SEO Outsourcing Made Easy: A How-To Guide for Businesses

Growing a business is a resource-intensive endeavor. Knowing when, where, and how to outsource tasks can make or break a new business or startup. SEO is no different since it’s resource-intensive and complex, requiring specialized knowledge and ongoing adjustments to succeed.

If you’re considering SEO outsourcing but want to fully understand the process before diving in, this guide is here to help. From understanding what SEO outsourcing involves to identifying the benefits it can bring, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re new to search engine optimization or just looking to streamline your current approach, we’ll show you how outsourcing SEO can support your business’s growth and make your digital marketing strategy more efficient.

So, grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy the read—your SEO journey starts here!

What Is SEO Outsourcing?

SEO outsourcing means working with a professional SEO agency or SEO expert to handle part or all of your website’s SEO strategy. This approach helps businesses leverage the experience and tools of SEO companies without having to manage everything in-house.

By partnering with an external SEO provider, companies can access a full range of digital marketing services and insights that might require additional training, hiring, or technology investments.

Most SEO companies offer flexible packages that let you choose the SEO services that best align with your budget, goals, and in-house team’s capabilities.

Whether your team includes content marketing experts, web developers, or both, you can customize your SEO outsourcing approach to fit your needs.

This flexibility allows businesses to stay competitive without overburdening their in-house resources.

Types of SEO Services to Outsource

You’ll likely come across many options when looking for SEO services.

It can feel confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with all the terms and strategies. You might even wonder, “What exactly am I paying for?”

To help you navigate this, here’s a quick breakdown of common SEO outsourcing services and what they involve.

Off-Page SEO

This is all about building your website’s reputation outside of your site itself. Off-page SEO involves strategies that help your site gain credibility and authority in search engines by connecting it with other reputable websites and channels.

Link Building

Link building means creating valuable backlinks to your site from other sites. Think of it as building a web of connections across the internet that lead back to you. High-quality backlinks are like votes of confidence that can boost your search engine rankings.

Digital PR Campaigns

Through digital PR, you can increase brand awareness by promoting content that is shareable, credible, and engaging. Digital PR helps you gain visibility across blogs, news sites, and social media, which can also support your link building efforts.

Directory Submissions

Submitting your business to trusted directories can improve your local SEO visibility. By appearing in local search directories, you make it easier for nearby customers to find you on relevant search engine results pages (SERPs).

Competitor Backlink Analysis

Curious about how your competitors are getting their backlinks? This analysis helps you understand where your competitors are being mentioned and linked, so you can find similar opportunities for your link building strategy. It’s a way to learn what works in your industry and use it to your advantage.

On-Page SEO

On-page SEO focuses on optimizing the elements within your own site to improve your visibility on search engines and create a better experience for your visitors.

If you’re not sure where to start or what you’ll be paying for, here’s a breakdown of key on-page SEO services that make a big difference.

Keyword Research

Ever wondered how websites seem to know exactly what you’re looking for? It all starts with keyword research, a common service in SEO outsourcing.

This process involves finding the phrases your target audience is typing into search engines. A professional SEO company will help you identify and use these keywords strategically across your site, making sure your content aligns with what your customers are searching for.

Content Creation and Optimization

Creating quality content isn’t just about putting words on a page; it’s about making sure that content is relevant, valuable, and structured to rank well.

Content creation and optimization involve crafting content that appeals to your audience and search engines. This can include everything from blog posts to product descriptions, all fine-tuned to boost brand visibility and engagement.

Internal Linking

Think of internal links as the pathways that connect different parts of your website. Adding links between pages helps search engines understand the structure of your site, which can improve your rankings.

Plus, internal linking helps visitors navigate your site more easily, guiding them to the information they need, whether it’s about your products, services, or brand story.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO is all about fine-tuning the “behind-the-scenes” elements of your website.

For many, this part of search engine optimization can feel a bit overwhelming—words like “schema markup” and “canonicalization” might make you think, “Do I really need this?”

The answer is yes, especially if you want a site that’s fast, functional, and visible in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Here’s a breakdown of these technical services, also really common to be offered in SEO outsourcing, and how they can help your site.

Website Audits

Think of a website audit as a complete check-up for your site. It’s a way to identify any issues holding back your SEO performance, like broken links or slow loading times.

A professional SEO provider will go through your site’s data and structure, making sure everything’s optimized for a better user experience and stronger search engine rankings.

Site Speed Optimization

Did you know that a slow website can affect everything from your search engine rankings to your conversion rates?

Site speed optimization ensures that your pages load quickly, keeping visitors happy and boosting your chances of ranking higher on Google search.

Speed is especially important today as users expect instant access to information.

Schema Markup Implementation

If you’ve ever seen a recipe or event snippet pop up in a Google search, you’ve witnessed the power of schema markup.

By adding specific tags to your content, schema markup helps search engines understand and display extra details about your page. This can improve your click-through rates and make your listing more noticeable on the results page.

