How to Find a Good SEO Consultant

Many businesses want an SEO or online marketing solution, but they don’t know where to start. How much can a good SEO consultant handle, and when is it better to work with a big company?

As a seasoned SEO consultant, I work primarily with small to medium-sized businesses. While I'd love to say I can handle any campaign, the truth is that a consultant often acts like a general contractor. We are hands-on, managing all the important tasks and strategies for our clients.

My business model is designed for efficiency. My home office keeps overhead costs low, and those savings are passed directly to you. This is a significant advantage over large SEO firms that must cover high expenses for office rent, big management salaries, and less-experienced junior staff who often handle your campaigns.

Consultant vs. Large SEO Firm: The Experience Factor

Do you want your online marketing campaign managed by recent college graduates? While I respect that they have to learn somewhere, that learning curve is often funded by your company’s marketing budget.

Many large firms operate with a single SEO expert—or sometimes none at all—and a team of lower-paid "SEO associates." These associates, who have limited experience in online marketing and business strategy, often rely on pre-set templates and guidelines. This business model is profitable for the firm but rarely allows for the kind of customization, competitive strategy, and fresh ideas that deliver outstanding results.

This isn't to say that big SEO firms’ strategies never work. However, the outcomes can be a mixed bag, and I'm not a fan of gambling with a client's success. What if your campaign is assigned to an inexperienced team that can’t deliver maximum results? Have you ever been a client of a big firm, called with a question, and received three different answers from three different people?

Finding Real SEO Talent

I believe the future of the SEO industry lies with independent professionals leading their own teams, not with large corporate structures. Online marketing is a unique and delicate combination of technical skill, business acumen, and creative strategy. Unlike traditional marketing, there are very few academic programs that effectively train internet marketing experts. The most successful professionals today have learned through years of trial, error, and hands-on experience.

Finding real SEO talent is a challenge, as many of the best experts eventually leave big firms because they become overqualified. They often become SEO consultants themselves, working directly with clients to provide better value.

The Value of a True Partnership

When you work with a skilled SEO consultant, you get much more than just a service. You get a single point of contact who is also the one updating code, creating the strategy, and educating you about search engine optimization.

During your first meeting, you’ll speak directly with the person who will be executing your campaign—not a low-skilled employee you'll never see or talk to again. This approach gives you peace of mind and the feeling of being a true partner, not just another client being pushed through a conveyor belt of generic services.

If your company is looking for a comprehensive online marketing or search engine optimization solution, seek out a SEO consultant who has a proven track record. You will save money and time, while gaining measurable results and a dedicated marketing partner who knows the answers to your questions.