Are you thinking of outsourcing SEO to the Philippines? For early-stage startups, outsourcing to the Philippines has been cost-effective. But what does it take to start doing this?
While outsourcing SEO to the Philippines has been a practice for over 10 years, it’s fairly new for early-stage founders. This guide is written specifically for early-stage SaaS startups looking to find a sustainable way of acquiring new customers through organic search.
SEO Tasks You Can Outsource to the Philippines
The Philippines is home to a plethora of skilled SEO specialists who can handle a variety of tasks. I actually started my SEO career 14 years ago as someone who posts links in directories.
Some of the key SEO services you can outsource include:
- Keyword Research: Identifying the right keywords to target for your business.
- On-Page Optimization: Ensuring your website’s content and structure are optimized for search engines.
- Content Creation: Producing high-quality, SEO-friendly content that attracts and engages visitors.
- Link Building: Acquiring high-quality backlinks to improve your website’s authority and ranking.
- Technical SEO: Addressing technical issues that impact your website’s performance and ranking.
- Local SEO: Optimizing your website for local search results to attract nearby customers.
- Ongoing SEO: Continuously monitoring and improving your website’s SEO performance.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an SEO Expert?
The cost of hiring a full-time SEO expert in the Philippines varies based on experience, expertise, and project scope. On average, you can expect to pay:
- Entry-Level SEO Specialist: $500 to $600 per month
- Mid-Level SEO Specialist: $600 to $800 per month
- Senior SEO Specialist: $800 to $1,200 per month
These rates vary significantly depending on the level of skills and experience of a person. Note that this is only the cost of one specialist. But to produce content consistently, you also need other SEO roles, such as a writer, WordPress assistant, and an overall content strategist.
Is it Worth Outsourcing SEO to the Philippines?
Yes, it is worth outsourcing SEO to the Philippines if you are scaling your SEO efforts. For example, if you’re trying to increase the number of blog posts published to 20 per month (from 4), you can do so without significantly increasing your budget.
Other advantages include:
- High-Quality Talent: Just because the salary and rates are lower doesn’t mean that you don’t get quality talent. In the early days, tons of SEO specialists came from the Philippines. I started my career as an SEO writer 14 years ago.
- English Proficiency: High English proficiency, ensuring clear communication and understanding.
- Time Zone Advantage: Ability to work across different time zones, providing flexibility in project management.
If you’re in New York, your team in Manila is ahead 12 hours. They are literally working while you’re asleep. By the time you wake up, things are set up and ready for you to review!
Each startup is unique. So, knowing the worth of outsourcing SEO depends on your goals, overall budget, and company culture.
Where to Hire SEO Specialists in the Philippines
There are several platforms and methods to find SEO specialists in the Philippines:
- Freelance Websites: Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Onlinejobs.ph allow you to connect with freelance SEO experts.
- SEO Agencies: Partnering with established SEO agencies in the Philippines can provide a comprehensive solution for your SEO needs.
- Job Portals: Websites like JobStreet and Indeed offer job listings for SEO positions, helping you find qualified candidates.
- Professional Networks: Leveraging LinkedIn and other professional networks can help you find and connect with experienced SEO professionals.
Another option is to hire a fractional marketing content team. Hiring an SEO specialist is only part of a big operation. To make it easy for founders, instead of hiring a bunch of freelancers and managing them, you can build an entire team for a simple monthly fee. You’ll have the advantage of having a specialized team but with less than the cost of one full-time employee in the US.
Learn more about how our fractional fractional marketing works.
SEO Strategies for Successful Outsourcing
When outsourcing SEO tasks to the Philippines, it’s important to have a well-defined SEO strategy. This will ensure that your efforts are aligned with your business goals and that you can measure the success of your SEO campaigns. Here are some key SEO strategies to consider:
1. Define Clear Objectives
Before you start outsourcing, define clear objectives for your SEO efforts. Are you looking to increase organic traffic, improve search engine rankings, or boost conversions? Specific goals will help you and your outsourced team stay focused and measure progress effectively.
2. Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research
Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO campaign. You can attract the right audience to your website by identifying the right keywords to target. Ensure that your outsourced SEO specialists conduct thorough keyword research and provide you with a list of high-potential keywords.
