Best Freelance Websites for Hiring SEO Experts

Best Freelance Websites to Hire SEO Experts

SEO is one of the most important aspects of running a successful website. But it also requires expertise to execute effectively.

You could learn everything there is to know about the ever-changing landscape of SEO (eek!) or you could just hire an expert to handle it for you. (Spoiler alert: we prefer the latter.) Experienced SEO professionals are essential for tackling complex challenges and strategic planning that align with business objectives. Additionally, a freelance SEO specialist can play a crucial role in enhancing your business's online presence through keyword research, content optimization, and backlink building.

Here are the best freelance websites for hiring SEO experts.

Need to find work as a digital marketer? Check out our list of the best places to find work.

Best for Growth Marketers

Strength in brand marketing and growth marketing
High-level U.S. resources as well as low-cost, overseas marketing assistants available
48-hour talent matching, with 75% of clients hiring their first match.

Best for Paid Ads & CMO's

Strength in fractional CMO's, paid social and search ads, and affiliate programs.
Specialties in SEO, content, and email marketing
No minimum hours for contractors to help you start on a small budget

Best for eCommerce Marketing

Strength in eCommerce, influencer marketing, and growth marketing
Detailed marketing audits available
Fixed price marketing packages and 48-hour talent matching

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Introduction

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through search engine optimization (SEO). However, mastering SEO requires a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, keyword research, and various optimization techniques. This is where hiring a freelance SEO expert can make a significant difference. By leveraging the expertise of an experienced SEO professional, businesses can improve their search engine rankings, drive more organic traffic, and ultimately, boost their sales and revenue.

What is an SEO Expert and Why Hire One?

An SEO expert is a professional who specializes in search engine optimization (SEO), the process of improving the visibility and ranking of a website in search engine results pages (SERPs) through various techniques and strategies. Hiring an experienced SEO expert can be a game-changer for businesses looking to increase their online presence, drive more traffic to their website, and ultimately, boost their sales and revenue.

With the ever-changing landscape of search engine algorithms and the increasing competition in the digital marketing space, having an SEO expert on board can help businesses stay ahead of the curve and achieve their online goals. From keyword research and on-page optimization to link building and technical SEO, an SEO expert can help businesses navigate the complex world of search engine optimization and develop a customized SEO strategy that drives real results.

Benefits of Hiring an Experienced SEO Professional

Hiring an experienced SEO professional can bring numerous benefits to businesses, including:

Improved Search Engine Rankings and Visibility: An SEO expert can help your website rank higher on search engines, making it more visible to potential customers.
Increased Website Traffic and Engagement: By optimizing your website for relevant keywords, an SEO professional can drive more organic traffic to your site.
Enhanced Brand Credibility and Authority: Higher search engine rankings can boost your brand’s credibility and establish your business as an authority in your industry.
Better Conversion Rates and Sales: With more targeted traffic coming to your site, you can expect higher conversion rates and increased sales.
Competitive Advantage in the Digital Marketing Space: Staying ahead of your competitors in search engine rankings can give you a significant edge in the digital marketplace.
Access to Expert Knowledge and Guidance: An experienced SEO professional stays up-to-date with the latest SEO trends and best practices, ensuring your strategy remains effective.

By hiring an experienced SEO professional, businesses can tap into their expertise and experience, and reap the rewards of a well-executed SEO strategy.

Key Attributes of Quality SEO Experts

When looking to hire an SEO expert, there are several key attributes to look for, including:

Experience and Expertise in Search Engine Optimization: Look for professionals with a proven track record in SEO.
Strong Understanding of Search Engine Algorithms and Ranking Factors: An SEO expert should be well-versed in how search engines rank websites.
Proficiency in Keyword Research and On-Page Optimization: They should be skilled in identifying the right keywords and optimizing your website’s content and structure.
Ability to Develop and Implement Effective Link Building Strategies: Building high-quality backlinks is crucial for improving your site’s authority and rankings.
Knowledge of Technical SEO and Website Optimization: An SEO expert should be able to address technical issues that may affect your site’s performance.
Excellent Communication and Project Management Skills: Clear communication and effective project management are essential for a successful SEO campaign.
Ability to Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest SEO Trends and Best Practices: The SEO landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s important to hire someone who stays current with industry changes.

