Imagine this: You’ve built a fantastic business, your website looks great, but… it’s crickets. No traffic, no leads, no customers finding you on Google. You’ve heard SEO is the key to unlocking online success, but between running your business, managing clients, and keeping up with a million other tasks, who has the time to master keyword research, backlinks, and Google’s ever-changing algorithms?
That’s where outsourcing SEO comes in. Instead of spending months (or years) trying to figure it all out yourself, you can bring in experts who live and breathe SEO. These professionals have the tools, knowledge, and experience to help your website rank higher, attract more visitors, and ultimately grow your business.
But outsourcing SEO isn’t just about handing over the reins and hoping for the best. To get the most out of it, you need to understand the benefits, avoid common mistakes, and know how to find the right SEO partner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to outsource SEO the right way—so you can focus on what you do best while the experts handle the rest.
Benefits of Outsourcing SEO
So, why should you let an SEO pro handle your website instead of trying to do it all yourself? Simple—because great SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords into blog posts or getting a few backlinks. It’s a complex, ever-changing game that requires expertise, strategy, and patience.
Outsourcing SEO isn’t just about convenience; it’s about getting better results, faster. Here’s how it can transform your business:
Cost-Effectiveness: Get More Bang for Your Buck
Hiring an in-house SEO specialist (or team) can be expensive—salaries, benefits, software, training…it adds up fast! Outsourcing allows you to tap into top-tier expertise without the overhead costs. You pay only for the services you need, whether that’s a full SEO strategy or just help with link-building or content optimization.
Access to SEO Wizards and Cutting-Edge Tools
SEO isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about having the right tools. Some SEO partners invest in premium SEO software (think Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz) that would cost you thousands of dollars annually. Plus, they have teams of experts who specialize in everything from technical SEO to content marketing, so you’re not relying on one person to do it all.
Saves You Time So You Can Focus on Your Business
You have a business to run—do you really want to spend hours analyzing search trends, writing content, and fixing broken links? By outsourcing SEO, you can free up your time and focus on what you do best, while the experts handle the nitty-gritty of optimizing your website.
Scalability: Grow Your SEO Strategy as Your Business Grows
One of the best things about outsourcing SEO is that it’s flexible. Need to start with just the basics? No problem. Ready to ramp up and go all-in with a full-scale SEO campaign? An SEO specialist can scale with you, providing the right level of service at each stage of your business’s growth.
Keeping Up with Google’s Ever-Changing Rules
SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. Google updates its algorithm constantly (sometimes without warning), and what worked last year—or even last month—might not work today. SEO specialists stay on top of these changes, so you don’t have to wake up to a nasty surprise like a sudden drop in rankings.
Better, Faster Results (Without the Trial and Error)
SEO is a long-term game, but a good partner knows how to get results faster. Instead of spending months experimenting with different strategies and hoping something sticks, you’ll have a team that already knows what works—and how to implement it effectively.
Think of outsourcing SEO like hiring a top-tier chef for your restaurant. Sure, you could try to cook everything yourself, but wouldn’t you rather have an expert in the kitchen whipping up gourmet dishes while you focus on running the business? The same logic applies here—outsourcing SEO lets you take advantage of specialized expertise while keeping your focus on growing your brand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Outsourcing SEO
Outsourcing SEO can sound like a dream. You hand over the reins, sit back, and watch your website climb the rankings. Well… not so fast. While outsourcing SEO can be one of the smartest moves for your business, there are plenty of ways it can go terribly wrong.
The internet is full of SEO partners making big promises—“#1 on Google in a week!”—but not all of them deliver real, sustainable results. To avoid wasting time, money, and your website’s reputation, steer clear of these common mistakes:
Choosing the Cheapest Option (Because, Well… It’s Cheap)
We get it—budgets are tight, and you want the best deal. But SEO isn’t like buying a cup of coffee; the cheapest option often comes with the worst results.
