How to Outsource SEO (Without Wasting Your Money)
Outsourcing SEO is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business—if you do it right. If you’re wondering what is SEO outsourcing and should I outsource SEO, the short answer is yes. But the real question is: Who should you trust with your SEO? Because let’s be honest, there’s a wide gap between hiring someone who actually knows what they’re doing and throwing money at the first person offering “#1 Google rankings for $50.”
I’ll walk you through what you need to know before outsourcing, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to actually get results (like, the kind that don’t leave you wondering where your money went).
What Is SEO Outsourcing?
SEO outsourcing is when you hire an external expert (like me, hi 👋🏾) or an agency to handle your search engine optimization. This can include keyword research, blog post optimization, link building, and technical SEO—basically, all the things that help your website show up on Google without you having to become an SEO nerd yourself.
If you’re still wondering whether SEO is even worth it these days, I wrote about that in Is SEO Dead? (spoiler: it’s not, but it has changed).
Should I Outsource SEO?
If you have the time, knowledge, and patience to keep up with Google’s algorithm changes, then no, you probably don’t need to outsource. But for most small business owners, keeping up with SEO is a lot—and even if you understand the basics, optimizing your content properly takes time.
Here’s when outsourcing makes sense:
You’re doing “all the things” and SEO keeps getting pushed aside. If SEO keeps getting pushed to 'later,' it’s time to hand it off.
You’re creating great content, but it’s not ranking. There’s a difference between good writing and SEO-optimized writing—and you need both. I break this down in How to Write a Blog Post for SEO.
You don’t want to waste money on trial and error. SEO is an investment. If you’re winging it, you could be leaving traffic (and revenue) on the table.
How to Choose the Right SEO Outsourcing Services
Not all SEO services are created equal, and cheap SEO can end up costing you more in the long run. A lot of people’s first stop is Fiverr or Upwork, and while you can find some gems, you’re more likely to get bargain-basement work that doesn’t actually help your rankings. If you pay someone $10 to “fix your SEO,” you’re probably getting someone who’s copying and pasting generic advice—or worse, using spammy tactics that could get your site penalized.
When looking for SEO outsourcing, consider:
Their experience & results. Have they helped businesses like yours? Do they have case studies or proof?
Their transparency. A good SEO strategist will explain what they’re doing—not just hand you a vague “SEO report.”
Your budget. Good SEO isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it when done right.
I also break down more ways to improve rankings in How to Boost SEO if you want to get a head start.
What to Expect from SEO Outsourcing
Even the best SEO strategist can’t control Google’s algorithm, but they can set you up for long-term success with the right strategy. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint—so while you won’t see overnight results, a solid SEO foundation helps your site rank better over time.
Ready to Outsource SEO the Right Way?
If you’re serious about growing your business with SEO (without the guesswork), let’s talk. I offer SEO consulting services that actually help you rank without shady tactics or empty promises.