By looking for these key attributes, businesses can ensure that they hire an SEO expert who has the skills and expertise needed to drive real results.

Best Freelance Websites for SEO Experts

1. MarketerHire

Best overall

Our top pick for hiring a high-quality, experienced SEO expert is MarketerHire.

MarketerHire connects businesses with elite digital marketers. They proactively search online platforms for top talent and invite only the top SEO freelancers to apply. Applicants are rigorously vetted for expertise, skills, and professionalism.

They also make hiring an SEO expert quick and easy. Businesses fill out a form detailing their needs and MarketerHire will match them with the ideal freelance SEO specialists within 48 hours, who can be compensated through various payment structures such as per project, per hour, or per milestone, eliminating traditional hiring hassles.

After onboarding, MarketerHire ensures consistent quality by checking in with clients bi-weekly.

Read our MarketerHire review.

2. Growtal

Runner-up for best overall

When hiring an SEO expert, it’s essential to find someone who not only possesses the right skills but also seamlessly integrates into your team. Growtal gets it.

Their method involves a direct consultation to get a feel for your company’s specific needs. Based on this, they tap into their vast network of top-tier SEO specialists to identify the ones best suited for your business needs. Within two business days, they introduce you to three to five potential experts for interviews, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Opting for Growtal is ideal if you’re pressed for time or lack the expertise to sift through countless freelancer profiles elsewhere but need an SEO freelancer with the skills and experience to develop comprehensive strategies and demonstrate strong analytical skills for your digital marketing squad.

Read our GrowTal review.

3. Toptal

Best for hiring top SEO experts

Toptal is renowned for its elite SEO professionals, representing the “top 3%” in the field.

They select this talent through a stringent vetting process that includes skill assessments, test screenings, and soft skills evaluations. Off-page SEO activities such as link building and social media marketing are crucial for enhancing a site's reputation, authority, and visibility, which ultimately influences its rankings on search engines.

Toptal provides personalized client services, matching companies with individuals or teams tailored to their precise needs. If you’d rather do the searching for yourself, they also offer a job board for direct candidate searches based on specific expertise.

They offer clients access to every form of SEO skill, including the best SEO developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants.

Read our Toptal review.

4. Mayple

Mayple stands out in the crowded freelance marketplace with its unique approach. Unlike marketplace platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, Mayple is another matching service that ensures businesses get matched with top SEO talent.

They use a rigorous, data-driven vetting system that results in a pool of SEO experts, many of whom have experience with Fortune 500 firms. Their unique algorithm ensures expert matching and their unbiased account managers monitor and challenge your freelance SEO expert.

My favorite part of their service is the real-time monitoring tools to ensure continuous improvement and transparency during the whole process.

Their pricing might be a bit steep for some, but I think it’s worth it because of their rigorous vetting. Their high-quality talent pool saves businesses time and possible issues that can arise from hiring a random person on Fiverr. For agencies and businesses that need quick, quality SEO experts, Mayple is a game-changer.

Read our Mayple review.

5. Upwork

Best for small businesses

Upwork is one of the biggest freelancing platforms out there and has been for quite some time now.

The variety of freelancers with different levels of experience makes it a great option for small businesses looking for an SEO expert. The site grants you access to freelance SEO experts who may be newer to the industry and willing to work with your smaller budget.

Business owners can follow an easy process to post a job description detailing requirements and pay and allow interested freelancers to apply directly.

Handling the paperwork side of things is one of the biggest benefits of using the site, as you don’t have to worry about how to pay your SEO expert; they already have it covered.

Read our Upwork review.

6. Legiit

If you’re looking for a “legit” solution to your SEO needs, check out marketplace Legiit.

Their unique approach integrates software and AI to curate connections between businesses and SEO experts that are scientifically proven to lead to long-term success.

Legiit’s cutting-edge software can audit your website, giving your site a score based on analytics, on-page SEO, rank tracking, and more. This allows you to identify areas for improvement.