There are plenty of low-cost SEO services out there promising the world for $99 a month. The problem? Many of them use shady tactics like buying spammy backlinks, stuffing keywords in unnatural ways, or using automated tools that can actually hurt your rankings. Google is smart—it catches on to these tricks, and your site could get penalized or even blacklisted.
What to Do Instead: Look for a partner with a solid reputation, success stories, and transparent strategies. Quality SEO costs money because it takes time, skill, and effort.
Not Defining Clear Goals (AKA: “Just Make Me #1 on Google!”)
Saying “I want better SEO” is like telling a personal trainer, “I want to be fit.” What does that even mean? Are you trying to lose weight, build muscle, or run a marathon? SEO works the same way—you need a clear goal to get meaningful results.
Are you looking to increase organic traffic? Improve local search rankings? Boost e-commerce sales? Without defined goals, your SEO provider won’t know where to focus, and you’ll have no way to measure success.
What to Do Instead: Set specific, measurable goals before hiring an SEO agency. For example: “Increase organic traffic by 30% in six months” or “Get on page one for ‘best handmade candles in New York.’”
Ignoring Communication and Reporting (AKA: The ‘Set It and Forget It’ Approach)
Would you hire a marketing partner and never check in? Probably not. Yet many businesses make the mistake of outsourcing SEO and then going completely hands-off.
SEO isn’t magic—it requires collaboration. If your SEO provider isn’t giving you regular updates, you have no idea what they’re doing (or if they’re doing anything at all). Some businesses realize too late that their partner was using outdated or harmful tactics, and by then, rankings have tanked.
What to Do Instead: Set up regular check-ins—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—to review progress, discuss strategy, and make sure you’re aligned. A good SEO provider will offer clear reports and insights, not just a vague “Trust us, it’s working.”
Not Researching the SEO Partner (Because They Looked Good on Google Ads)
Just because an SEO partner ranks high on Google doesn’t mean they’re great at SEO. Some companies spend big bucks on ads but have a terrible track record when it comes to delivering results.
Many businesses get lured in by fancy websites and big promises, only to find out their SEO partner is outsourcing their work to cheap, inexperienced freelancers—or worse, using black-hat tactics that could damage their site.
What to Do Instead:
- Check reviews and testimonials on third-party sites (Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Clutch, etc.).
- Ask for case studies and real-world results from similar businesses.
- Verify their SEO approach—do they focus on ethical, long-term strategies or shortcuts?
Expecting Instant Results (Because SEO Should Be Fast, Right?)
Would you expect to lose 20 pounds in a week with one workout? No? Then don’t expect SEO to work overnight either.
SEO is a long-term game. It takes time for Google to recognize your site’s improvements, and even longer for rankings to climb. If a partner promises immediate results, it’s a huge red flag—they’re either lying or using black-hat techniques that could get your site penalized.
What to Do Instead: Be patient. A good SEO strategy usually takes 3-6 months to show significant results. If you’re in a competitive industry, it could take even longer—but the long-term benefits are worth it.
Outsourcing SEO is one of the best moves you can make for your business—if you do it right. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll set yourself up for success and ensure your SEO investment actually delivers real, lasting results.
Expert Tips for Outsourcing SEO Successfully
Alright, now that we’ve covered the benefits of outsourcing SEO and the common mistakes to avoid, let’s talk about how to do it the right way.
Think of outsourcing SEO like hiring a babysitter for your business’s online presence. You wouldn’t just hire the first person who knocks on your door and says, “Yeah, I’ve watched a few kids before.” You’d check their references, make sure they know what they’re doing, and set clear expectations. The same goes for SEO!
If you want to get real results without wasting time or money, follow these expert tips:
1. Define Your SEO Needs Before You Start
Imagine walking into a restaurant and telling the waiter, “Just bring me food.” They’d probably look at you like you’re crazy. SEO is the same—if you don’t know what you need, you’re leaving your success to chance.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need local SEO (ranking in Google Maps)?
