Not all working for SEO can be considered as an expert. There are certain qualities or things that a real SEO Expert possesses. And as a business owner it is important that you hire the right one or else the purpose of SEO will be lost.
Below are the things that you need to consider when you’re planning to hire for a qualified expert.
1. Passion for SEO
Not all people are born to like everything about search engine optimization. Only few are passionate about it. To spot a passionate SEO Expert, he is usually the one that can immediately explain when asked questions like “How search engines works?”, what search engine optimization?, Why you need to make your website be visible in search engines?, What is UX Conversion?, and more. SEO Expert can directly answer even those mind-boggling questions about your websites, since they spend the MOST of their time on learning about SEO.
2. Years in SEO industry
The challenging update in search engines started when Google introduced the Panda Update in 2011 which started to penalize those sites having low-quality content, i.e. thin content, content farms, high ad-to-content ratios and etc. Be sure to hire a SEO Expert that existed before this update. Find someone who has survived over the major algorithm updates like Panda, Penguin, Pigeon and more.
Bonus tip: Those who have survived usually know how to recover from penalty (they simply know the ins and out). And remember with all the technical details, SEO can’t be learned within a year (and it’s a fact!).
3. Higher Level of Technical Knowledge
When it comes to the level of knowledge, you will know that he is an Expert when he knows how to define the following:
- Technical SEO – this deals on the technical improvements, i.e. structured data, loading speed, sitemap, robots.txt and more
- Onsite Optimization –deals on what he can do within your site, which involves, Meta tags (title, description, h-tags), internal links and etc.
- Content Optimization – focusing on creative valuable content within the website
- Offsite optimization – this is working beyond the website, working on gaining for backlinks
4. Effective in Problem Solving
They are identified to be expert in defining the main problem. Differentiating a problem from a symptom is part of their skill. They know where to start and what are the appropriate tools that work. From problem identification to evaluation of results, they know every part of it.
An expert is also someone who can pull and analyze data. He understands that problems need immediate solutions. He knows how to work around challenges and roadblocks. For example if it is find out that your website have low Conversion rate. He will immediately give you an update and provide an immediate proposed plan.
Find someone who can immediately provide solutions in making your website rank or visible on search. He knows well the value of time and money.
5. Proven Track Records
Aside from surviving the major updates in Algorithm, they can be named as expert if they become successful in a SEO campaign. They have able to make the website rank and increase more traffic on it. To check their success record, check out the reviews and testimonial of their previous clients.
A great consultant usually showcases a portfolio through publishing case studies. He is always proud to present his latest accomplishments. He share actionable tips and how they solve website issues.
6. Inquisitive to find the Latest SEO Practices
Knowledgeable SEO Expert knows the latest SEO Practices. You can find someone who is great in SEO if he doesn’t only know how the search engine works but he’s always curious about the updates. He is someone who has a deeper knowledge in SEO.
7. Understand Fully How Your Business Works
In hiring someone to work for your SEO, it’s essential that he fully know how your business works. They will usually ask you about your company’s vision, mission and goals. Additionally they will ask about your operation, products or services, competitors and customers.
Checking what your site is all about is always the initial start of an SEO Expert. He makes sure that he is familiar about the website before applying solutions.
8. Uses Reliable Tools
You can identify him as an expert, if he knows what are the appropriate tools to be used for the campaign. Like for example, in doing competitor analysis, he uses SEMRush or Ahrefs or uses Buzzsumo for a content driven strategy. Take note that they have certain tools for specific strategies. And an expert truly knows about this.
9. Strong Execution
Providing proposed solutions for your website is not enough. He’s an expert if he can properly execute those strategies and be able to provide positive results. He is someone who can convert plan immediately.
An expert also has clearly defined goals, objectives and methods or the proper way to execute the proposed solutions. He also makes sure to measure the efforts applies and do an analysis for improvements.
10. Excellent Communication Skills
Communication is very important aspect of every business. An identified SEO expert will always give you an update about the campaign through report plus providing a thorough analysis and plan of action. It is clearly communicated with you. He can also clearly understand your feedback or request.
Fact: SEO is still a must. Ranking higher on SERPs can increase traffic and can lead to more sales. Based on WordStream about 72% of consumers who did a local search visited a store within five miles.
Even if you have a great website with valuable content if it is not visible on search results, you can’t achieved its purpose. To maximize the potential of your website it is vital to do apply SEO. And since this involves technicalities, it is ideal to find an SEO Expert.









