A Complete Guide to Hiring an SEO Manager for Cost-Effective Expertise

Do you envision your website soaring to the top of search results, drawing in potential customers and boosting sales? That’s the power of an effective search engine optimization (SEO) plan.

SEO services cover a wide range of strategies to improve your online visibility. However, achieving these results requires specialized expertise and a well-crafted approach. Outsourcing an SEO manager can be an efficient solution for many businesses.

An experienced SEO manager can develop and implement the strategies that maximize your site’s performance, so it’s worth investing the time to learn what to look for. 

In this guide, we’ll help you to fully understand SEO manager outsourcing, including the best options available if you’re looking for affordable, high-quality solutions.

Key Benefits of Outsourcing SEO Management 

Here are some of the primary advantages of outsourcing SEO management that lead many companies to pursue this approach:

Cost efficiency

SEO is a major marketing strategy for many businesses, with US companies allocating an average of around 9.5% of their digital marketing budgets to SEO efforts.

However, businesses that handle SEO in-house often face higher costs and lower returns than those that hire external consultants or agencies, which usually leads to lower expenses and better results.

By working with external experts, you save on the overhead costs associated with hiring full-time staff. This flexibility allows you to access quality services without the financial burden of salaries, benefits, and training.

Access to specialized SEO expertise

When you outsource SEO, you gain access to skilled professionals who specialize in the field.

For instance, an outsourced SEO specialist with experience in link building will know the best practices and strategies to secure high-quality backlinks. When you hire externally for such SEO activities, your internal team can focus on core business activities.

Advanced SEO tools

SEO requires the use of sophisticated (and often expensive) software for analysis and tracking. Outsourcing provides you with access to these advanced tools without having to invest in them yourself, giving you a more cost-effective way to perform analyses that help you stay ahead in a competitive market.

Scalability for growing needs

As your business evolves, so do your SEO needs. An outsourced SEO manager can scale their services up or down, which means that you can adjust the level of service based on your requirements.

They can quickly adapt and implement strategies to support your business growth without the delays of hiring or training an in-house SEO team.

Long-term strategy

Effective SEO is not a one-time effort. It requires a long-term marketing plan that adapts to changes in search engine algorithms and consumer behavior. When you outsource SEO manager services, you’re guaranteed to stay on top of SEO trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Types of SEO Outsourcing Options 

You have several options when choosing an SEO management provider, each offering varying levels of expertise and support.

The right type of SEO management provider for your company ultimately depends on your budget, your specific business goals, and the scope of your SEO needs.

SEO outsourcing partners

SEO outsourcing partners are recruitment or staffing firms that specialize in connecting businesses with SEO professionals. They offer a tailored approach, making this one of the best strategies to hire SEO managers who fit your needs. 

These partners are ideal if you want to focus solely on SEO without handling recruitment or HR responsibilities. 

SEO agencies

Instead of helping you hire managers yourself, an SEO agency directly employs a dedicated team of SEO experts who handle all aspects of the process for you. These agencies are well suited to businesses that need comprehensive SEO services but don’t have the resources or knowledge to manage them in-house.

Although often the most expensive option, SEO agencies can deliver proven strategies and adapt to the evolving SEO needs of your business.

Independent contractors

You might want to hire independent contractors directly if you’re looking for a very flexible approach to SEO. Freelancers are great for smaller businesses or companies with limited budgets, as they generally cost less than agencies.

Independent contractors are most suitable for short-term projects or specific SEO tasks but may lack a broader range of expertise. It can also be more challenging to assess SEO managers’ abilities and fit for your company without the support of a recruitment firm.

Full-service digital marketing firms

Digital marketing services provide a wider range of services than agencies focusing purely on SEO. These include pay-per-click advertising, web design, and social media management, with SEO being just one piece of the puzzle.

These firms offer an all-in-one approach for companies looking to integrate SEO into their overall marketing strategy.

Skills To Look for in an Outsourced SEO Manager

Knowing what skills to look for when outsourcing an SEO manager pays off. Companies that successfully hire managers based on talent see a 48% increase in profitability on average.

