Businesses stay afloat with innovative strategies to maintain a competitive edge. One strategy that has proven effective and gained immense popularity among businesses of all sizes is outsourcing.
The concept of outsourcing has been in the spotlight for decades, with companies, both large and small, recognizing its potential. Businesses worldwide increasingly leverage external expertise to stay connected with customers and optimize operations.
In the United States alone, there are 59 million freelancers, demonstrating the widespread shift towards leveraging external talent.
The undeniable trend towards outsourcing is driven by its capacity to bring about a range of benefits, including enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness. One area where outsourcing holds particular promise is in search engine optimization or SEO.
SEO is the gateway to unleashing the immense possibilities of the online world. Outsourcing SEO services can be a strategic move for businesses seeking a better online presence.
In this guide, you’ll learn the advantages of outsourcing SEO services and gain valuable insights for considering this transformative step in your company.
See Also: Why Should Businesses Invest in SEO
How to Choose the Right SEO Partner
Whether large or small, companies can benefit from outsourcing, particularly its capacity to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
But how does a business leader know when it’s the right time to outsource SEO services?
It’s time to outsource your SEO needs if:
- The volume of tasks on your plate is leaving you feeling swamped
- You lack SEO expertise.
- You have a limited budget.
Once you decide to outsource, it’s time to evaluate your potential partners.
Here are some of the things you need to consider to find the right SEO partner:
Expertise
The first and foremost consideration should be the expertise of the SEO company or specialist. Look at their track record in performing SEO services, especially in your niche. They should have a proven record of success, and you can ask for case studies to gauge their understanding of your industry and challenges.
Strategy
SEO is a holistic discipline that goes beyond keywords and links. An ideal provider should have a comprehensive approach that covers on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. They should stay updated with the latest search engine algorithm updates and SEO trends, and be proactive in suggesting changes and ideas.
Industry Experience
Each industry has its unique characteristics, language, and audience. Your chosen SEO partner must have a deep understanding of your niche and be capable of developing a tailored SEO strategy aligned with your business objectives.
Testimonials and Reviews
While you may not have access to all the reports and results a provider has delivered for others, you can request a portfolio that showcases their skills and expertise. Examining their clients and projects can give you essential insights into how they’ve helped businesses improve their search engine rankings and online visibility.
Don’t be discouraged if some case studies aren’t publicly available, as many project overviews require requests or approvals due to NDAs.
Reporting and Communication
SEO is a long-term commitment, and you need a partner who provides clear insights into their actions, explaining what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and how it benefits your business.
They should also offer regular, comprehensive reports showcasing the progress of your SEO campaigns, including metrics like organic traffic, keyword rankings, and conversion rates, depending on your KPIs and arrangements.
Tool Stack
Your SEO partner should leverage advanced SEO tools to analyze your website, identify issues, and track progress. The size of their tool stack isn’t as important as how effectively they use the tools at their disposal.
Reputation and Credibility
In the world of SEO, a good reputation goes a long way. When selecting an SEO partner, research client testimonials and reviews to assess their reliability and effectiveness.
Aim to find a partner that is not only talked about in the industry but also recognized for delivering solid results. If they specialize in your industry, that’s even better.
Value for Money
Quality SEO services should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense. It’s essential to compare the prices of different providers and weigh them against the services offered to make a cost-effective decision.
Define the project scope and assess whether it can be scaled as your business grows, ensuring your chosen partner can adapt to your evolving needs.
Must Read: What Are Low-Value SEO Tactics to Avoid?
Measuring Success: 5 SEO KPIs Businesses Need to Track
Once you find the right SEO partner, the next thing you must think about is the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you need to measure to determine whether they’re living up to your expectations.
Here are five SEO KPIs that you need to track:
1. Conversions
Measuring and tracking organic conversions is a straightforward way to demonstrate the effectiveness of your SEO efforts. These conversions can include sales, leads, subscriptions, or any other action directly contributing to your business’s revenue.
2. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)
Customer lifetime value (CLV) is a predictive metric that calculates the total profit you can expect from a single customer over their relationship with your business. This KPI plays a crucial role in determining where to allocate your SEO investments.
3. Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)
Cost per acquisition (CPA) measures the cost of acquiring one converting user through SEO efforts. SEO costs include team salaries, agency expenses, SEO tools, content production, and link building.
You can calculate CPA using the formula:
Total Cost of SEO (agency costs, content, SEO tools, etc.) / Conversions = CPA.
4. Return on Investment (ROI)
ROI measures the return you get from the money invested in SEO.
It’s crucial to remember that while investment in SEO may be straightforward, it can take months or even years to realize the returns.
5. Keyword Rankings
Keyword rankings are a granular insight into which keywords drive your website’s traffic and why. It’s essential to stay informed about the keywords you rank well for and those where you need improvement. These insights help you understand your content’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Must Read: How to Develop an Effective SEO Marketing Strategy
Take the Next Step
The measurable impact of SEO outsourcing is undeniable. It drives increased organic traffic, higher keyword rankings, and enhanced online visibility, resulting in tangible conversions, lasting profitability, and enduring business growth.
Explore the competitive advantages of SEO outsourcing in the Philippines, a leading destination for cost-effective solutions, and take the next step toward your brand’s digital success.
