Hiring SEO freelancers: Essential guide
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialists help your website rank higher in search engines, driving targeted organic traffic and increasing your digital visibility. When hiring an SEO freelancer on YunoJuno, understanding the key aspects of their expertise is crucial for project success.
What to look for
A proficient SEO specialist should demonstrate expertise in both technical and content-related aspects. Look for professionals who understand search engine algorithms, have experience with analytics tools, and can provide measurable results from previous projects.
Core expertise to verify
- Technical SEO knowledge (site architecture, crawlability, indexing)
- On-page optimisation capabilities
- Content strategy and keyword research proficiency
- Link building and digital PR experience
- Analytics and reporting skills
- Understanding of mobile SEO and local search
Key interview questions
- How do you approach a website audit?
- What tools do you use for keyword research and competitor analysis?
- Can you explain your link-building methodology?
- How do you measure SEO success?
- What's your experience with international SEO?
How to shortlist candidates
Review their case studies and past performance metrics. Look for specialists who have experience in your industry and can demonstrate tangible improvements in search rankings, traffic, and conversions for previous clients.
Red flags to watch for
- Guarantees of specific rankings or immediate results
- Use of outdated or black-hat SEO techniques
- Lack of transparency about methods and reporting
- Poor communication or unclear explanations of strategy
- No mention of mobile or technical SEO importance
Essential technical skills
- Google Analytics and Search Console proficiency
- Understanding of HTML and basic web development
- Experience with SEO tools (e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog)
- Knowledge of schema markup and structured data
- Content optimisation expertise
How they can help your business
An experienced SEO freelancer can help solve various challenges:
- Poor website visibility in search results
- Declining organic traffic
- Technical website issues affecting performance
- Content gaps and keyword targeting problems
- Competitive market positioning
- Local search visibility challenges
- Mobile search optimisation needs
Remember that SEO is a long-term investment, and results typically take time to materialise. The best freelancers will set realistic expectations and provide clear communication throughout the process.