- Do I need technical SEO (fixing site speed, indexing, etc.)?
- Do I need content marketing (blogging, landing pages, etc.)?
- Do I need link building (getting quality backlinks to boost authority)?
Knowing what you need helps you find the right SEO provider, not just any SEO provider.
2. Research and Vet SEO Providers Like a Pro
Not all SEO partners are the same. Some are amazing, others… not so much. Your job is to separate the experts from the pretenders.
Here’s how to properly vet an SEO provider:
- Check reviews on Google, Trustpilot, Clutch, and other third-party sites.
- Ask for case studies—real-world examples of their success stories.
- Look at their own website—if they can’t rank their own business, how will they rank yours?
- Ask tough questions, like: What SEO strategies do you use? How do you measure success? Can you provide client references? How do you stay updated with Google’s algorithm changes?
A good SEO provider will answer these questions confidently. A bad one will dodge them or give vague, generic answers.
3. Set Clear Expectations and Get Everything in Writing
Miscommunication is one of the biggest reasons businesses get frustrated with SEO providers. If you’re expecting one thing and they’re delivering another, it’s a recipe for disappointment.
Before signing any contract, make sure you’re aligned on:
- Goals and KPIs – Are you focused on rankings, traffic, conversions, or all three?
- Timelines – SEO takes time, but when can you expect to see progress?
- Reporting and Communication – How often will they update you? Weekly, biweekly, or monthly?
- Pricing and Deliverables – What exactly are you paying for each month?
A professional SEO provider will happily provide a clear scope of work. If they hesitate, that’s a red flag.
4. Maintain Regular Communication—Don’t Just “Set It and Forget It”
SEO isn’t like buying a product; it’s an ongoing process. If you’re outsourcing, you must stay involved to ensure things stay on track.
- Schedule regular check-ins – A quick monthly or biweekly call to discuss progress.
- Review reports – A good agency will send reports with traffic updates, keyword rankings, and next steps.
- Ask questions – If something doesn’t make sense, ask! You don’t need to be an SEO expert, but you should understand the basics.
The best SEO partnerships feel like teamwork. You bring the business knowledge, they bring the SEO expertise, and together, you grow!
5. Track Progress and Adjust as Needed
SEO is a long game, but that doesn’t mean you should blindly trust the process without checking results.
Here’s what to monitor:
- Organic Traffic – Is your site getting more visitors from search engines?
- Keyword Rankings – Are you moving up for your target keywords?
- Conversions – Are SEO efforts leading to more leads or sales?
If things aren’t improving after 3-6 months, it’s time to have a conversation with your SEO provider. Maybe the strategy needs adjusting, or maybe it’s time to find a new partner.
Tip: Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to keep an eye on your traffic trends.
Outsourcing SEO can be one of the best investments for your business—if you do it strategically. By defining your needs, choosing the right partner, setting clear expectations, and staying involved, you’ll get the results you’re looking for.
The Takeaway
Outsourcing SEO isn’t just about handing off your website to a partner and hoping for the best—it’s about making a strategic decision that can drive long-term business growth. When done right, it saves you time, gives you access to top-tier expertise, and helps you navigate the complex world of search engine rankings without the stress of doing it yourself. But as we’ve seen, not all SEO providers are created equal. The key is to find a partner who aligns with your business goals, uses ethical, long-term strategies, and communicates openly about progress.
By avoiding common mistakes—like choosing the cheapest option, failing to define clear goals, or expecting overnight success—you set yourself up for better results. And by following expert best practices—such as researching agencies thoroughly, setting clear expectations, and staying involved in the process—you ensure that your SEO investment actually pays off. SEO is a long game, but with the right team by your side, your website can climb the ranks, bring in more organic traffic, and turn visitors into loyal customers.
If you’d like to outsource your SEO and are unsure about where to start, schedule a free call with us and learn how to find the right SEO experts for growing your business today.
