO Services

A Step-by-Step Guide on Outsourcing SEO Services

Understanding SEO Outsourcing

SEO outsourcing involves enlisting the assistance of a specialised agency or freelance professional to execute and potentially develop your SEO strategy to increase organic traffic from search engines.

The decision to outsource SEO becomes valuable when your marketing team lacks the necessary capacity, resources or tools required to effectively implement an SEO strategy.

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When contemplating SEO outsourcing, it is crucial to carefully determine which specific aspects or components you intend to delegate to external parties.

Exploring Different Types of Outsourced SEO Services

Based on your company’s requirements and financial considerations, you have the option to outsource either a portion or the entirety of your SEO services.

Here are the key SEO tasks that can be delegated to external professionals:

• On-Page SEO: Enhancing webpage visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs) by optimising elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and internal linking.
• Off-Page of Outsourcing SEO: Implementing activities beyond your website to enhance domain authority and SERP visibility, such as link building and guest blogging.
• Technical SEO: Optimising website performance and visibility by addressing technical aspects, including website structure and other technical elements.
• International SEO: Adapt your website for different countries and languages through tasks like translating content, implementing language tags, and optimising for specific search engines.
• Local SEO: Improving your website’s visibility in local search results by optimising your Google Business Profile, creating localised content and generating local reviews.
• Content SEO: Creating optimised content to enhance SERP visibility, which involves activities like keyword research, developing topic clusters, and optimising existing content.

Additionally, you can choose to outsource specific tasks such as SEO strategy development, SEO audits, link building, UX design and sitemap optimisation.

Learn More: 7 Powerful On-Page SEO Tips for Small Business

Comparing Freelancers and SEO Agencies for Outsourcing

Choosing between a freelance SEO specialist and an agency should be based on your specific requirements. It’s important to note that both options generally offer both one-time services and long-term project engagements.

Freelance SEO specialists usually operate in two primary modes:

• Per project: You and the freelancer agree to collaborate on a particular outsource SEO project with defined deliverables.
• Retainer package: The freelancer offers a predetermined number of hours that can be utilised for various SEO tasks as per your needs.

Freelancers commonly specialise in specific services rather than providing comprehensive SEO support.

Opting for a freelancer is advantageous when you require assistance with specific tasks such as optimising product pages or identifying keyword opportunities.

However, if you seek a more comprehensive solution, collaborating with a full-service SEO agency becomes more favourable. By partnering with an agency, you gain access to a diverse team equipped with extensive skills and expertise covering most, if not all, of the services mentioned earlier.

Furthermore, SEO agencies offer ongoing support, enabling you to stay updated with the latest industry changes and trends.

Advantages of Outsourcing SEO

Let’s explore some of the main advantages of working with an agency or a freelancer for outsourcing SEO.

Enhanced Efficiency and Timeliness

Outsourcing SEO offers a swift resolution to your company’s requirements. Instead of investing in training or recruiting new talent, you have the option to delegate those responsibilities to experienced professionals or a dedicated team.

This approach is particularly beneficial for various types of organisations. It is ideal for smaller teams that face resource constraints, businesses with limited budgets, teams seeking to achieve SEO optimisation quickly, or larger teams in search of specialised assistance.

Access to Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

SEO-specialised freelancers and agencies possess extensive knowledge in adapting to algorithm changes, staying updated on emerging SEO tactics, and identifying new competitors in the field.

In contrast, maintaining awareness of these developments can be a challenge for an in-house SEO team. For smaller businesses, the task of hiring a dedicated SEO professional can be daunting and may not be financially viable.

Cost-Effectiveness and Savings

Choosing to outsource SEO often proves to be a more cost-effective option compared to hiring an in-house team. Building an in-house team entails substantial investments in terms of salaries, benefits and training expenses.

On the other hand, outsourcing allows you to pay for the specific services you require without the burden of additional overhead costs. This cost-efficient approach enables you to allocate your budget effectively while still benefiting from professional SEO services.