3. Focus on Quality Content
Content is king in the world of SEO. Ensure your outsourced team can produce high-quality, SEO-friendly content that resonates with your target audience. This includes blog posts, articles, infographics, and other forms of content that can drive traffic and engagement.
4. Implement On-Page Optimization
On-page optimization involves optimizing various elements of your website to improve its search engine ranking. This includes optimizing meta tags, headers, URLs, and internal linking structures. Make sure your outsourced team is well-versed in on-page optimization techniques.
5. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are a crucial factor in determining your website’s authority and ranking. Your outsourced SEO specialists should focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable websites. This can be achieved through guest posting, outreach campaigns, and other link-building strategies.
6. Monitor and Analyze Performance
Regular monitoring and analysis of your SEO efforts are essential to ensure that you are on the right track. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track key metrics such as organic traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate. Your outsourced team should provide regular reports and insights based on this data.
Case Study: Startups and Budgeting for a Full SEO Content Team
For example, in the startups I manage, the budget for a full SEO content team can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per month. With this budget, we can publish 8 to 30 blog posts monthly, especially if we include AI. This cost is for the entire team and can take care of everything — from strategy to planning to publishing.
This budget typically includes:
- SEO Specialist: Responsible for developing and implementing SEO strategies, conducting keyword research, and monitoring performance.
- Content Writers: Produce high-quality, SEO-friendly content that aligns with the overall strategy and engages the target audience.
- WordPress Assistants: The assistant uploads the content to WordPress (or Webflow, Framer, or any other CMS) and ensures that all the technical SEO settings are properly implemented.
- Designers: Create visually appealing graphics and infographics that enhance the content and attract more visitors.
By allocating a budget within this range, startups can benefit from a well-rounded team covering all SEO aspects. This approach ensures that every element, from content creation to technical optimization, is handled by experts, leading to better results and a higher return on investment.
Learn how we work with an AI SaaS startup.
Potential Challenges of Outsourcing SEO to the Philippines
While outsourcing SEO to the Philippines offers numerous benefits, there are also potential challenges. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:
1. Communication Barriers
Despite the high level of English proficiency in the Philippines, communication barriers can still arise. For example, if you don’t have a project management system, it can be easy to miss tasks and deadlines.
To mitigate this, establish clear communication channels and set regular check-ins to ensure everyone is on the same page. Use collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to facilitate communication and project management.
2. Quality Control
Maintaining consistent quality can be challenging when outsourcing. To address this, provide detailed guidelines and standards for your outsourced team. Conduct regular reviews and provide feedback to ensure that the work meets your expectations.
Do not outsource your SEO if you don’t have clear content guidelines. Or work with a team that can build those guidelines for you.
3. Time Zone Differences
Time zone differences can sometimes lead to delays in communication and project delivery. Establish a clear schedule and set expectations for response times to overcome this. Make sure to plan the content so everyone knows the due dates and can plan their schedule.
A content calendar is a must!
Best Practices for Outsourcing SEO to the Philippines
To ensure a successful outsourcing experience, follow these best practices:
1. Do Your Due Diligence
Before hiring an SEO specialist or agency, conduct thorough research. Check their portfolio, read reviews, and ask for references. This will help you gauge their expertise and reliability.
In our company, we check their past projects and conduct a thorough background check.
2. Establish Clear Expectations
Set clear expectations regarding deliverables, timelines, and performance metrics. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are aligned.
3. Foster a Collaborative Relationship
Treat your outsourced team as an extension of your in-house team. Foster a collaborative relationship by providing regular feedback, recognizing their efforts, and involving them in strategic discussions.
4. Stay Informed
Stay informed about the latest SEO trends and best practices. This will help you make informed decisions and provide valuable input to your outsourced team.
Conclusion
Outsourcing SEO to the Philippines is a cost-effective and efficient way to enhance your online presence. By leveraging the expertise of skilled SEO specialists, you can improve your website’s ranking, attract more visitors, and ultimately grow your business. Whether you hire a freelancer or partner with an agency, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and select a provider that aligns with your business goals and requirements.
By understanding the various SEO tasks you can outsource, the cost of hiring an SEO expert, and the benefits of outsourcing to the Philippines, you can make an informed decision that will positively impact your business’s online success.
