With the constant changes in online landscapes, it’s essential to have a reliable compass to steer your ecommerce brand in the right direction. That’s where the question arises – is it worth hiring a freelance SEO consultant to be your guiding star? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits, drawbacks, and everything in between to help you make an informed decision.
The Digital Horizon: Navigating the SEO Waters
Why Consider a Freelance SEO Consultant?
In the world of online commerce, visibility is key. A freelance SEO consultant can be a priceless asset to helping you garner increased online presence, annalysing landscape data and designing organic strategies that are designed to do one thing -make you more sales. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Expertise Beyond the Basics:
- Freelance SEO consultants are specialists in their field, armed with not only a deep understanding of search engine algorithms but how consumers navigate the organic landscape.
- Their expertise goes beyond the basics, delving into advanced strategies that can give your ecommerce brand a competitive edge.
- Tailored Strategies for Your Brand:
- Every ecommerce brand is unique, and a one-size-fits-all SEO strategy rarely does the trick. Freelance SEO consultants tailor their approach to meet the specific needs and goals of your business.
- This personalised touch ensures that your brand stands out in the crowded online marketplace.
- Cost-Effective Solutions:
- Hiring a full-time, in-house SEO expert can be a hefty investment. On the contrary, you can work with a freelance SEO consultant on an as-and-when basis meaning, whilst the day rates might be higher in the short term, they are often a cost-effective solution, allowing you to allocate resources wisely without compromising on quality.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
Before we delve deeper, let’s address a couple of misconceptions surrounding freelance SEO consultants.
Myth 1: Freelancers Lack Accountability
It’s a common misconception that freelancers lack accountability just because they’re not on a company payroll. In reality, many freelance SEO consultants are highly committed professionals who take pride in delivering results. By establishing clear communication channels and expectations, you can foster an unbreakable sense of accountability in your working relationship which can go onto paying significant dividends in the long run.
Myth 2: Freelancers Are a Short-Term Solution
While some businesses opt for freelance SEO consultants on a project basis, many freelancers are open to long-term collaborations. Building a consistent, ongoing relationship with a freelance SEO consultant can lead to sustained success and adaptabilityandm on the flip side, freelancers love to have reliability when it comes to good clients. Finding clients that are great to partner with, pay invoices on time and provide great briefs are like hens teeth in the freelancer world so if you can offer that as a brand you’re likely to attract the best the freelance market has to offer.
The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Freelance SEO Consultant
The Pros
- Specialised Expertise:
- Freelance SEO consultants are specialists in their field, often honing their skills in specific niches but also having a great range of experience across verticals (especially if they come from agency background!).
- Their expertise can give your ecommerce business a competitive advantage, helping you spot golden nuggets of opportunity in your data that will help you stay ahead in the digital race.
- Cost-Effective Solutions:
- Don’t be scared of punchy day rates. Good Freelancers often offer flexible pricing models, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.
- You can allocate your budget strategically, focusing on areas that bring the most significant impact to your online presence.
- Personalised Attention:
- Unlike larger agencies, freelance SEO consultants can provide a more personalised and hands-on approach to your business.
- Your brand gets the attention it deserves, with tailored strategies that align with your unique goals.
The Cons
- Limited Resources:
- Freelancers may have limited resources compared to larger agencies, which could impact the speed and scale of implementation.
- It’s crucial to discuss and set realistic expectations regarding timelines and deliverables.
How to Make the Right Decision for Your Ecommerce Business
Assessing Your Brands Needs
Before deciding whether to hire a freelance SEO consultant, take a moment to assess your business needs. Consider the following questions:
- What are your specific SEO goals?
- Do you require ongoing SEO or a one-time project?
- What is your budget for SEO services?
Finding the Right Fit
- Evaluate Their Experience:
- Look for a freelance SEO consultant with a proven track record. Senior level freelancers come with day rates that should be reflective of their experience and you don’t want to be paying above the odds for someone who lacks knowledge or communication skills. Someone who can demonstrate a good agency background is a great prerequisite along with vertical specific experience.
- Pay attention to results in similar industries or niches to ensure they understand the specific challenges of your ecommerce business. Often you find freelancers have niche-specific experience so make sure you question them on the nuances of your industry too, not just the nuances of SEO.
- Communication is Key:
- A successful collaboration hinges on effective communication. Ensure that the freelance SEO consultant is responsive, open to feedback, and can explain complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Part of the communication should also be built around them understanding your business goals. A truly great freelancer can combine commercial awareness with technical know how. If you can find someone who’s as comfortable discussing margins and profitability as they are keywords and site navigation then hold onto them!
- Discuss Expectations Clearly:
- Set clear expectations regarding deliverables, timelines, and communication channels. This transparency is crucial for a successful partnership. At the same time also be wary of yes men – anyone who’s keen to please and “guarantees” anything in SEO should be approached with caution.
In Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
While there are considerations and potential challenges, the rewards often outweigh the risks when it comes to partnering with an SEO consultant. The specialised expertise, personalised attention, and cost-effective solutions provided by a freelance SEO consultant can be the key to unlocking online success for your business.
Remember, every ecommerce brand is unique, and finding the right freelance SEO consultant is about aligning your goals with their expertise. As the digital landscape continues to evolve and buyer behaviour continues to change, having a seasoned guide by your side can make all the difference in conquering the vast and ever-changing SEO waters. So, is it worth hiring a freelance SEO consultant for your ecommerce business? In many cases, the answer is a resounding yes and lucky for you, our Interim Digital Community is packed with utterly brilliant digital marketing freelancers all ready and waiting to push your ecommerce brand to the next level.
Contact us today if you’re freelancer curious and ready to take your online business to the next level.