Canonicalization

Sometimes, two or more of your pages might have similar content, which can confuse search engines and even lower your rankings.

Canonicalization helps prevent this by telling search engines which version of a page is the “main” one. This way, you maintain better control over your web pages and avoid issues with duplicate content.

How Does Using an SEO Company Benefit a Business?

If you’re thinking, “Why should I invest in an SEO company when my team is already stretched thin?”—you’re not alone.

Search engine optimization can be a complicated, time-intensive process, and many small businesses simply don’t have the resources to dedicate a full team to manage every aspect of an SEO campaign.

Even for larger businesses, building an in-house team to handle SEO can be costly and challenging.

So, why consider outsourcing SEO? Here are some key benefits that an SEO provider can bring to your business:

Expertise and Knowledge

When you work with an SEO company, you gain access to a team of experts who are up to date with the latest search engine trends, algorithm changes, and best practices.

Instead of navigating the complex world of SEO on your own, you’ll have specialists who know how to drive results, from keyword research to technical SEO and everything in between.

Time-Saving

Imagine the hours your in-house team could save by focusing on their core responsibilities instead of trying to keep up with the latest SEO techniques.

Outsourcing SEO to a dedicated agency means you get the benefit of SEO without sacrificing your team’s productivity, freeing up time to focus on other high-priority projects.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Hiring an in-house SEO specialist or team can be expensive when you factor in salaries, training, and technology. SEO outsourcing offers a more affordable option, especially if you choose affordable SEO packages tailored to your needs.

With an SEO provider, you can adjust your budget and service level to match your goals, making SEO more accessible without compromising quality.

Scalability

As your business grows, so can your SEO efforts. An SEO firm can easily scale services to match your expanding needs, whether ramping up content creation, launching new advertising campaigns, or diving into advanced competitor analysis. This flexibility is especially valuable for businesses in growth phases.

Detailed Analytics and Reporting

One of the best parts of search engine optimization outsourcing is having access to comprehensive analytics and performance data.

From Google Analytics insights to SEO audits, these detailed reports show exactly where your investment is going and what results it’s bringing.

You can track keyword rankings, web traffic, and conversion rates to see how SEO directly impacts your revenue.

Most importantly, an experienced SEO firm or SEO consultant can get your business results. A successful SEO campaign results in increased:

• Productivity for your in-house team (freeing them up for other projects)
• Keyword rankings
• Search engine visibility
• Click-through rates
• Brand visibility
• Site usability
• Industry recognition
• Market share

Remember that an SEO firm can deliver these results faster than managing every aspect of SEO in-house or on your own. These outcomes frequently lead to sales at a reduced cost.

Outsourcing With Freelancers vs. with SEO agencies

When considering outsourcing SEO, two common options are working with a freelancer or a full SEO agency.

Deciding which route to take often depends on your budget, the scope of work, and how much hands-on management you want.

Working With Freelancers

Hiring a freelancer can be more affordable and flexible, which is ideal if you need specific tasks like content creation or link building.

However, managing multiple freelancers can mean more coordination on your end, as you’ll be overseeing different parts of your SEO strategy. Freelancers may not always have access to the advanced tools and data that agencies provide, but they’re great for focused targeted work.

Working With an SEO Agency

Choosing an SEO agency gives you access to a full team of SEO experts who can handle everything from technical SEO to in-depth analytics.

With an agency, you’ll have the benefit of dedicated project managers and more comprehensive SEO services, which can simplify coordination and provide consistent results.

This option is ideal for businesses looking for a full-service SEO solution with less hands-on management.

How To Decide If You Need an SEO Outsourcing Company

Almost any business can benefit from SEO, but if you’re unsure whether outsourcing is the right move, start by evaluating a few key areas.

The truth is, if your website isn’t appearing in Google search engine results pages (SERPs), you’re likely missing out on potential traffic and conversions.

Here are some indicators that it might be time to bring in an SEO outsourcing company:

• Your website isn’t getting as much web traffic as you’d like.
• You’ve worked with a digital marketer or digital marketing agency but didn’t see improvements in web traffic or conversions.
• SEO is part of your digital marketing strategy, but there’s no one actively managing it.
• Your site has issues with loading speed, affecting both user experience and search rankings.
• There’s no time for content creation on your end, which limits your SEO potential.
• Your website’s Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR) are lower than you’d like.
• You have few or no backlinks, which are essential for search engine visibility.

Comparing Potential SEO Companies

Okay, you’re now more familiar with the services you may need and feel SEO outsourcing is the best option to implement them properly. You can begin contacting SEO service providers to understand more about their services.

The most important tip: Never jump into a contract with an SEO company without a comparison. Because SEO is complicated and often considered mysterious to business owners, it’s important to know what to compare.

