SEO Expert or DIY? 5 Factors That Make the Pro Choice Clear

While it’s possible to learn some aspects of SEO on your own (particularly on-page SEO), there’s a significant technical component to Search Engine Optimisation (which might be why that part is called technical SEO!) that often requires web development expertise. Whether you’re thinking of trying to do it yourself or leaning towards hiring an SEO expert, we go over 5 reasons why hiring a professional is a good idea.

Time management struggles

Taking on a do-it-yourself approach may seem like a great idea until you have to find sufficient time to carry out those tasks (many of us are guilty of taking on too much!).  Finding time alongside your current responsibilities like your business, family or social commitments is often easier said than done. This could lead to delays in implementation or inconsistent efforts.

Because of the long-term nature of Search Engine Optimisation, the best time to start was yesterday as the changes take time to filter through.If you outsource the project to an SEO service provider –  you eliminate the need to try and find time to fit it all in!

If you’re wondering how long it does it take to show SEO results, the answer is that you should start to see results in 6-12 months.

Technical hurdles

Implementing SEO changes needs some degree of web development skills and for many areas of Technical SEO such as schema markup, Core web vital optimisation and implementing hreflang tags, you’ll need a website developer on standby. 

These technical SEO elements often require a developer’s expertise because they involve modifying your website’s code structure, optimising performance at a technical level, and ensuring proper implementation across your entire site. Incorrect implementation can lead to errors or missed SEO opportunities, which is why it’s often best to work with a skilled developer for these tasks.

For our SEO clients at Back9, we use a mixture of inhouse SEO experts and Website Developers to execute the SEO tasks. Trying to do all of this yourself can easily result in frustration or incomplete implementation of recommended changes and there will be an element of cost to hire the website developer.

Content creation demands

Producing high-quality, SEO-optimised content on a regular basis could be time-consuming and creatively taxing, especially if writing isn’t your strong suit.
If you’re a natural writer and find this kind of thing in your wheelhouse, that’s great. But, also remember to schedule time to regularly create and publish your content.

Difficulty tracking progress

How do you know if you’re on the right track or if what you’re doing is actually working (especially since SEO is a long-game). When trying to do this yourself, you might struggle to accurately measure the impact of your SEO efforts, particularly in the early stages when the results of your efforts aren’t immediately visible. 

This could lead to uncertainty about whether you’re even on the right track and whether you should continue on. Who can you ask if you don’t have an expert for advice?

Balancing SEO with user experience (UX)

You may find it challenging to implement SEO best practices while maintaining the professional look and feel of your website. You might worry about compromising the site’s usability or aesthetics in pursuit of better search rankings. Google will prioritise websites that cater to user experience.

An SEO service provider can get that delicate balance between optimising content to rank and ensuring the user is having a great experience while visiting your website.

Hiring an SEO Expert vs DIY approach – It’s up to you

These factors highlight the complexities and challenges of implementing effective SEO strategies. While a DIY approach may seem appealing and cost saving, particularly for those with a keen interest in learning SEO, it’s clear that professional SEO services offer significant advantages.

An SEO expert brings specialised knowledge, experience, and dedicated resources to the table, potentially saving you time, frustration, and costly mistakes. They can navigate technical hurdles, create optimised content, and track progress with precision, all while maintaining a balance between SEO best practices and user experience.

However, if you’re passionate about SEO and have the time to invest in learning and implementation, a DIY approach can be a valuable learning experience. It allows you to gain in-depth knowledge about your website and online presence.

The choice between DIY and hiring an SEO expert depends on your specific situation, resources, and goals. If you’re serious about improving your search rankings and online visibility, consider reaching out to a reputable SEO service provider such as Back9 for a meeting. We can assess your unique needs and provide tailored recommendations to help you achieve your SEO objectives efficiently and effectively.

Remember, whether you choose to DIY or work with a professional, SEO is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and adaptation to yield the best results.