All of their experts are vetted, so no matter which SEO professional you’re matched with, you can rest assured that you’ll receive quality results.

7. SEO Clerks

Dedicated to matching businesses with SEO professionals, SEO Clerks is a premiere freelance marketplace tailored to businesses needing SEO specialists.

Here, you will find SEO experts for everything you need. From link-building to programming and even art and design, SEO Clerks has a freelancer or agency that’s perfect for the job.

You can set your budget and use other filters for software proficiency and specific types of SEO services needed. You can even use the “on-sale” option to score a deal on SEO services.

8. Fiverr

Runner-up for small businesses

Fiverr is one of the original platforms for freelancers and offers a diverse range of SEO experts.

Business owners can refine their search for the perfect SEO expert based on expertise areas such as development or on-page optimization. They can also set guidelines and filters for budget, service options, and delivery timelines.

The platform facilitates direct communication between clients and SEO professionals to finalize project specifics.

Payments are securely processed through Fiverr's platform once you select and connect with your SEO professional.

Read our Fiverr review.

9. Freelancer

There are many good reasons that Freelancer.com stands out as a great option to hire SEO experts.

As the original freelancer marketplace, it has a longstanding reputation and an extensive pool of talent. Businesses can find the right SEO expert, tailored to their specific needs.

One of our favorite features on the site is the time-tracking tool, which allows clients to monitor their freelancer's progress in real time. This ensures transparency and accountability, helping you manage project timelines efficiently.

The combination of its long history, vast talent pool, and useful extra features like time-tracking makes Freelancer.com a solid choice for businesses seeking expert SEO services.

Read our review.

10. People Per Hour

People Per Hour offers a streamlined platform to hire SEO experts worldwide.

Clients are offered high-quality professionals suited to their needs.

The platform's transparent review system allows clients to gauge the expertise and reliability of SEO freelancers.

Its escrow payment system ensures financial security for both parties. This combination of quality assurance, transparency, and security makes People Per Hour an excellent choice for businesses seeking SEO experts.

11. Guru

Guru, similar to platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, hosts a vast array of freelancer profiles, including SEO specialists.

To explore SEO specialists on Guru, start by selecting “Sales & Marketing” as your primary category. Narrow down your search by opting for “Web / Digital Marketing” followed by the “SEO” subcategory.

The platform presents an extensive lineup of both individual SEO professionals and agencies. With a multitude of subcategories available, users can pinpoint their search to cater to distinct SEO requirements.

Guru also offers exclusive “WorkRooms” for seamless collaboration with your chosen SEO expert.

How to Define Your SEO Goals and Needs

Before hiring an SEO expert, it’s essential to define your SEO goals and needs. This includes:

Identifying Your Target Audience and Keywords: Understand who your target audience is and what keywords they are using to find products or services like yours.
Determining Your Website’s Current SEO Strengths and Weaknesses: Conduct an SEO audit to identify areas where your site is performing well and where it needs improvement.
Setting Clear and Measurable SEO Goals: Establish specific objectives, such as increasing website traffic, improving search engine rankings, or boosting conversion rates.
Developing a Budget and Timeline for Your SEO Project: Determine how much you are willing to invest in SEO and set a realistic timeline for achieving your goals.
Identifying Any Specific SEO Challenges or Opportunities: Consider any unique aspects of your business, such as the need for local SEO or addressing technical SEO issues.

By defining your SEO goals and needs, businesses can ensure that they hire an SEO expert who is equipped to meet their specific needs and drive real results.

