SEO Outsourcing for Agencies: Steps, Costs, and Best Practices

Digital marketing agencies are expected to handle a wide range of tasks these days, from paid advertising to social media management, content creation, email marketing, market research, and even web development. It’s almost impossible to maintain enough in-house staff with the expertise required to manage all of these services. 

One function many agencies choose to delegate to external parties is search engine optimization (SEO). Outsourcing SEO for agencies can provide specialized knowledge and save time while reducing costs, allowing you to offer clients a more comprehensive package.

This article will explore when SEO outsourcing for agencies is the right option, the steps involved in hiring an external provider, how much it usually costs, and some best practices to ensure success. 

When Should Agencies Consider Outsourcing SEO?

Outsourcing SEO can be a strategic move for agencies looking to deliver high-quality services without overextending their internal resources. Here are some signs that it might be time for your agency to consider outsourcing SEO:

Limited internal resources

When your existing staff is stretched thin and there’s no capacity to take on additional SEO tasks, outsourcing can be a practical option. It allows your in-house team to focus on their core activities while experts handle the SEO work.

Lack of SEO expertise

SEO is a specialized field that requires up-to-date knowledge of search algorithms, keyword strategies, and content optimization techniques. If your team lacks experience in this area, outsourcing SEO to experts can ensure your clients receive the best results and maximum online visibility.

Growing client demands

As your agency takes on more customers or larger projects, meeting each client’s SEO needs can become challenging. Outsourcing SEO enables you to scale your services and meet growing client demands effectively.

Inconsistent results

If your agency is struggling to deliver consistent and measurable SEO results, bringing in an external provider with a proven track record can enhance the quality and reliability of your SEO services.

Narrow service package

To remain competitive, agencies often need to offer a full suite of digital marketing services. Outsourcing SEO can help you provide a more comprehensive package to clients without having to build out an entire SEO department.

How To Choose the Right SEO Partner

Given that this outsourced SEO service will be representing your brand, choosing a reliable partner is critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the ideal match:

1. Define your needs and goals

Before you start your search, clearly outline what you expect from an SEO outsourcing partner. Whether you need help with keyword research, on-page optimization, link-building techniques, or comprehensive SEO strategies, having a clear understanding of your requirements will guide your selection process.

2. Research potential partners

Look for SEO providers with a proven track record of success. Use online platforms, industry forums, and recommendations to build a list of potential partners. Review their websites, case studies, and client testimonials to gauge their expertise and reliability.

3. Evaluate expertise

Assess their level of expertise and experience in SEO. Here are some important questions to ask:

• What’s your experience in our industry?
• Can you provide case studies or references from past clients?
• What SEO tools and technologies do you use?
• What is your strategy for keyword research and selection?
• How do you approach link building?
• How will you measure and report on our SEO performance?

They should be able to provide detailed reports that include key performance indicators (KPIs) and clear insights into the progress and effectiveness of their previous SEO efforts.

4. Check for up-to-date practices

SEO is a constantly evolving field, and the landscape is always changing due to new technologies and practices. For example, almost 40% of digital marketers are now using AI to assist in their keyword research.

Ensure the partner you choose stays current with search engine algorithm updates and industry trends. Inquire about how they keep their skills and SEO strategies up to date. 

5. Review their communication skills

Effective communication is key to any successful partnership. Assess their responsiveness, clarity, and willingness to explain complex SEO concepts in simple terms. Ensure they are open to regular updates and progress reports.

6. Consider the cost and contract terms

While cost should not be the only deciding factor, it is essential to understand providers’ pricing structure and contract terms. Compare quotes from different providers and consider the value you will receive for your investment.

Should You Hire SEO Providers Directly or Partner With a Hiring Firm?

When it comes to outsourcing SEO, agencies have two primary options: 

• Hiring SEO providers directly
• Partnering with a recruitment/staffing company

Direct hiring involves a hands-on, comprehensive approach where your agency is responsible for every step of the recruitment process. 

While this method offers full control over the selection process, it can also be incredibly time-consuming and resource-intensive, given that the average time to hire is now 44 days.

Moreover, without an experienced recruitment team, you might hire candidates who don’t meet your agency’s needs or industry standards.

Partnering with a recruitment or staffing company streamlines the entire process. These firms specialize in sourcing and vetting SEO talent, ensuring that only the most skilled professionals are presented. 

One of the key benefits of working with a recruitment firm is the potential for cost savings, particularly when hiring from talent-rich regions with low salary expectations, like Latin America (LatAm).

Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia have large pools of highly skilled SEO professionals who typically offer more affordable rates than their US counterparts. The lower cost of living in these regions translates to competitive pricing without compromising on quality. 

Best Practices When Partnering With an SEO Service Provider

No matter how you find a partner, some best practices can help ensure a successful collaboration. Here are essential guidelines to follow when outsourcing SEO for your agency:

Set clear goals and KPIs

The foundation of any successful partnership is clear, measurable goals and KPIs. Before you begin working with your SEO provider, ensure that both parties have a mutual understanding of what SEO success looks like. 

Define specific SEO objectives, such as:

• Increasing organic traffic growth
• Improving search engine rankings for target keywords
• Boosting conversion rates

Setting clear (and realistic) goals helps align expectations and provides a benchmark for measuring progress. 

Establish effective communication channels

Regular communication channels ensure that both parties stay informed and aligned throughout the SEO project. Decide on the frequency and format of updates—whether via weekly calls, biweekly emails, or monthly reports—and stick to these timelines.

Communication should be transparent and open, allowing for the timely exchange of information, feedback, and any concerns. 

Use project management tools

Project management tools offer a centralized platform for monitoring tasks, sharing documents, and tracking progress. Popular project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com allow you to create task boards, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities. 

These platforms often have integration features that can sync with other software, keeping everything organized and accessible.

How Much Does SEO Outsourcing Cost?

The cost of SEO outsourcing varies significantly depending on the level of service and location of your provider. 

At the lower end of the spectrum, some SEO outsourcing services start at around $200 to $500 per month. These budget-friendly options typically involve predefined packages with limited control over the SEO strategy and execution. 

While these services can provide basic SEO tasks like on-page optimization and link building, they are often one-size-fits-all solutions that may not perfectly meet your needs. 

Hiring a remote SEO professional offers a much better return on investment for agencies looking for a more customized and strategic approach. However, the costs differ dramatically depending on their location. 

In the US, for example, the average annual salary for an SEO specialist is $88,900. That is a significant financial commitment, especially given it doesn’t include additional costs like benefits, training, and overhead. 

On the other hand, if you leverage the services of a recruitment firm to hire from talent-rich regions like LatAm, you can reduce your costs without sacrificing quality. An SEO specialist from a LatAm country typically costs around $36,000 per year. 

Top 3 SEO Outsourcing Providers for US Companies

Below are three top-notch SEO outsourcing providers, listed in no particular order. This list includes both white-label SEO providers and recruitment agencies with a strong background in hiring SEO specialists.

1. Near

Yep, that’s us! Near is at the top because there’s no one better at helping businesses find, hire, onboard, and pay remote LatAm professionals. Our pool of 35,000 pre-vetted candidates includes expert SEO specialists with years of experience working remotely. 

Just ask R\nd, a digital marketing and web development company that wanted to bring on a freelance SEO expert but couldn’t find the right local candidate.

Most of their applicants weren’t even qualified for the position, so they turned to us for help. 

In just under two weeks, they hired a Senior SEO Strategist—plus a UX Strategist and Website Project Manager—from LatAm, saving over $175,000 annually in salary costs. 

2. Hike SEO

Hike SEO is a versatile provider offering a powerful SEO platform, managed SEO services, and a white-label SEO tool that you can seamlessly integrate into your agency’s service package.

Its professional SEO services allow you to offload the heavy lifting of SEO tasks to its experts, ensuring high-quality and consistent results for your customers. 

3. The Hoth

The Hoth is a well-known white-label service provider known for its robust SEO and digital marketing services suite. The company offers a range of scalable SEO outsourcing solutions, including high-quality content creation, link building, and local SEO services, making it ideal for agencies of all sizes. 

The Hoth’s white-label solutions allow your agency to provide comprehensive SEO services to clients so that you can improve their search rankings without the need to invest in additional resources. 

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing SEO for agencies can be a game-changer if you’re looking to enhance your digital marketing service offerings without stretching your limited resources thin.

However, it’s still critical to understand the best scenarios in which to pursue this approach and how to choose a provider that can help you implement it successfully.

With its tailored staffing and recruitment services and 360 support throughout the hiring process, Near can be that partner for you.

Book a free, no-commitment call with one of our hiring experts to explore how outsourcing SEO to experts in LatAm can elevate your agency’s SEO capabilities and deliver outstanding results.