92: When you want somebody to do your SEO for you...

Summary

In this episode, Meredith's husband discusses the pros and cons of hiring an SEO professional or agency. He explains the challenges small business owners face when seeking affordable, reliable SEO services and suggests options such as hiring consultants, domestic agencies, or outsourcing overseas. Website owners are encouraged to evaluate their SEO needs and make informed decisions to ensure they receive quality services without overpaying.

Should You Hire an SEO Expert? Here’s What You Need to Know

As a website owner, optimizing your site for search engines is crucial for online visibility, but figuring out whether to do it yourself or hire an SEO expert can be daunting. In this episode, Meredith’s husband breaks down the pros and cons of hiring an SEO professional and provides insights on how to find reliable help without breaking the bank.

Why Hiring an SEO Professional Can Be Tricky

For small business owners, hiring an SEO firm can be challenging for a few reasons:

• Cost: Quality SEO services often come with a hefty price tag. Domestic SEO firms in the U.S. can charge anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 a month, making them unaffordable for many small businesses.

• Quality Uncertainty: Hiring an SEO professional doesn't guarantee quality results. Even large companies that spend tens of thousands of dollars on SEO services sometimes receive minimal or subpar deliverables.

• Overseas Options: While SEO firms in countries like India or the Philippines may be more affordable, the quality of work can vary significantly. Language barriers, lack of localized SEO knowledge, and low-quality content are common issues.

Options for Affordable SEO

If hiring a high-end SEO agency or managing your own SEO feels overwhelming, there are a few other avenues you can explore:

1. SEO Agencies: Domestic agencies can be more reliable, but they come at a price. Always check references and reviews thoroughly before hiring.

2. SEO Consultants: Consultants can offer strategic advice and help guide you through the SEO process, but they might expect you to handle implementation yourself.

3. Outsourcing Overseas: While generally cheaper, outsourcing overseas carries risks with quality control. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might find success by thoroughly vetting overseas firms.

A Reliable Low-Cost SEO Option

For those seeking a cost-effective yet reliable SEO service, Meredith’s husband recommends E Brands, a company founded by Milind Mody. This Indian-based firm has grown to become one of the largest SEO companies in the world and offers affordable plans, with options starting as low as $200 per month. While working with such a large company can occasionally lead to inconsistencies, Meredith’s husband vouches for their ability to provide solid results at a fraction of the cost of U.S.-based agencies.

Bullet Points from the Episode:

• Cost of hiring SEO experts: Expect $2,000+ per month for U.S.-based firms, but the quality isn’t guaranteed.

• Consultants vs. full-service agencies: Consultants may provide strategy, but you might need to implement changes yourself.

• Overseas SEO options: More affordable but with potential quality issues.

• Recommendation: E Brands offers a cost-effective solution for small businesses with packages around $200-250 per month.

• Commitment is key: SEO is a long-term game—expect to commit to at least six months to see results.

Choose Wisely for SEO Success

SEO is a crucial investment for your website’s success, but finding the right help requires careful consideration. While high-cost agencies may deliver great results, they aren’t always accessible to small business owners. Meanwhile, affordable overseas options might help you get started without breaking the bank, provided you find the right partner. E Brands is a solid recommendation for small business owners looking for a balance between cost and quality.

Resources

If you’re still unsure about how to tackle SEO, check out the "SEO Roadmap" mentioned by Meredith's husband during the episode. This guide offers a clear, step-by-step plan to improve your site’s search rankings and performance.