Every business needs SEO these days. It’s the best form of marketing in terms of ROI. But how to hire an SEO expert? What questions to ask? How to prepare for a consultation meeting? In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
As someone who’s hired SEO consultants in the past AND sold SEO services, I know how to make this process smooth as silk.
You might be wondering: Should I hire an SEO consultant or an agency? Well, I broke that down in a detailed blog here.
In some cases, hiring an SEO expert can pay massive dividends. Here is everything you need too know about that process.
What to Prepare (Be Prepared)
First off, don’t walk into this blind. You need to get your ducks in a row before reaching out to anyone.
What Are Your Goals?
Seriously, what do you want? More traffic? Higher rankings for certain keywords? Boost in sales? Be specific. Vague goals like “I want better SEO” won’t cut it. Know exactly what you’re aiming for.
Have a big picture goal and some concrete, specific ones when you go into a meeting with an SEO specialist. There are no wrong thoughts or questions. Think out loud. It will help a solid, experienced SEO to understand where you’re coming from and fill the knowledge gap for you.
Budget
Let’s talk money. Figure out what you’re willing to spend. SEO isn’t cheap, and if someone tells you they can get you to the top of Google for $99, they’re lying. Have a realistic budget in mind.
There’s nothing I hate more than someone who doesn’t have a budget in mind. We know you want to pay less or at least get value for your money. But you MUST have some idea. This is an expensive service. Realize it and come with a budget in mind.
Research SEO Tasks
You don’t need a PhD in SEO, but at least know the basics. Check out this blog by Ahrefs for starters. Understanding basics is for your benefit. This ensures you don’t get ripped off when speaking to an SEO.
Outline your potential needs. Do you need technical fixes? Blog writing? Keyword research? CRO? Knowing what you need helps you communicate better and avoids wasting time.
Research Competitors and Tell the SEO About Them
Know your competition. Who’s killing it in your industry? What keywords are they ranking for? Share this info with your potential SEO expert. It’ll give them a starting point and show you’re serious.
On a personal note: when I ask potential clients about keywords, I learn a lot! Some of the keywords I would have never thought of. These are are industry terms that only a select group of people know of. This helps with the SEO strategy process.
What Keywords Do You WANT to Rank For?
Sure, you might not snag the top spot for “best insurance company” overnight, but knowing which keywords matter to you is crucial. It’ll help the SEO expert understand your industry lingo and target audience.
Questions to Ask
Alright, you’ve done your homework. Time to grill the SEO expert.
How Did You Get Into SEO?
This is actually a very interesting and underrated question for potential SEOs. Did they start with SEO or did they pick it up on the way?
For example, I got into it because I had to. My life depended on it. If it didn’t work, I’d be on the street right now. I turned my Startup into a success. You want to look for an entrepreneurial spirit and this question answers a lot! You don’t want someone who read about Blackhat strategies and implemented them. These aren’t reliable and are no good for long-term success.
What’s Your SEO Philosophy?
Are they into quick wins with shady tactics, or do they focus on sustainable, long-term growth? You want someone who won’t get your site penalized down the line. Is it a content heavy strategy? Do they prioritize backlinks? Ask these questions!
What Success Have You Had in the Past?
Show me the results. Ask for concrete examples—case studies, metrics, the whole nine yards. If they can’t provide any, that’s a red flag.
Can You Tell Me About Specific Projects?
Dive deep. Get them to walk you through a project from start to finish. How did they tackle challenges? What strategies did they use? This will give you insight into their problem-solving skills.
Can I Speak to References?
If they can’t get anyone to pick up the phone and rave about their services, they’re full of it. Move on. A good SEO will be able to find people to provide positive reviews.
Are You Using AI?
This one’s huge. If they’re relying solely on AI to churn out content, you’re in trouble. Google is cracking down on AI-generated and spammy content. Make sure they use AI as a tool, not a crutch.
SEO Expert Red Flags
Let’s get real for a minute. Not all SEO experts are created equal. Some are downright shady. Here are some red flags you need to watch out for when you’re on the hunt.
Guaranteed Results
If someone tells you they can get you to the number one spot on Google in a week, run the other way. Seriously. No one—and I mean no one—can guarantee specific results in SEO. There are too many variables, and Google’s algorithms are more secretive than the recipe for Coca-Cola. Anyone making big promises like that is full of it.
Cannot Explain Concepts in Plain English
Ever talk to someone who throws around jargon like it’s confetti? If they can’t break down complex SEO strategies into language you can actually understand, they’re either trying to confuse you or they don’t know what the hell they’re talking about. You need someone who can explain things without making your head spin.
Too Cheap
Look, you get what you pay for. If their services cost $200, they probably suck. Let’s be honest—quality SEO isn’t cheap. Those offering rock-bottom prices are likely employing black-hat strategies and shortcuts that’ll get your site penalized faster than you can say “Google update.” Cheap services usually lead to crappy results, or worse, a damaged online reputation that’ll take a lot more time and money to fix.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a seasoned SEO expert, reach out to Gorenco. We got you covered!
