Top SEO Outsourcing Statistics for 2025: Trends That Will Shape Your Ranking Strategy

Managing SEO is no small task. With constant updates, shifting trends, and the pressure to improve rankings, it’s easy for SEO to become a resource-heavy part of your business.

So, how can you manage it more efficiently and effectively?

Outsourcing SEO might be the answer. By leveraging external expertise, you can cut costs, save time, and achieve better results.

But you need data to make an informed decision. How much can you save? And how do the latest trends in SEO outsourcing impact your business?

This article gives you some of the key SEO outsourcing statistics and insights needed to evaluate this approach. From average cost to performance improvements, we’ll break down the numbers so you can decide if it’s the right move for your company in 2025.

Average Costs of Outsourcing SEO Services

Outsourcing search engine optimization costs can vary depending on where you source your services and the type of pricing model.

Hourly rates for SEO services

Freelancers and SEO consultants can charge anywhere from $20 to $250 per hour, based on their location and expertise. The most common rates are around $75/hour in the US, but that number drops significantly when you outsource to lower-cost regions like Latin America (LatAm). 

This pricing structure works well for businesses needing intermittent help, such as keyword research or one-off optimizations. 

Project-based fees

For more structured one-off projects, SEO agencies usually charge a flat fee. The price can range from $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the project’s scope. This model is ideal for companies that need targeted services, such as a technical SEO audit or link-building campaign.

Monthly retainers

Continuous monitoring and improvement of your SEO performance is crucial for staying competitive.

Most SEO agencies prefer a retainer model for long-term engagements, with fees ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 per month. 

Monthly retainers allow you to receive ongoing support, which is essential for staying ahead of algorithm updates. 

Outsourcing SEO vs. In-House SEO

Deciding whether to outsource SEO or keep it in-house can be difficult. Here are some things to consider:

Access to expertise

Outsourcing SEO gives businesses access to a diverse range of experts with specialization in areas like on-page SEO, technical audits, and advanced link-building strategies. 

This ensures that your SEO is always aligned with the latest best practices. In contrast, in-house teams may struggle to keep up with constant changes in search engine algorithms and trends. 

Plus, these experts often have access to sophisticated SEO tools that in-house teams may lack, enabling more effective analysis and optimization.

Cost-effectiveness

Building an in-house team means paying for salaries, benefits, training, and office space—overheads that small and medium-sized businesses may be unable to afford. 

Outsourcing can reduce costs by allowing you to pay only for the services you need without the burden of the cost of having full-time employees.

We’ve seen outsourcing save companies 30–70% compared to maintaining an in-house team​. 

These savings allow you to allocate resources to other critical marketing efforts, such as branding and customer engagement.

Scalability and flexibility

Outsourcing SEO offers flexibility that in-house teams might not. If your business is experiencing a busy season or gearing up for a product launch, you can scale your outsourced SEO efforts as needed.

Similarly, you can scale back during quieter periods without the commitment of full-time staff.

Key Statistics on Global Search Behavior

Understanding how people use search engines helps shape an effective SEO strategy. Below are key stats for 2024.

Prevalence of Google in global searches

Google continues to dominate, controlling over 92% of the global search market​. Businesses need to align their SEO strategies with Google’s guidelines to capture the majority of organic traffic.

By focusing on organic search, you can capture a larger share of this traffic without relying heavily on paid ads.

Impact of effective SEO on visibility and ROI

Around 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results​. This means securing a top spot in search rankings is vital for visibility and conversions. 

A higher ranking not only increases visibility but also improves your click-through rate, as users are more likely to engage with top results.

Therefore achieving high keyword rankings is critical in boosting visibility and driving organic traffic, making it an essential part of any SEO strategy.

Additionally, with the rise of zero-click searches, it’s important to optimize for features like rich snippets to capture attention even when users don’t click.

Increased use of mobile devices for searches

More than half of all internet traffic is now done on mobile devices.​ Optimizing websites for mobile use—ensuring quick load times and a user-friendly interface—is critical for capturing a growing mobile audience.

