Ranking a website today is more challenging than a few years ago. The constant updates in the algorithms that determine rankings also make it more tricky to be on the first page of search results. You need an SEO freelancer to stay on top of the game.
An SEO expert utilizes digital marketing strategies to ensure your website lands on the first page of search engine results. Hiring the right one enables you to rank your keywords and drive tons of traffic to your website. Here's how and where to hire a freelance SEO expert to help you increase your online visibility.
Four Ways to Hire a Freelance SEO Expert
Once you determine your SEO requirements, you must look for ways to find the right one. Below are four ways to do it and some websites to look into.
Option 1: Job Boards
Job boards are the most popular place to find digital marketing professionals, including SEO practitioners. Vetting freelance marketers is easier when you search on websites that offer such services. Some popular websites include:
- Upwork: Upwork is one of the largest freelance platforms that connects freelancers to businesses. You can post your project and browse through profiles to find the right SEO expert for your needs.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is a freelancers' marketplace for offering specific services, including SEO optimization. You can browse through different SEO gigs, read reviews, and hire freelancers directly based on their offerings.
- Indeed: Indeed has a large pool of SEO freelancers where you can easily search for candidates using different filter options.
- AngelList: Trusted by startups, AngelList could help you hire technical SEO freelancers.
- Freelancer: Freelancer connects clients with freelancers across various industries, including SEO.
- Guru: Guru is another platform that lets you find freelancers with expertise in SEO and other fields. You can search for SEO experts, review their profiles, and hire them for your projects.
Pro Tip: Attract the best SEO freelancers by creating optimized job ads. It should include a keyword-focused job description, a compelling headline, and detailed but straightforward responsibilities.
Option 2: Social Media
Social media plays a significant role in recruitment, helping businesses find the best talent. If you're looking for some of the top freelance SEO experts, you're likely to encounter them on social media platforms such as:
- Facebook
- LinkedIn
- Twitter (rebranded as X)
- Reddit
Pro Tip: Include a relevant hashtag when you post your need for an SEO freelancer on social media.
Option 3: Google Search
Most SEO freelancers showcase their projects or work through an online portfolio or website. Given that they apply SEO on their websites, they may rank high on Google for their relevant keywords. Conduct a casual Google search to discover a professional to help you with SEO.
Pro Tip: If you want one in your area, you can google "SEO freelancer+your location" to get the results of the top SEO talents near you.
Option 4: Use your Network
If you possess a solid professional network, there's a high chance that someone within your connections has engaged with an SEO freelancer. Your colleague can recommend it to you. Hence, seeking referrals from trusted entrepreneurs in your network is best.
What Does a Freelance SEO Expert Do
Search engine optimization is a broad area that affects almost every aspect of online marketing. But how can an SEO freelancer help your business? Let's uncover the roles of an SEO expert:
Keyword Research
Keyword research is the foundation of SEO implementation that can help businesses rank well. This is done by finding search terms that users input in search engines. That's why this role is crucial to jumpstart your SEO journey.
Content Strategy
The following function of an SEO expert is developing a content strategy. It involved planning the whole process needed to create excellent content.
Content Creation
Content creation is another essential element of SEO. It is best to know that creating content is a science that not everyone understands. An individual should be adept in proper keyword placement, structuring and formatting, and writing your audience's preferred tone.
Anyone can be a good writer, but not everyone can be an exceptional SEO writer. That said, content creation is one of the few ways a freelance SEO expert can help push your business forward.
Link Building
Aside from content, link building is another important ingredient of SEO. Search engines utilize links to gauge the authority of content and websites or web pages. Remember, a more authoritative web page results in higher search engines ranking it for queries related to your keywords.
An effective link building involves building relevant links on three levels. These are internal links, outgoing links, and inbound links.
How to Hire an SEO Expert
Most of the SEO knowledge is a result of self-study. The only way to verify their skills is by looking at their portfolio. Here are some tips to improve your chances of picking the best talent to assist you:
- Identify your SEO needs
- Set quantifiable goals
- Define your budget
- Browse the best website for sourcing SEO talents
- Assign a text project to your prospective freelance SEO expert
Much Does it Cost to Hire a Freelance SEO Expert?
The rates of SEO experts vary. Some charge per project or hour and some are paid on a salary. It depends on your project's scope and the hiring goals.
SEO Experts charge between $10 to $150 per hour with an average rate of $48 per hour.
Conclusion
Now that the competition is intense, hiring a freelance SEO expert might be one of the paths that will help you hurdle the challenges. But before jumping off the cliff, equip yourself with enough knowledge about the purpose of hiring one. This easy to follow guide will help you decide and forge a successful collaboration with the best SEO talent waiting to be tapped.