Here are the top abilities you should look for in an external SEO manager:

• Technical SEO expertise: The manager should have a deep understanding of SEO best practices, like website structure and URL optimization. 
• Keyword research and strategy: They should excel at identifying relevant keywords that align with your goals and customer search behavior.
• Content optimization: Look for someone who understands how to optimize existing content and create new, high-quality content that drives organic traffic.
• Analytical skills: SEO managers need the ability to track, measure, and report on SEO performance to help you build results-driven SEO strategies.
• Communication and collaboration: Keeping your team in sync is the key to effective SEO outsourcing management. 

Hiring an SEO manager with these skills assures you that your SEO campaigns are in good hands. 

Steps To Effectively Outsource an SEO Manager 

An outsourced SEO manager can streamline your online marketing efforts, but it’s important to be thorough when selecting one.

Here are the key steps to effectively outsource an SEO manager.

1. Identify your SEO goals

Before outsourcing, clearly define what you aim to achieve with SEO. Are you targeting consumers, or do you need B2B marketing? Whether you’re increasing organic traffic, improving search engine rankings, or boosting conversion rates, having specific goals will guide you to an expert who aligns with your business objectives.

2. Select the right SEO partner

You’ll need to decide between hiring a freelancer, working with an SEO agency, or partnering with a recruiting firm to connect you with potential talent. Each has its own advantages, but the best choice depends on the size of your SEO project, your budget, and the level of expertise required.

3. Outline the scope of services

Once you’ve selected an SEO outsourcing partner, outline the exact services that you need. Defining the scope ensures that both you and your SEO manager are on the same page about what needs to be accomplished.

4. Set clear expectations and deliverables

It’s essential to establish clear expectations early on. Set measurable goals, deadlines, and deliverables so that your outsourced SEO manager can track progress effectively and avoid any misunderstandings.

5. Establish monitoring and reporting processes

Every business partnership works through effective communication. Set up regular check-ins and reporting schedules to monitor progress, and make sure that you get precise data on related metrics to evaluate progress. 

Top 5 Outsourcing Partners for Hiring an SEO Manager 

We’ve curated a list of top-notch outsourcing partners, each one bringing something unique to the table. 

This list isn’t ranked in order of importance—rather, it offers a mix of the best options for hiring an outsourced SEO manager, no matter your business needs.

1. Near

Near is your trusted partner for sourcing top Latin American talent, and yes, we’re including ourselves at the top of this list because we are confident in our ability to fill SEO manager roles with the right experts. Our 360-degree solution streamlines the entire process, including hiring, onboarding, payment, and retention.

Near makes recruitment smooth and efficient, empowering businesses to scale with seasoned professionals.

2. HigherVisibility

Since 2009, HigherVisibility has worked with hundreds of companies, from small businesses to Fortune 1000s. As an interactive digital marketing agency, it offers a wide range of internet marketing services, including SEO, PPC marketing, and website design.

Its focus is on driving in-market consumers to your business, creating a real impact on your bottom line.

3. Incrementors

Incrementors is a top-rated agency on Upwork, having served over 10,000 clients globally. Its holistic approach to SEO focuses on four key touchpoints: traffic generation, nurturing, retargeting, and conversion.

This holistic strategy makes it a strong choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive digital marketing solution.

4. SmartSites

As a Google Premier Partner and Facebook Marketing Partner, SmartSites offers a wide array of SEO outsourcing services, including on-page SEO, link building, content marketing, and pay-per-click advertising.

Composed of over 100 digital experts, SmartSites works with businesses of all sizes to improve their visibility on search engines and drive results.

5. Straight North

Straight North began in 1997 as a graphic design agency and has since evolved into a full-service marketing firm. It provides a range of online marketing campaigns and offline collateral materials.

This firm’s service offerings are designed to attract the right clients, increase revenue, and scale businesses over time. 

Final Thoughts

Hiring an outsourced SEO manager is a smart investment for businesses looking to boost their online presence at a fraction of the cost of employing in-house staff. Outsourcing offers cost-effective access to top talent, making a positive impact on a company’s long-term success.

Are you ready to raise the bar on your SEO efforts? Partner with Near, and let us help you hire highly skilled SEO managers with 30% less overhead. 

Book a free consultation to see how we can help you scale efficiently—no commitment or risk, just great results.