As mobile searches continue to dominate, businesses need to ensure their websites are fully optimized for mobile to avoid losing potential customers.

The Role of Local SEO in Conversions

Local SEO is increasingly crucial for businesses aiming to attract nearby customers.

Statistics on local search impact

Over 90% of US consumers search for a local business at least once a month, and 88% of searchers visit a related store within a week. This means that businesses focused on local SEO can drive significant foot traffic and in-store conversions.

Strategies for optimizing local SEO

Google offers a full guide on improving local ranking, but it generally comes down to six simple strategies:

• Enter complete data 
• Verify your locations
• Keep your hours accurate
• Manage and respond to reviews
• Add photos
• Add in-store products

The Google Business Profile allows you to quickly provide relevant information to potential customers. 

Understanding the local search query intent is also vital to ensuring your business shows up in the right searches.

Statistics To Consider When Deciding Whether to Outsource SEO

Here are some more reasons companies choose to outsource their SEO services:

• The average time-to-hire for local recruiting efforts is around 36 days but can be reduced considerably by working with the right SEO outsourcing partner. 
• The average annual salary of a LatAm SEO specialist is about 40% lower than a similarly experienced US professional. 
• Companies that outsource save between 30-70% compared to maintaining in-house SEO teams. By reducing operational costs and accessing a broader talent pool, outsourcing can deliver excellent ROI.

Top Countries That Provide Outsourced SEO Specialists for US Businesses

The demand for outsourced SEO services continues to grow as businesses seek cost-effective and scalable solutions to enhance their online presence. Many countries have established themselves as hubs for skilled SEO professionals. 

In addition, partnering with SEO specialists in other countries can complement your broader digital marketing strategy by ensuring a multilingual approach to SEO, making it easier for businesses targeting global markets.

Here’s a look at some of the top countries providing outsourced SEO talent for US businesses:

1. India

India is one of the top global destinations for outsourcing due to its large pool of highly educated professionals and lower labor costs. Indian SEO providers are known for their expertise in technical SEO, content marketing, and link-building strategies. 

With English widely spoken, communication with US companies is relatively smooth (though you might deal with some time zone issues). 

2. Philippines

The Philippines has grown significantly in the outsourcing industry, particularly for SEO and digital marketing.

Filipino SEO experts are known for their skills in content writing, on-page optimization, and social media marketing, making them a valuable asset for businesses looking to enhance their search engine rankings.

3. Mexico

Mexico offers nearshore outsourcing solutions, making it an ideal option for US businesses seeking SEO services in a similar time zone. The proximity means easier collaboration and quicker turnaround times. Many US businesses prefer outsourcing to Mexico due to the ease of communication and cultural alignment.

4. Argentina

Argentina has emerged as a key player in the LatAm SEO outsourcing market, especially for US businesses. With a strong educational system and high English proficiency, Argentine SEO specialists are well-versed in international SEO strategies. 

Like Mexico, it also has time zone similarities with the US, making real-time collaboration easier.

5. Colombia

Colombia is another LatAm country that has gained traction in the SEO outsourcing space. Many Colombian SEO experts are well-versed in working with international clients and can deliver high-quality SEO campaigns tailored to the US market.

6. Brazil

Brazil’s large and diverse workforce makes it a viable option for finding an experienced SEO partner. While not as cost-effective as some Asian countries, Brazil offers a wealth of skilled professionals who excel in digital marketing, technical SEO, and content creation. 

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing SEO is a smart choice for businesses looking to gain access to expert talent, reduce costs, and achieve scalability. 

At Near, we specialize in helping US businesses hire top talent from LatAm. Whether you want to enhance your local SEO, improve mobile optimization, or build a comprehensive SEO strategy, our vetted professionals are ready to help. 

Take the next step today—fill out this form to receive a list of pre-vetted candidates or book a free consultation to discuss your specific needs. We’ll help you hire top talent in under 21 days, enabling you to optimize your SEO for long-term success.