Here are some guidelines for interviewing potential SEO agencies:

• Ask if they provide a free website audit: A free SEO audit can give you insight into the services an agency thinks are best for your site. It’s also a good tool for comparing agencies and their approaches.
• Inquire about their use of white hat SEO tactics: White hat SEO refers to ethical practices that follow search engine guidelines. Unlike black hat tactics, which try to “trick” search engines and can lead to penalties, white hat tactics are focused on quality content, relevant backlinks, and transparency. A good SEO company will be clear about their approach, including where they’ll build backlinks and the Domain Authority (DA) of those sites. White hat SEO offers sustainable, long-term results that protect your site’s reputation.
• Request pricing details: Ask for prices on individual services and packaged options. While effective SEO might cost more than budget-friendly providers, it’s a safer choice. Low-cost providers sometimes use black hat methods that can risk your site’s standing in Google search results.

Red Flags to Look for in SEO Firms

Not all SEO providers play by the rules, so it’s essential to spot red flags that could harm your site in the long run.

One major concern? Black hat practices—these are tactics that aim to manipulate search engine rankings through shortcuts that go against Google’s guidelines. Here are some warning signs and what to watch out for:

• Guaranteeing specific rankings: Be wary of any SEO company that promises a certain position on the search engine results pages (SERPs). Ranking is never guaranteed, and any claim otherwise may indicate they’re using risky tactics.
• Black hat techniques like keyword stuffing or cloaking: Black hat SEO refers to unethical strategies aimed at tricking search engines. For instance, “keyword stuffing” means overloading a page with keywords to try and rank higher—this often results in poor-quality content and a bad user experience. Another example is “cloaking,” where the content shown to search engines differs from what users see, misleading both parties.
• No reporting: A reliable SEO provider will provide clear, regular updates on your SEO projects and campaigns. If they’re hesitant to share reports, it could mean they’re hiding questionable practices.
• Using private blogging networks for backlinks: Some firms use networks of low-quality blogs to generate backlinks quickly. This is another black hat technique that can lead to Google penalties if detected, even getting your site removed from Google search.
• Promising too good to be true results: If an SEO company claims they can achieve meaningful ranking improvements within just a few days or even weeks, be cautious. While SEO firms with proven strategies can indeed show real results faster than the traditional three-month timeline, the best SEO still requires thoughtful planning and ongoing adjustments to ensure long-term impact. Look for a provider who balances both speed and sustainability, ensuring results that build lasting success for your business without cutting corners.

How Much Does It Cost to Outsource SEO?

Determining the exact cost of SEO outsourcing can be challenging, as it varies based on factors like your website’s size, current performance, and industry competitiveness.

However, to give you a general idea, LinkGraph offers a range of SEO packages tailored to different needs and budgets:

• Essential services: Starting at $1,500, this package covers the basics to enhance your site’s search engine optimization.
• Advanced strategies: Priced at $3,000 and $6,000, these packages provide more comprehensive SEO services for businesses aiming for significant growth.
• Custom packages: Starting at $6,000, these are tailored to meet specific business objectives and requirements.

These packages encompass a variety of services, including keyword research, content creation, technical SEO, and link building, all aimed at improving your site’s search engine rankings and online visibility.

And if you’re not quite sure what you need right now, no problem! LinkGraph also offers credit points, which you can purchase and later exchange for any of their SEO products or services. This flexible option lets you invest in SEO resources without committing immediately to a specific service.

Keep in mind that SEO is a long-term investment, and the costs can vary depending on your specific goals and the level of competition in your industry. It’s essential to choose a package that aligns with your business needs and budget to achieve the best results.

You can find more details on their website to help you choose the option that best suits your SEO strategy. Prefer a more face-to-face conversation? You can also schedule a meeting!

How Will an SEO Company Work With Your In-House Marketing Team?

Partnering with an SEO company doesn’t mean your in-house team will be left out of the process.

A good SEO provider will act as an extension of your existing team, working closely with your digital marketers, content creators, and web developers to keep everything aligned with your marketing strategy and KPIs.

Depending on the services you choose, here’s how your outsourcing company can support and enhance your team’s efforts:

• Provide keyword briefs for your writers to help guide content creation that targets high-value keywords and resonates with your target audience.
• Collaborate with your web developer and designers to improve site speed, user experience, and other technical aspects that boost search engine rankings and visitor satisfaction.
• Work with your writers to re-optimize existing content, ensuring it’s fully aligned with the latest SEO best practices for maximum visibility and relevance.

It’s Time to Add Outsourcing Your SEO to Your Marketing Strategy

If you’re considering SEO outsourcing to an SEO firm or a qualified SEO freelancer, now is the time. An outsourcing company will turn your to-do list into a totally-done list.

Furthermore, an effective SEO service provider will simplify your marketing workflow and put you on the path to ranking in the SERPs.

The best digital marketers and digital marketing teams offer white-hat SEO tactics that get results. LinkGraph has helped small businesses to enterprise-level companies achieve greater market share through expert SEO.

Contact us today for a free SEO audit, including on-page optimization scores!