Search engine optimisation (SEO) is one of those things that every business knows they need, but not everyone feels confident handling. With algorithms constantly changing and competitors stepping up their game, it’s no surprise many businesses bring in outside help. But how do you know when it’s time to work with a freelance SEO expert?
1. Your Website Traffic Is Stagnant (or Declining)
Have you noticed your website traffic staying flat for months or, worse, starting to drop? This could be a major indicator that your SEO strategy isn’t hitting the mark. A freelance SEO consultant can identify what’s holding your site back, whether it’s outdated keywords, technical issues, or poor site structure. They’ll know how to pinpoint the problem and, more importantly, fix it.
2. You’re Struggling to Keep Up With Algorithm Updates
Search engines like Google update their algorithms regularly—sometimes subtly, sometimes with huge changes. Trying to keep up with these updates can feel like running on a treadmill that’s constantly speeding up. A freelance SEO expert stays up to date on the latest trends and changes, so they’ll know how to adjust your strategy to stay compliant and competitive.
3. Your Competitors Are Outranking You
Do you keep losing out to competitors in search results, even when you feel like your product or service is superior? SEO isn’t just about having great content—it’s about making sure it’s optimised to rank higher than the competition. Freelance SEO specialists can analyse your competitors’ strategies, uncover what’s working for them, and craft a plan to help you climb above them in rankings.
4. Your Website Isn’t Optimised for Mobile Users
More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re likely losing potential customers. An SEO expert can ensure your site performs well on mobile, which includes fast loading times, easy navigation, and mobile-first indexing. Without this, you’re missing a huge chunk of your audience.
5. You’re Not Sure What Keywords to Target
Choosing the right keywords can make or break your SEO efforts. If you’re guessing which terms to focus on or using outdated keyword strategies, you’re likely wasting time and resources. A freelance SEO expert uses tools and data to find the most relevant, high-performing keywords for your business. They’ll also help you target long-tail keywords that drive more qualified traffic.
6. Your Content Isn’t Ranking
You’re creating content consistently, yet it doesn’t seem to move the needle in search rankings. Sound familiar? This could be down to poor optimisation, missing meta descriptions, weak internal linking, or targeting the wrong search intent. A freelance SEO specialist will audit your content and refine it to align with what search engines—and your audience—are looking for.
7. Your Website Loads Too Slowly
Site speed is a crucial ranking factor. If your website takes more than a few seconds to load, you’re likely losing visitors before they even see your content. An SEO expert can identify what’s causing the slowdown, from bloated images to server issues, and implement fixes that improve your loading speed and search engine performance.
8. You’re Overwhelmed by Technical SEO
Does the thought of XML sitemaps, robots.txt files, and canonical tags make your head spin? You’re not alone—technical SEO can be one of the most complex aspects of optimisation. Freelancers who specialise in SEO have the technical skills to handle these issues for you, ensuring your site is easily crawlable and indexable by search engines.
9. You’re Not Tracking SEO Metrics
If you’re not measuring your SEO performance, how do you know if it’s working? Many businesses overlook analytics, but they’re critical for understanding what’s working and what needs improvement. An SEO expert can set up and monitor key metrics, like organic traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rates, giving you clear insights into your progress.
10. You Don’t Have Time to Focus on SEO
Let’s be honest—SEO takes time. Between running your business, managing clients, and overseeing operations, finding time to learn and implement SEO strategies is a challenge. Hiring a freelance SEO expert allows you to delegate this responsibility to someone who lives and breathes SEO, freeing up your time to focus on what you do best.
Why a Freelancer, Not an Agency?
At this point, you might be wondering why you should choose a freelance SEO expert over a full-service agency. Freelancers often offer more personalised service, tailoring their approach specifically to your needs. They’re also typically more cost-effective, making them a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses or those with tight budgets. Plus, freelancers often work with a diverse range of industries, so they bring a wealth of experience to the table.
How to Find the Right SEO Expert
If these signs resonate with you, the next step is finding a freelance SEO expert who fits your needs. Look for someone with a proven track record, positive reviews, and an approach that aligns with your goals. Ask questions about their experience, tools they use, and strategies they recommend for your business. A good freelancer will take the time to understand your unique challenges and develop a customised plan to help you succeed.
Time to Take Action
If your business is struggling with any of these challenges, it’s worth exploring how a freelance SEO expert can make a difference. SEO is a long-term investment, but with the right support, it can deliver substantial results in terms of traffic, leads, and revenue. The sooner you address these issues, the sooner you can start seeing real improvements in your online presence.
