A Melbourne-based clinic spent thousands on ads but still couldn’t crack page one of the search engine results pages. Sound familiar? With 44% of companies now using search engine optimization—and the SEO industry projected to hit $106.9 billion by 2025—it’s clear that a strong SEO strategy is no longer optional.
As an experienced SEO consultant from the Philippines, I’ve helped local businesses improve website traffic through keyword research, content creation, and technical SEO. This guide outlines what to know before you hire someone for SEO—so you can avoid costly mistakes and get real results for your specific business goals.
Hiring the right SEO expert isn’t just about boosting rankings—it’s about finding a partner who understands your business goals, speaks your language, and can build sustainable growth, not just quick wins.
Understanding the Basics – You Don’t Need to Learn SEO, But You Need to Know This
You don’t have to master SEO—but if you’re investing in it, you do need to understand how it works. SEO isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing marketing strategy designed to grow your website traffic, improve your search engine rankings, and ultimately help your business attract more clients through search engine results pages.
So, what should you know before you hire someone for SEO?
Start with the core components. Keyword research is about identifying the search terms your ideal customers are using. Then there’s on page SEO—which involves optimising your website content, headings, and meta descriptions to align with those keywords. Technical SEO focuses on the site structure, loading speed, mobile-friendliness, and crawlability—things that impact how search engines see your site. Add link building and content marketing into the mix, and you’ve got a full SEO puzzle to solve.
SEO tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console are essential for tracking organic traffic, monitoring performance, and measuring against your SEO goals. These tools provide critical insights into what’s working and where your seo consultant should focus their efforts.
But here’s what many business owners overlook: your SEO provider—whether a freelancer, in house SEO specialist, or seo agency—can only do so much without your support.
Let me give you an example.
I worked with a conveyancing and legal firm that not only hired me to improve their website’s SEO, but also stayed involved throughout the process. They guided our keyword research by sharing which services and locations mattered most. They also aligned SEO with their brand positioning and business needs, and even brought in a developer to improve backend performance after we identified speed issues during an SEO audit.
They also allocated internal resources for content creation—ensuring we could publish quality content that spoke to their clients and reinforced their local SEO. Their proactive involvement helped us move faster and gain traction sooner than expected.
This is what good SEO looks like—it’s a partnership, not a plug-and-play service.
Understanding the SEO process, asking the right questions, and setting the right expectations helps you become a better collaborator. It empowers you to evaluate SEO professionals, distinguish between effective and outdated SEO tactics, and make sure your marketing efforts are aligned with measurable results—not just keywords and vanity metrics.
Because SEO doesn’t just improve visibility online. When done right, it drives leads, builds authority, and helps you grow a successful business.
What to Know Before You Hire Someone for SEO
Hiring an SEO professional isn’t just about getting more traffic. It’s about choosing someone who can build a strategy that aligns with your business goals, speaks to your ideal audience, and helps your brand earn long-term visibility in search engine results pages. But with hundreds of SEO providers offering everything from one-off audits to full-blown SEO agency retainers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
So, what should you really be looking for?
SEO Is Not a Quick Fix—It’s a Commitment
One of the most common misconceptions I hear as an SEO consultant is, “How fast can we rank on page one?” The truth is, SEO is a long-term investment. Good SEO takes time—months, not weeks—because it involves technical SEO fixes, on page SEO optimisation, content creation, link building, and monitoring through tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Real growth happens gradually, but when done right, the organic traffic and leads you gain are sustainable and scalable.
Set Expectations Early—and Test Their Thinking
When hiring an SEO specialist, don’t just rely on polished portfolios or a confident pitch. During your interviews or discovery calls, ask quick but practical questions like:
- “How would you approach ranking for [insert your core service] in [insert location]?”
- “What would your first 90 days of SEO look like for my business?”
- “How would you handle technical issues if our dev team is limited?”
These strategy-testing questions reveal how flexible and experienced someone really is—because pre-scripted answers only go so far when faced with real business challenges.
Define Your Challenges Upfront
Letting your SEO pro know about any backend limitations, team bottlenecks, or content gaps gives them a clearer picture of how to structure the SEO process. Whether your issue is poor site speed, no existing blog, or messy URL structures, it helps your provider customise an SEO strategy that works for your own site.
What Makes a Good SEO Professional?
Not all SEO providers are created equal. Here are a few criteria to help you vet the right person:
- Experience over hype – Look for someone with at least 3-5 years working on multiple campaigns, especially with local businesses or businesses in your industry.
- Results you can verify – Ask to see past clients, case studies, or previous results (even anonymised ones). What worked? How was success measured?
- Up-to-date practices – SEO changes constantly. Your provider should stay current with Google’s algorithms, new SEO tools, and evolving SEO tactics.
- Clear process – A good SEO expert won’t be vague. They should walk you through their SEO audit methods, reporting schedules, and key performance indicators.