Disadvantages of Outsourcing SEO

Now let’s consider some of the limitations of outsourcing SEO.

Limited Control Over the Process

When you opt to outsource SEO, it is important to acknowledge that you may relinquish a certain degree of control over your SEO strategies and tactics.

However, you can still retain some level of control by establishing clear expectations and providing your outsourced SEO partner with essential information, such as:

• Detailed audience personas: Sharing comprehensive insights about your target audience helps the outsourced SEO partner align their strategies accordingly.
• Previous SEO tactics and results: Informing your partner about the SEO tactics you have previously implemented and the outcomes you have achieved enables them to build upon your successes and avoid repeating ineffective strategies.
• Competitor insights: Providing information about your competitors allows the outsourced SEO partner to analyse their strategies and devise approaches that can give you a competitive edge.

By communicating these details and maintaining open lines of communication, you can foster collaboration and ensure that your outsourced SEO efforts align with your overall goals and objectives.

Potential Communication Challenges

Outsourcing SEO may introduce challenges related to language barriers and varying time zones, which can impede smooth communication and potentially result in misunderstandings and delays.

To mitigate these issues, it is crucial to establish transparent communication channels and guidelines right from the beginning of the outsourcing partnership.

Ensure that you schedule regular meetings and utilise communication tools such as Zoom, E-Mail and Project Management Software to stay connected and maintain effective communication despite geographical distances.

By setting clear expectations and utilising appropriate communication tools, you can overcome language barriers and time zone differences, promoting better collaboration and minimising potential communication-related challenges.

Reduced Familiarity with the Local Market

It is important to acknowledge that third-party digital marketing SEO outsourcing providers may not always possess the in-depth understanding and insight necessary to develop a customised and effective SEO strategy that aligns with your unique needs.

However, it is possible to find an SEO company that meets these requirements.

When selecting an SEO partner, prioritise those with industry-specific experience or expertise in your niche. Look for providers who can demonstrate their capabilities through case studies or examples of successful campaigns they have executed for businesses similar to yours.

By conducting thorough research and selecting a knowledgeable SEO company, you increase the likelihood of finding a partner who can develop a tailored SEO strategy that yields positive results for your specific industry or niche.

Step By Step Guide to Outsourcing SEO

Here are the steps and processes for choosing the best SEO outsourcing partner for your company:

1. Establish Clear Objectives

Begin the process by clearly defining your objectives, which will help determine the type of SEO services you require and the desired outcomes you aim to achieve.

For instance, if you are initiating an SEO strategy for the first time and your objective is to enhance your brand’s organic visibility, you will likely need to commence with comprehensive keyword research.

By establishing specific goals and understanding the initial steps necessary to reach them, you can effectively identify the appropriate SEO services and strategies that will propel your brand towards success.

2. Conduct Research and Choose the Right SEO Partner

When searching for an SEO professional or agency that aligns with your business goals, it is essential to consider certain factors that contribute to their suitability:

• Expertise: Determine whether you require someone with expertise in working with brands within your specific niche industry. Additionally, identify the types of SEO knowledge and skills they must possess to effectively support your goals.
• Efficiency: Assess the timeline within which you expect to see results. Consider whether you have room for trial and error before committing to a specific SEO strategy.
• Cost: Evaluate your budget for investing in SEO services and clarify the desired outcomes you anticipate from this investment.

For instance, if your business is relatively new, focusing on optimisation tactics and conducting competitor research to identify keyword gaps may be a priority.

When evaluating potential freelancers or agencies, seek evidence of their track record of success. Request reviews, case studies and testimonials to aid in making an informed final decision.

3. Define the Scope of Work and Expectations

Image keywords: SEO Outsourcing Process, SEO Outsourcing Scopes

To prevent potential misunderstandings and the misallocation of budget, it is crucial to establish a clear agreement on the scope of work before commencing outsourcing SEO projects. The following are the three key aspects that should be agreed upon with an SEO provider:

Specific Services Required

It is essential to communicate the specific services you require and define any limitations or exclusions associated with each service when outsourcing SEO.

