As an SEO consultant, I have helped many businesses increase their web traffic and sales. In this article, I hope to help explain what an SEO consultant does, based on my 10+ years experience. I’ll also share what skills are needed to be an effective SEO consultant and how customers looking for SEO services can identify the right SEO for their requirements.
What is an SEO Consultant?
An SEO consultant is a professional who helps businesses increase their web traffic and sales through search engine optimisation. It is common for SEO consultants to work in-house or as freelance contractors, although some may choose to start their own business or “SEO agency”. SEO consultants will identify strategies and implement tactics to rank a website higher in the of search engines results pages (SERPs) to increase the number of visitors to a website.
In order to hire an SEO consultant, you must first understand what they do. I figured I’ve explained it enough times to my parents that I’ve gotten pretty good at explaining what an SEO consultant is, and how they work.
So here’s my viewpoint (someone with 10+ years experience in the industry) on what is an SEO consultant, why they are important, and how they can help businesses to achieve desired outcomes.
What Does an SEO Consultant Do?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of improving and optimizing websites to improve search engine rankings. An SEO consultant is an individual with specialized knowledge and experience to help businesses to grow their presence on the web.
SEO Consultant Responsibilities
SEO Consultants typically for plan, implement and managing their clients’s overall SEO strategy. These of duties may include keyword research, on-page optimisation, content strategy planning and link building.
It’s important to confirm what your SEO consultant will do, and if that is the right course of action for your website to get more organic traffic. Each SEO consultant may have different specialties, and as such, finding one that specialises in what will help your website grow the most is ideal.
Benefits of Hiring an SEO Consultant
The benefits of hiring an SEO consultant include:
- Strategic direction, rather than just tactics
- Expert recommendations
- Increased Visibility in Search Results
- Improved Search Engine Rankings
- Optimised Website Content
- Cost Savings of Hiring an Expert vs an Agency
- Enhanced Brand Reputation
Tips for Choosing the Right SEO Consultant
Before hiring an SEO consultant, it’s important to ask questions such as what their approach is, what services they will provide, and how long they think it will take to see results. For instance, if you want to increase your website’s visibility across multiple countries, an International SEO consultant may be beneficial. But for local businesses trying to increase their rankings of their Google Business Profile, a local SEO consultant may be the right choice.
Working with an SEO Consultant
SEO consultants usually start with an audit followed by implementation. My most recent SEO project for a client began with an audit of their website and online presence. The audit revealed several opportunities for improvement, such as optimizing the pages metadata and improving the website’s internal linking structure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t hire an SEO consultant with experience in your industry. A client of mine had previously hired an SEO agency with experience in the ecommerce industry, but their website was primarily as a wholesaler. The consultant’s strategies were not effective because they were tailored to the business objectives of the wholesaler’s business model.
SEO consultants are experts in understanding how search engines work and helping to increase website visibility through improved rankings. Understanding who an SEO consultant is, what they do and how they can benefit your business is key to making informed decisions about digital marketing strategies.
I hope it also helps your explain SEO consulting to your parents 🙂
