Compiling a list of potential SEO consultants for your organization takes thoughtful consideration. Finding the right one isn’t always as easy as it may seem.
The process of finding and selecting the right SEO consultant takes time and thoughtful consideration. That’s because experience, knowledge, and industry focus can differ considerably.
With SEO, there is so much ground to cover. Search engines have evolved over time and mastering every single part of it has become a challenge, even for those of us that have been in the industry for many years. I’ve been in the industry since 2009 and I’m still learning.
SEO services can touch on content optimizing, Amazon / eCommerce, local SEO, online reputation management, social SEO, conversion rate optimization, link building and earning, internal site search, and the list goes on.
Why Does Choosing the Right SEO Consultant Matter?
SEO is more than just getting clicks or traffic—it’s about building trust. The consultant you choose plays a critical role in how your business shows up online and how it connects with the people who need you most.
Think of your SEO consultant as a strategic partner—someone who helps your business show up in the right places, draws people in, and creates an online experience that encourages them to stay and connect with what you offer.
There are plenty of SEO consultants out there, but finding the right fit takes more than a quick Google search. Understanding what an SEO consultant does and how their work aligns with your goals can help you make a more thoughtful choice.
You want someone who understands your business goals, listens to what makes your brand unique, and brings a mix of expertise and intuition to help your business grow in meaningful ways.
The process of hiring an SEO consultant is an investment in your future. The right consultant will align their strategies with your goals, ensuring your business remains visible, relevant, and trusted in a competitive digital space.
How Do I Find a Good SEO Consultant?
There’s no shortage of SEOs out there. I sometimes joke and say that you could throw a rock and hit five of us in the head. The process can seem overwhelming, but here are a few considerations to start your search:
1. Ask your tribe
One of the best ways to find an SEO consultant for your consideration is to ask the people you know, like, and trust. Word of mouth still plays a vital role in being found; people are usually not going to recommend a person or business they don’t like. There’s a good chance someone you know is using SEO and would be happy to recommend their SEO partner.
2. Look on Google
In addition to referrals, another way to find an SEO candidate is by looking on Google. One caveat to this recommendation is that just because an SEO company is ranking prominently in Google doesn’t mean they’re the best, but that also doesn’t mean they’re not. It helps to give a little bit of cred, though, since they practice what they preach. Just know that the point of this exercise is to gather up considerations and then filter that list based on other criteria, such as reviews, proven results, good vibes, and your budget.
3. Review online directories
During your Google search, click on a few directories, such as Clutch and UpCity, for recommendations. Similar to the last bullet point, just because an SEO company is listed in a directory does not necessarily mean they’re the best. In fact, none of these bullet points could declare that. But what I like about these online directories is that they can list an SEO company’s specialties, average price, and client reviews, in one place.
4. Ask on social media groups
I almost didn’t include this one since you can get a mixed bag of results, but there are so many talented people out there that it’s worth exploring. I was part of several Facebook groups and had seen posts from businesses looking for SEO consultants and vice versa. I’ve even received incredible leads this way. There is no shortage of potential candidates.
5. Ask on Slack
There are a ton of Slack channels out there. Occasionally I’ll see a business ask for SEO consultant recommendations. On some occasions, I’ve received a referral from a business that said they saw my name recommended in a Slack channel I’m not even a part of. I say go ahead and ask your Slack network and use the search bar in case it has been asked recently.
6. Ask for my opinion
I’m always happy to chat and provide recommendations for SEO companies or consultants based on your budget, resources, goals, and expectations, whether that means working with me or not.
I promise you I won’t say to go with me right off the bat unless, of course, I believe we would be a great match. I aim to help match the right business with the right search engine consultant. That way both the client and consultant can thrive together.
I also think the SEO industry can have a bad reputation and it’s sometimes because of this mismatch and I’d like to combat that to some degree. I avoid looking at other SEOs as competition and instead view them as my colleagues. I have partnerships with several local and national SEO businesses specializing in different parts of SEO or having a particular industry focus. I can help guide you.
