Selecting a Reliable Freelance SEO Expert
We wanted to demonstrate, if you didn't already know, precisely how long it takes to hire a genuine SEO freelancer and ensure they have the expertise to deliver. Yes, there's plenty of sources out there telling you how long this typically takes, but we thought we'd put a stopwatch to it and see, to the minute, the amount of time it really takes.
The SEO Freelancer Search Process
Needless to say the time it actually takes is dependent on how thorough and rigorous you want to be. We have our own 31-point process here at [guru] Box, which has all the bells and whistles, but we don't think this is practical for every day marketers looking to add to their team. So, we've crafted a 'lite' version, using various sources, to create a more realistic, real-world approach.
Our 'real-world' process - start the stopwatch:
Step 1: Define Your SEO Goals and Needs:
You may have already completed this step for your business, but it's critical to do this specifically for your SEO strategy. It's super important to be clear on this before reaching out to prospective SEO freelancers to ensure you can brief them properly.
Seer Interactive wrote a great guide on setting SEO goals here, if you want some detailed guidance on the process. It's important to add that a good SEO freelancer will be able to help feedback and refine these goals, but it's important you are providing them with a sound, well reasoned starting point:
Review your current position - take a look at your keyword rankings, SEO traffic and SEO sales. (time taken 34 mins)
Set SMART goals (emphasis on Achievable here), which sit in the sweet spot between demonstrating a realistic % growth rate and your overall business objectives. e.g. increase SEO sales by 20% in the next 6 months (20mins)
Total Time: 1 hour
Step 2: Initial Research and Shortlisting
Once you have your goals you can being the process of researching and finding relevant candidates who can fit into the job. This is a manual time consuming job that takes a bit of time to do properly. We're familiar with the best routes and platforms to source candidates, but if you're not then this might take a little longer.
Research SEO specific freelancers via online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer Clutch and shortlist 3 potential candidates. We recommend the candidates are SEO specialists and not multi-channel specialists. SEO is a vocation and the best people will dedicate their careers to it.
Filter candidates by those with reviews and client testimonials that are related to your industry, business size, level of SEO competition in your keyword targets to ensure they have the right type and level of experience.
Ensure they are listed as expert across the entire SEO strategy or the specific SEO need you have
Assess the SEO specialist's years of experience in the field.
Check for relevant certifications or memberships in industry organisations.
Evaluate their understanding of SEO principles, techniques, and latest industry trends.
Assess their proficiency in utilizing SEO tools and analytics platforms.
Gauge their ability to adapt to the ever-evolving SEO landscape.
Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins
Step 3: Reach Out to Shortlist & Conduct Interviews
Don't underestimate the amount of time the admin part take here. Coordinating on times, sending invites, constructing interview questions always take longer than expected.
Schedule phone or video calls to assess the SEO specialist's knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
Ask in-depth questions about their SEO approach, strategies, and experience with your industry.
Gauge their understanding of your business objectives and how they can contribute to achieving them.
Evaluate their ability to adapt their SEO strategies to your specific needs and requirements.
Request detailed case studies showcasing their SEO successes.
Evaluate their communication style, responsiveness, and clarity in explaining technical concepts.
Assess their willingness to share case studies and examples of their previous work.
Gauge their openness to feedback and their ability to collaborate with your team.
Verify their commitment to providing regular updates and reports on progress.
What questions do they ask you? Are they insightful? Do they cover areas you may have missed? Specific products you want to push, behavioural quirks of your customers, etc.
Total Time: 7 hours
assuming 3 interviews, 30 mins scheduling, 2 hours devising interview questions/structure, 1 hour 30 mins per interview including follow up communication and response collation
Step 4: Case Studies and References
This is part can't be skipped. It's so important to validate that what the people you've been speaking are saying is true.
Verify the authenticity of case studies using SEO tools to sense check what they're saying they did
Weigh up the credibility of the businesses mentioned and their whether how they relate to your business.
Obtain contact information of previous clients to gather references and testimonials.
Conduct thorough reference checks to assess the specialist's work quality and client satisfaction.
Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins
Step 5: Negotiate and Establish Expectations
More admin, but essential to be absolutely clear and agreed on all terms and expectations before any work starts to avoid unwanted disputes in the future, which are extremely time consuming.
Clearly outline the scope of work, deliverables, and timelines for the SEO project.
Create contract and negotiate payment terms, including fees, invoicing cycles, and any additional costs.
Clearly define expectations for communication, reporting, and addressing issues promptly.
Ensure alignment on the overall goals, metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the project.
Total Time: 2 hours (assuming contractor agreements already exists and need updating)
Total Time to Recruit = 15 Hours (or two full days)
Ongoing: Check-Ins and Feedback
Beyond the recruitment process there is a time demand to ensure work is being delivered in line with the agreement and expectations in terms of results.
Schedule regular check-ins with the SEO specialist to review progress, address any concerns, and provide feedback.
Monitor the performance of SEO initiatives and analyze data to assess the impact of the specialist's efforts.
Adapt strategies and make adjustments as needed based on data and feedback.
Maintain an open and transparent communication channel with the specialist to foster trust and collaboration.
Total Time: 10+ hours per month
Time Commitment for a Thorough Search
The process of selecting the right freelance SEO expert demands a dedicated investment of time and effort. A study by Upwork, a leading freelance marketplace, revealed that businesses typically spend 10-20 hours (in line with our study above) scrutinising potential candidates and interviewing shortlisted individuals. This time commitment reflects the importance of ensuring a strong fit and aligning expectations before committing to an engagement.
Cost of Wrong Hiring Decisions
The consequences of hiring an unqualified freelance SEO specialist can be severe. A study by Search Engine Journal found that poor SEO practices can result in a loss of 50% or more of organic traffic. This revenue loss translates into a direct impact on business growth and profitability. Moreover, the time and resources invested in rectifying the SEO missteps can further strain your resources.
Average Pricing for Renowned SEO Freelancers
The average hourly rate for freelance SEO experts ranges from £25 to £100, with experienced and highly specialised individuals commanding higher rates. The least we would ever pay an SEO is £50 per hour and then only when there is an SEO specialist overseeing and setting the work. It's essential to view pricing as an investment in long-term growth rather than a mere expense. A competent SEO professional can yield substantial returns by driving organic traffic, boosting conversions, and enhancing brand reputation - all at a ridiculously high ROI.