What Do Freelance SEO Experts Do? (Keyword Research and More)

Freelance SEO (Search Engine Optimization) experts specialize in employing various SEO strategies to optimize websites, improve their visibility, and help them rank higher on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

Their responsibilities include:

Keyword Research: Identifying relevant and high-traffic keywords for a client’s business or niche.
On-Page Optimization: Tweaking site elements like meta tags, content, images, and URL structure to make the site itself more search engine-friendly.
Off-Page Optimization: Building high-quality backlinks from reputable sources to boost a website’s authority to improve ranking.
Content Strategy: Creating and optimizing written and creative content that is both user-friendly and search engine-friendly.
Technical SEO: Addressing website technicalities like site speed, mobile optimization, XML sitemaps, and structured data markup.
Local SEO: Managing Google My Business listings, local citations, and reviews to optimize businesses for local searches.
SEO Audits: Evaluating a website’s current SEO status and recommending appropriate improvements.
Reporting and Analysis: Using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor website traffic, user behavior, and keyword rankings, then providing insights to business owners based on the data.
Staying Updated: Keeping updated on the latest SEO trends, algorithm updates, and best practices to ensure strategies remain effective.
Client Communication: Regularly updating clients on progress, changes, and results.

Freelance SEO experts aim to increase organic traffic to a website, enhancing its chances of converting visitors into customers or clients.

Where Can I Find Freelance SEO Experts?

There are a few different options that companies have to find SEO experts for their sites.

A popular option is to hire a freelance SEO expert through open-market places like Upwork and Fiverr for smaller projects and budgets. Larger companies or ones with bigger budgets can use highly-vetted agencies like Toptal, MarketerHire, and Mayple.

Is Hiring a Freelance SEO Expert Worth It?

Hiring a freelance SEO expert is worth it for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions to improve their online visibility.

These experts optimize websites for search engines, driving organic traffic and potential customers.

By leveraging the skills of an SEO specialist, businesses can achieve higher search rankings, increase brand awareness, and gain a competitive edge, all without the overhead costs of a full-time employee.

How Much Does a Freelance SEO Expert Charge?

Freelance SEO experts charge differently depending on their level of experience, expertise, the duration and scope of the project, and how much work is needed from them.

You can expect to pay a freelance SEO expert anywhere between $50-$150 per hour.

How to Hire a Freelance SEO Expert

To hire a freelance SEO expert, you should:

Define Your Needs: Understand your SEO goals and requirements to determine what you’re looking for in a freelance SEO expert.
Research Platforms: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal to find freelancers.
Check Reviews & Ratings: Evaluate each SEO specialist’s past client feedback and ratings.
Request Portfolios: Review the freelancer’s previous work and any available case studies.
Interview Candidates: Discuss their strategies, tools, and experience.
Ask for References: Contact past clients for feedback on the freelancer’s performance.
Discuss Budget & Timeline: Cover the details on costs and deliverables.
Draft a Contract: Outline responsibilities, payment terms, and confidentiality.
Monitor Progress: Regularly review reports and updates.

Choosing the right expert can ensure optimal website performance and visibility.

Check out our ultimate guide to hiring an SEO expert for a more in-depth look at the process.

Best for Growth Marketers

Strength in brand marketing and growth marketing
High-level U.S. resources as well as low-cost, overseas marketing assistants available
48-hour talent matching, with 75% of clients hiring their first match.

Best for Paid Ads & CMO's

Strength in fractional CMO's, paid social and search ads, and affiliate programs.
Specialties in SEO, content, and email marketing
No minimum hours for contractors to help you start on a small budget

Best for eCommerce Marketing

Strength in eCommerce, influencer marketing, and growth marketing
Detailed marketing audits available
Fixed price marketing packages and 48-hour talent matching

Best Freelance Websites by Category

Looking for more of the best freelance websites but need to browse by category? Check out our below freelance website reviews to either expand your portfolio or hire a freelancer for your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freelance as an SEO Expert?

Yes, you can freelance as an SEO expert.

When should I hire a freelance SEO Expert?

You should hire a freelance SEO expert if you notice your site underperforming on search engines or at the beginning of the creation of your site.

Where is the best place to find freelance SEO Experts for local SEO for small businesses?

Upwork and Fiverr are the best marketplaces to find freelance SEO experts for small businesses.

How do I start freelancing as an SEO Expert?

To start freelancing as an SEO expert, gather the necessary information and tools on how to carry out SEO processes. Obtaining certifications is recommended. Then, create a freelancing profile and build out your resumé to secure better job opportunities.

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