Search engine optimization isn’t dead – and shows no signs of slowing down. With 93% of online experiences beginning with an online search, it’s a must for any business trying to generate leads and sales online. But what do you do if you lack the expertise needed to do it right or just don’t have the manpower to get it done at all? While outsourcing SEO may seem taboo, it actually makes good business sense.
What is SEO Outsourcing?
Simply put, SEO outsourcing is the outsourcing of services as they relate to search engine optimization to a third-party specialist. Those services would include on-page and off-page SEO.
On-Page SEO: metadata, content, blogging, alt text, links, keywords, etc.
Off-Page SEO: guest blogging, link building, outreach, social media posts, etc.
Several full-service digital marketing agencies have SEO specialists on hand who are well-equipped and well-versed to tackle your search engine needs.
Benefits of Outsourcing SEO
Yes, there is a bit of a stigma around the term “outsourcing”. But don’t let the stereotypes make your mind up for you. In the day and age of internet sales, digital marketing companies are “uping” their SEO game to ensure companies can be found online.
Affordability
When considering hiring an outside source to assist with your SEO, the number one topic that comes to mind each and every time is cost. However, before making your final decision, it’s important to consider a few things.
- What are you currently spending on your SEO?
- Do you have the proper tools and reporting on hand to properly execute search engine optimization for your clients?
- Do you have the manpower or capacity to take on more SEO work?
- If you don’t have the capacity to take on more work, can you afford to hire a new, full-time employee?
- Do you have the time, resources, & budget to train a new employee – or employees?
An SEO agency will provide the expertise you need without the additional costs of hiring and training a new employee. They will also have the tools needed to get the job done. Saving you money in the long run. When it comes to cost, the big question is, “Can you afford not to outsource your SEO”?
Scalability
As previously mentioned, digital marketing agencies that provide SEO services often have the resources needed to help you reach your goals. They’re not only skilled in what it takes to strategize, create, and execute an SEO plan to suit your needs but they also have the required tools readily available. With a digital marketing agency on hand, you don’t have to burden yourself – or your staff – with hours of research and planning. You now have a dedicated team on-hand to take on your work and who can scale to accommodate your projects and tasks.
Reporting
Executing your SEO strategy is one thing. Providing data to show your growth – or lack thereof – is another. An SEO agency can provide you with regular, detailed reporting as it relates to your strategy, including your position tracking for keywords, website traffic, backlinks obtained, and more. Leaving you to focus on your business and not spending hours upon hours tracking down the work and providing clients with results.
Knowledge
Search engine optimization is ever-changing. There is always a new update, a new algorithm, or a new method. But who can keep up? Well, an SEO agency can. They’re the experts. They do this for a living. They’re in the know on all the technology updates and best practices. Who needs to spend hours researching the basics or trying to figure out why your rankings just plummeted when you have a team of experts on hand who already know the answer – or can spend much less time trying to figure it out? It’s a no-brainer!
Specialized Services
Digital marketing agencies with specialized services offer the added benefit of providing specific services to accelerate your SEO efforts – outside of the typical SEO updates. While you may have someone on staff who can add some links or update some meta descriptions, a marketing agency has additional SEO tools and resources available to give your SEO strategy the added boost it needs.
For example, consider your blogging. A digital agency specializing in SEO can:
- Develop a series of topics based on keyword research
- Write the copy – optimized for search engine optimization
- Create imagery with appropriate titles and alt text
- Provide the necessary meta tags
- Code, style, and publish your content
- Share your content on social media with appropriate hashtags on the right channels
- Reach out to sources for backlinks
- Send your content directly to your audience via email
All this, and more, while you’re busy bringing in more business for your business!
Support
Getting the assistance you need is vital to your business. And digital agencies get it. That’s why they offer a dedicated team to provide the information and insight you need when you need it. If you have a question, need a report for a meeting, or just require an update on how your strategy is working, they’re available. If a problem arises, they can address it. In fact, they’re likely to spot the issue before you do and will address it head-on. They can also offer recommendations along the way on how to improve in other areas to further bolster your marketing efforts. Partnering with another agency is a win-win!
Taking the Leap
The benefits of outsourcing SEO to a digital marketing agency speak for themselves. If you’re interested in teaming up with a company to assist with your SEO, start reaching out. Many will offer a free consultation to assess your needs, budget, and overall cost. Consider what you’re currently doing for SEO and where you need help. Be sure to discuss your current strategy with the SEO companies you interview. Many may be able to provide additional insight on what may not be working or you and why. You won’t know until you try.
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