Should I hire someone for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?

As a website owner, you may find yourself pondering the question: Should I hire someone for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?

 The decision to hire someone for SEO depends on various factors, including the current state of your website, your marketing goals, and your available resources.

Should I hire someone for SEO?

The SEO techniques are diverse, some are very extreme and require an expert SEO to look at, and some require little knowledge and others are doable even if you have no experience at all.

 Before hiring someone for an SEO

So let’s take a look at the doable one first.

1.   Arranging/planning your keyword Research

Imagine you're embarking on a road trip without a map – chaos, right? Similarly, keyword research is your roadmap for successful SEO journey.

Start by identifying the main topics that revolve around your content. Are these topics more competitive? Do you have what it takes to compete with the best in this niche?

 What are the burning questions your audience has? What are the trends in your niche? Understanding this lays the foundation for your journey.

2.     Conversations over keywords

Let's not get too caught up in the technical jargon. Instead of robotic keywords, think of them as conversational cues.

How would your audience express their queries naturally? Incorporate these phrases into your research. Picture yourself in a conversation with your audience, anticipating what they'd type into that search bar.

Put yourself in your audiences' place, and then you will have clearer ideas keywords that matter.

3.     Spying  on the competitors

You may think “Oh, it’s unethical to spy".

Okay, maybe not spy, but definitely observe! Take a peek at what your competitors are up to, What keywords are they ranking for?

Which ones seem to resonate with their audience?

This isn't about imitation; it's about inspiration. Learn from their successes and tweak them to reflect your unique voice and perspective.

But before that, you have to choose your battles wise.

What if you are competing with the giants like Forbes, The Washington Post and Search Engine journal and the likes?

It's likely you will suffer.

Spying your competitors is a doable SEO tactic and it’s one of the most critical ones when you are starting your SEO journey.

4.     Long-tailed keywords are your friends

At the very beginning, when your website is new, targeting at short-tailed keywords is risky. It will take a long time and effort to rank for such keywords or you will never, ever rank for such keywords if you are in the technology niche.

The big boys, the ones we mentioned before are already ranking for these words.

5.     Optimize your URLs

Make sure to use SEO friendly URLs.  Use clean, short URLs. It means, your keyword and your post URL should much. If you are using long-tailed keyword, make sure to use hyphen in your URL

For instances (Best-SEO-Tools-for-small-businesses). The purpose behind using these types of URLs is making sure the user can read it.

See also : Does domain authority matter?

6.     Optimize your site speed

This is another doable SEO technique.  Site speed can sometimes build or break your site interactions. What it doesn’t load for 30 seconds? The user is likely to close your tap and open another link.

Site speed can be affected by many factors such your content, your storage, plugins and of course the type of pictures your use in your content.

Make sure to use JPEG files instead of PING files. Jpeg files are more SEO friendly than PING files.

7.     Content Optimization

Regularly update and optimize your website content. Use relevant keywords naturally within your content to improve its visibility to search engines. Content optimization is an ongoing and never ending process. If you stop optimizing your content, you are risking to be left behind.

8.     Technical SEO Audits

Leverage free online tools to conduct basic technical SEO audits. Identify and fix issues like broken links, slow-loading pages, and mobile responsiveness to improve user experience and search engine rankings.

I think this is the trickiest among all, but with the right tools, you can see a glimpse of your website technical SEO. You can audit it and tackle the problems you see or, if you can’t, you will call the experts to solve these problems.

9.     Social Media Engagement

Actively engage with your audience on social media platforms. While not a direct SEO factor, social signals can indirectly impact search rankings.

All of these factors can be done by the website owner; they need little to no experience at all. Make sure to do these things to improve your site ranking. They can help you shape your website SEO journey.

 Read also: Why SEO Is Important For Small Businesses

When to Consider Hiring Someone for SEO

1.     When it looks complex

If the world of SEO appears intricate and overwhelming to your liking, it might be time to bring in an expert.

Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, and understanding the nuances of on-page and off-page optimization, keyword research, and link building requires a dedicated effort.

An SEO specialist can navigate this complex terrain, ensuring your website remains visible and competitive.

2.     When you have limited time and resources

Running a website involves myriad responsibilities, and dedicating time to mastering SEO techniques might not be feasible for everyone.

Many times, it looks time-consuming effort. It looks annoying.

If you find yourself stretched thin, hiring an SEO professional allows you to focus on your core business functions while entrusting the intricacies of online visibility to someone with expertise.

3.     When your website Performance is Stagnant or Declining

A decline in organic traffic or stagnant search engine rankings may signal a need for professional intervention.

SEO experts can conduct thorough audits, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance your website's visibility, ultimately driving more relevant traffic.

Criteria for Hiring an SEO Expert

So , how can one can hire a good SEO expert?

Hiring an SEO expert can be tricky, but these criteria should be kept in mind when hiring.

1.     Specialized Knowledge

 Look for an SEO professional with a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, industry trends, and proven strategies. A specialist can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of your business.

2.     Track Record of Success

Evaluate the track record of potential SEO experts or agencies. Successful case studies, positive client testimonials, and a strong online presence are indicative of a professional who can deliver results.

3.     Customized Strategies

A good SEO expert will provide a personalized strategy based on your business goals and target audience. Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches and opt for professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within your industry.

Read also: the top SEO Tools to boost website ranking

Wrapping Up

The decision to hire an SEO expert hinges on your website's current state, your available resources, and your long-term goals. While website owners can take certain steps independently, the ever-evolving nature of SEO and the benefits of specialized knowledge often make hiring an SEO professional a prudent investment for sustained online success.