What Should I Ask My SEO Consultant?
Once you’ve gathered a list of potential SEO consultants or companies, the next step is connection. It’s time to move beyond resumes and proposals and have real conversations that give you insight into how they think, work, and communicate. The right consultant won’t just bring expertise—they’ll feel like a natural partner in your business’s growth.
Here are a few thoughtful questions to help guide those conversations and get a clearer sense of whether they’re the right fit.
1. What is your experience with SEO?
This is a nice broad question, similar to any interview you’d conduct when hiring for your company, where you get a feel for who they are, what they do, and how they can help you. Based on their answer, you can then pull out a few nuggets of information and follow-up questions to dive deeper and get a better handle on their experience.
2. Have you worked with a business like mine before?
There are some industries where it makes sense to work with an SEO specialist that has worked before. This can sometimes give an SEO specialist a leg up on the competition since they are more privy to hurdles, FDA rules, and state laws and regulations, that are important for your industry.
3. What parts of SEO are you an expert in?
There is so much ground to cover with SEO that you’ll need to know what parts they’re experienced in and also enjoy doing. Some search engine consultants focus on content writing, eCommerce, mobile apps, online reputation management, or technical audits, among others, while others specialize in a few areas.
4. What is your process and approach?
The potential SEO candidate should share how they like to work and your next steps. An example is how we handle SEO requests: I will usually put together a high-level analysis of your online visibility to inform initial next-step recommendations. This is where trust is built and value is highlighted.
5. How do you communicate with clients?
Depending on where this SEO candidate is located, they might work in a different timezone or country, so learn how long it can take for you to receive a response, which may or may not be a deal-breaker.
6. Can you send me case studies for past clients?
The answer should be yes. That is all.
7. What SEO tools do you use?
This is more-so a popular question I typically get asked from potential agency partners since they either 1) curious to know what’s being used these days, 2) they want to make sure I have experience in tools they’re already using or have heard of, or 3) they want to know I’m invested in the success of their clients.
8. How often and what reports do you send?
Reporting on SEO activities and success is a must. This is the one part that usually surprises me when I hear from my clients that their previous SEO company never sent them anything, or they got a report but didn’t know what any of it meant.
9. What are your rates?
This is always the million-dollar question and can be a deal-breaker. Rates can vary considerably based on factors including the amount of support needed and the level of experience an SEO consultant has.
Based on the fee, ask how long desired results should take. Sometimes smaller fees equate to lower engagement, therefore a longer time to see results, while higher fees can equate to more engagement and quicker results.
10. Are there any questions I should ask that I’m not?
I love this question and I ask it to anyone I potentially work with. This would be a good time for the SEO consultant to provide additional information and provide opportunities for you to get to know them even more.
What Are the Traits of a Good SEO Consultant?
During your conversation, try to get a handle if they have the following traits:
- They should ask questions about you and your business, what your level of SEO experience is, what you hope to achieve with SEO, your expectations, and the types of problems you are facing.
- They should have the heart of a teacher and know how to explain SEO in a clear and concise way to help you understand the value they bring to the table.
- They should make you feel like you can trust them. Always trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, maybe they’re not right for you.
- They should provide an action plan and explain why they’re recommending what they’re recommending and why it’s important.
- They should have experience with what works and what doesn’t, which goes beyond regurgitating best practices that anyone can find online.
- They should be honest with what you can expect working with them and how long it will take SEO to work based on your business type, the competition, resources available, and of course budget.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, finding an SEO consultant for your business can be a process, but it’s an important one. Your money, time, and success are on the line. Make sure you find someone that makes the most sense for your business.
Regardless of who you go with, a good SEO agency or consultant should be an excellent communicator, treat your business like it’s their own, and keep up to date on the evolving SEO industry.
SEO is a long-term investment strategy, so work with an SEO consultant that wants to help grow your business and grow with your business.
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