For instance, you can consider outsourcing keyword research to enhance your rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs). However, you may prefer to have an in-house writer responsible for creating content based on those keywords.

By clearly outlining your service preferences and addressing any specific limitations or exclusions, you can ensure a streamlined collaboration with your SEO provider and maximise the effectiveness of your outsourced SEO efforts.

Project Timeline

Establishing clear deadlines benefits both parties involved, facilitating effective planning and ensuring that the project progresses smoothly.

• Engage in discussions regarding the time frame for each deliverable and ensure that the vendor can meet the agreed-upon deadlines. It is important to allow sufficient time for revisions, approvals, and other unforeseen circumstances that may impact the schedule.
• For instance, if you have hired an agency to publish a series of SEO-driven blog posts on your website over the next three months, utilising a content calendar becomes essential. This tool enables you to effectively manage, schedule, and track all your content marketing efforts, ensuring a well-organised and streamlined workflow.
• By emphasising the importance of clear deadlines and utilising tools like a content calendar, you can maintain accountability, keep the project on track, and achieve the desired results within the specified time frame.

Budgetary Considerations

To establish alignment with your SEO service provider and effectively manage your budget while avoiding scope creep, it is crucial to clarify the pricing model up front.

Ensure that both parties are on the same page regarding whether the pricing is based on a one-time, monthly, or performance-based fee structure.

Additionally, it is important to communicate and understand any potential additional fees that may apply. By doing so, you can proactively address any potential surprises or unexpected costs that may arise during the project.

By openly discussing and clarifying the SEO pricing model and any associated fees, you can establish transparency, maintain financial control, and foster a productive working relationship with your SEO service provider.

4. Grant Access to Your Website and Relevant Data

Granting your SEO service provider access to your website and relevant data is crucial for their effective implementation of SEO strategies. They may require access to the following:

• Analytics: Provide access to tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, or any other platforms you use to track your website’s performance and gather valuable insights.
• Google Business Profile: If you are focusing on local SEO, granting access to your Google Business Profile will enable your SEO partner to optimise it accordingly.
• CMS or hosting service: To enhance on-site SEO, it is essential to provide access to your Content Management System (CMS) or hosting service. This allows them to make necessary optimisations and improve your website’s overall performance.

Additionally, consider granting your SEO partner access to historical reports. This will provide them with a deeper understanding of your website’s past performance, enabling them to develop a comprehensive strategy based on insights from previous data.

By ensuring the necessary access to relevant tools and data, you enable your SEO service provider to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies to improve your website’s visibility and performance in search engine rankings.

5. Monitor and Evaluate Performance

Monitoring and tracking the progress of your outsourced SEO services are vital for evaluating their effectiveness and identifying areas that require improvement.

Keep a close eye on the following metrics to assess the performance of your SEO efforts:

• Keyword rankings: Track the positions of your targeted keywords in search engine results pages (SERPs) to gauge your visibility and determine if your SEO strategies are positively impacting your rankings.
• Monthly organic traffic: Monitor the volume of organic traffic your website receives every month. This metric helps you understand the impact of your SEO efforts on driving relevant visitors to your site.
• Backlinks: Keep track of the number and quality of backlinks pointing to your website. Backlinks from reputable sources can enhance your domain authority and improve search engine rankings.
• Referring domains: Monitor the number of unique domains that are linking back to your website. A diverse and authoritative backlink profile from various referring domains can positively impact your SEO performance.

By consistently monitoring these metrics, you can assess the effectiveness of your outsourced SEO services, identify areas of strength, and pinpoint opportunities for further optimisation and improvement.

Best Practices for Successful SEO Outsourcing

By partnering with a trusted SEO outsourcing provider, you can enhance the overall quality of your website, increase your online visibility and drive revenue growth.

If you are seeking professional assistance from an agency, we recommend initiating your SEO journey with Traffic Radius. Transform your online presence and achieve your business goals by leveraging the expertise and services provided by Traffic Radius.