- Collaborative mindset – You’re hiring a partner, not just a service. The best results come from open communication and mutual accountability.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If someone promises:
- Guaranteed rankings
- A sudden spike in traffic within weeks
- Cheap monthly packages with no reporting
- Or avoids talking about technical work
…run.
These are outdated, shortcut-driven tactics that often lead to costly mistakes, penalties, or poor ROI.
Freelancer, Agency, or In-House?
Should you bring someone in-house? Partner with an SEO agency? Or outsource to an experienced freelancer or remote SEO specialist?
Let’s break it down.
In-House SEO: Control Comes at a Cost
Hiring an in-house SEO specialist can seem like the perfect solution if you want someone deeply engaged with your brand’s nuances. However, this approach often proves to be the most costly. Beyond the salary, you must consider expenses for SEO tools, continuous training, employee benefits, and the time required for effective onboarding.
Finding a local candidate with the ideal mix of technical SEO, content marketing, and keyword research expertise can be particularly challenging. This is especially true if your business is situated outside a major urban center. This complexity often leads companies to consider outsourcing or partnering with specialized SEO agencies.
SEO Agencies: Full-Service, But Not Always Flexible
A reputable SEO agency offers a team of specialists and access to premium SEO tools. It provides comprehensive services that can elevate your search engine optimization efforts. However, these benefits often come with hefty retainers, rigid processes, and sometimes generic packages that may not be tailored to your specific business needs.
For many local businesses, the experience can feel impersonal. Results take longer due to layered communication and slower turnaround times. While agencies bring expertise, the lack of customization and personal touch can be a drawback.
Freelancers and Remote SEO Specialists: Flexible, Focused, and Cost-Effective
This is where outsourcing SEO truly shines.
Hiring a freelance SEO professional allows you to scale your SEO process at your own pace, without the weight of long-term contracts or high agency fees. You’re not paying for office overhead, bloated teams, or agency markups. Instead, you’re investing directly in expertise, strategy, and execution tailored to your business needs.
And thanks to the internet, businesses are no longer limited by geography. In the past, we relied on whoever was within driving distance. Now, you can tap into a global talent pool—finding someone who understands search engine optimization and is genuinely passionate about growing your brand.
I’ve partnered with law firms, healthcare providers, and local service businesses across Australia, the U.S., and Canada. Many of them now consider me part of their in-house SEO team, even though I’m based in the Philippines. What makes the partnership work isn’t proximity—it’s mutual trust, aligned goals, and consistent communication.
How Remote Collaboration Works in Practice
If you’ve never worked with a remote contractor, you might wonder how communication plays out. In my experience, it’s all about setting expectations and respecting boundaries.
I’m a big fan of tools like Slack and WhatsApp, which allow me to stay connected even when I’m away from my desk. But staying connected doesn’t mean being “always on.” It’s about acknowledging a message or concern and letting the client know when I’ll action it—usually during working hours. This creates a rhythm of responsiveness without disrupting work-life balance.
The same courtesy applies both ways. As a freelance SEO specialist, I encourage clients to share their business hours, preferred meeting times, and urgent escalation procedures right from the start. That way, we can agree on clear SEO goals, manage requests appropriately, and avoid crossed wires—no matter the time zone.
When these foundations are in place, location becomes irrelevant. You don’t need someone sitting in your office—you need someone who understands your brand, communicates clearly, and consistently delivers results.
Grow as You Go
Outsourcing also allows you to start lean. Instead of hiring a full in-house team right away, many businesses begin by working with one experienced SEO specialist, and gradually build out their marketing stack as they grow. Some of my clients now have remote teams with specialists from the Philippines, India, Europe, and the U.S.—each focused on different parts of their digital strategy, from content creation to technical SEO to link building.
Cost vs Value: Avoiding Costly Mistakes When Hiring an SEO Professional
Many business owners understandably focus on cost. But the real question isn’t “How cheap can I get this?”—it’s “What am I actually getting for my money?”
SEO is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies out there. In fact:
- 50% of marketers say SEO delivers a better ROI than any other marketing tactic.
- Businesses spend an average of $500 to $7,500 per month on SEO services, depending on their goals and market.
- According to Ahrefs, the average hourly rate for SEO professionals is $75–$150, but this varies widely by location and experience.
If you’re hiring someone purely based on price, you risk falling into traps like:
- Outdated tactics that could hurt your search engine rankings
- Cookie-cutter strategies that ignore your specific business needs
- Lack of transparency or measurable results
- Wasted time and money fixing poor-quality work later on
The right SEO professional won’t just promise more traffic—they’ll explain how that traffic will convert into leads or revenue, how they’ll track progress and set clear KPIs.
SEO Pricing Breakdown
Here’s a rough guide to what SEO services can cost in 2025, based on the provider type and scope of work:
Provider Type |
Monthly Rate |
What You Get |
| Freelance SEO Specialist (Philippines) | $500 – $1,500 | Custom strategies, hands-on implementation, direct communication |
| Freelance SEO Specialist (US/AU/UK) | $1,500 – $3,000+ | Higher hourly rates, similar scope as above |
| SEO Agency (Small/Local) | $2,000 – $5,000+ | Strategy, implementation, reporting, access to a small team |
| SEO Agency (Enterprise-Level) | $5,000 – $10,000+ | Full-scale campaigns, multiple specialists, advanced reporting tools |
| In-House SEO Hire | $60,000 – $90,000+/yr | One dedicated person; still need budget for tools, content, dev, etc. |
These are just ballpark figures, of course. But they illustrate why starting with a trusted freelancer—especially one with years of experience and industry-specific knowledge—can offer the best balance of cost and value for small to medium-sized businesses.
Why Outsourcing SEO to the Philippines Is a Smart Move
When you outsource SEO to the Philippines, you’re not just hiring someone who speaks fluent English—you’re partnering with professionals known for their dedication, adaptability, and drive to deliver results. Filipino SEO specialists bring more than affordability to the table. They bring initiative, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for helping businesses grow.
Take it from me. I didn’t come from a traditional digital agency background—I taught myself SEO through real-world application, online courses, and constant experimentation. I’m a visual learner, so I test strategies, track performance, and adjust based on what actually works—not just theory.
I like to describe it this way:
World-class quality, Filipino affordability.
Who Needs to Hire a Filipino SEO Expert
Not sure if it’s time to bring in a professional? Here are clear warning signs your business needs help from an SEO expert:
- You’re invisible on Google. When potential clients search for your service + location, your website doesn’t show up—or worse, your competitors do.
- Website traffic is flat or dropping. You’ve had a website for a while, but it’s not bringing in consistent leads or new business.
- You rely too much on paid ads. You’re spending money on Google Ads or social media just to get visibility. SEO offers long-term organic traffic without ongoing ad spend.
- You’ve tried DIY SEO—but got stuck. Maybe you’ve attempted keyword research, tweaked a few meta descriptions, or posted a blog or two. But results? Still crickets.
- Your site is slow, outdated, or hard to navigate. Poor site structure and user experience can harm your search engine rankings—and you may not even know it’s happening.
- Your competitors are outranking you. Even with fewer resources, they’re getting noticed—because they’ve invested in SEO strategy and ongoing optimisation.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to hire an SEO specialist who can create a clear roadmap, track your progress, and help you build a successful business—with visibility that lasts.
Build a Successful Business with the Right SEO Partner
For small to medium-sized businesses, hiring a skilled freelancer can offer the best of both worlds—personalized service, deep expertise, and better value for your budget. It’s not just outsourcing; it’s a strategic partnership focused on communication and shared success.
If you’re ready to work with someone who brings both technical know-how and business insight to the table, let’s talk. Let’s talk about your website’s SEO and build a strategy that works for your business.
World Class SEO Services,
Filipino Affordability.
Book a Consultation here.
FAQs about Hiring an SEO
Why should I hire an SEO expert instead of doing it myself?
While basic SEO can be self-taught, hiring an SEO expert gives you access to tested strategies, advanced tools, and technical knowledge that saves time and prevents costly mistakes. SEO isn’t just about using the right keywords—it’s about building a long-term strategy, fixing backend issues, improving visibility online, and tracking progress. Working with a specialist ensures your SEO efforts are effective, targeted, and aligned with your business goals.
How long does SEO take to work?
SEO is a long-term marketing strategy, not an overnight fix. Depending on your industry, competition, and website’s current state, you may start seeing results in 3 to 6 months. Improvements in rankings, traffic, and leads happen gradually through consistent SEO work—including creating quality content, technical SEO, and link building. Patience is key. The longer you invest in SEO, the more sustainable and compounding the results become.
How do I know if my SEO specialist is doing a good job?
A reliable SEO professional will provide regular updates, clear deliverables, and explain your key performance indicators (KPIs). You should see improvements in rankings, search traffic, and conversions over time. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console will show measurable growth. Most importantly, your SEO specialist should communicate clearly, adjust strategies as needed, and be transparent about what’s working—and what isn’t. SEO is about partnership, not guesswork.
What’s included in an ongoing SEO service?
Ongoing SEO services usually include keyword tracking, technical SEO maintenance, content optimization, blog publishing, link building, and monthly reporting. Your SEO specialist may also handle local SEO tasks like Google Business Profile updates, as well as competitor analysis to stay ahead. SEO is not a “set and forget” activity—continuous monitoring and adjustment are required to stay aligned with Google’s algorithm changes and evolving user behavior.
Do I need to provide anything for the SEO specialist to start?
Yes, collaboration helps speed things up. It’s helpful to provide access to your website CMS, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console. Sharing your business goals, target locations, ideal keywords, and content guidelines will help your SEO specialist create a strategy that fits your brand. The more transparent you are about your challenges and resources, your SEO campaign will be more effective and personalized.
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