Finding the Right SEO Freelancer: 7 Tips for Business Success

Invisio
Updated on March 24, 2025

If you’re looking to improve your website’s search engine rankings and drive more organic traffic, hiring an SEO freelancer can be a cost-effective alternative to hiring a full-time employee. However, finding the right freelancer for your specific SEO needs can be challenging. You don’t have time to hire a one-trick pony; you need someone who can hold their own and drive results.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven essential tips to help you find, evaluate, and hire the Best SEO Freelancer for your business. Whether you’re new to SEO or have some experience, these insights will ensure you make an informed hiring decision

1. Define Your SEO Goals and Expectations

Know What You Want to Achieve

Before you start searching for an SEO freelancer, you need to clarify your business goals and what you expect from their work. SEO is a broad field that includes various strategies, such as keyword optimization, content creation, technical SEO, and link building. What specific results are you looking for?

Some key goals might include:

Increasing organic traffic to your website
Improving keyword rankings on Google
Enhancing website usability and user experience
Generating more leads and conversions
Expanding your brand’s reach through content marketing

Clearly defining your goals will help you assess potential candidates based on their ability to deliver the outcomes that matter most to your business.

2. Where to Find Reliable SEO Freelancers

Explore the Best Platforms

Finding reputable SEO freelancers requires exploring various platforms where experienced professionals offer their services. Some of the best places to find SEO talent include:

Upwork: Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses with skilled professionals across various industries. It allows you to review freelancers’ ratings, feedback, and job success scores to ensure you find the right fit for your project. Whether you need developers, designers, writers, or marketers, Upwork provides a secure environment for collaboration, with tools for messaging, time tracking, and payment protection. With millions of freelancers worldwide, you can hire talent on an hourly or fixed-price basis, making it a flexible and efficient solution for businesses of all sizes.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful platform for finding SEO specialists and evaluating their expertise. You can search for professionals based on skills, experience, and industry, allowing you to assess their qualifications. View detailed profiles, including work history, certifications, and client recommendations, to gauge their credibility. Engage with their content, check endorsements, and explore their professional network to see their industry connections. With LinkedIn’s messaging feature, you can easily reach out for consultations or collaboration. Whether you need on-page SEO, link building, or Technical SEO, LinkedIn helps you find the right expert for your needs.
ProBlogger: ProBlogger is a top platform for hiring professional SEO writers who specialize in creating high-quality, search engine-optimized content. With a dedicated job board, businesses can connect with experienced writers skilled in keyword research, on-page SEO, and engaging content creation. Browse applicants’ portfolios, assess their expertise, and find writers who align with your brand’s voice and goals. Whether you need blog posts, web copies, or long-form articles, ProBlogger offers access to a pool of talented writers who understand how to craft content that ranks well on search engines and drives organic traffic.
Mayple : Mayple is a trusted platform that connects businesses with vetted marketing freelancers, including top-tier SEO experts. Unlike other marketplaces, Mayple rigorously assesses freelancers based on their proven track records, ensuring you work with professionals who deliver real results. Whether you need on-page optimization, link building, or content strategy, Mayple matches you with SEO specialists tailored to your industry and goals. With data-driven insights and continuous performance monitoring, Mayple helps businesses maximize their digital marketing efforts with expert-driven SEO strategies that drive traffic, rankings, and conversions.
Indeed: Indeed, is a leading job board where you can find SEO freelancers with diverse skill levels and experience. Whether you’re looking for entry-level specialists or seasoned SEO experts, indeed offers a vast pool of candidates to choose from. You can post job listings, review resumes, and assess freelancer qualifications based on their experience, skills, and client reviews. The platform also provides filtering options to help you find SEO professionals who match your specific needs, from keyword research and on-page optimization to link building and technical SEO. With its extensive database, indeed makes hiring the right SEO freelancer is quick and efficient.
Wellfound (formerly AngelList): Wellfound (formerly AngelList) is the go-to platform for startups and tech companies seeking SEO experts with strong technical knowledge. It connects businesses with skilled professionals who understand search engine algorithms, website optimization, and growth strategies tailored for startups. Employers can review candidates’ profiles, experience, and past projects to find the right fit. With a focus on innovation and emerging businesses, Wellfound ensures that companies can hire SEO specialists who excel in technical SEO, content strategy, and performance tracking, making it an ideal choice for scaling startups.
Networking with industry peers and asking for referrals can also help you find trustworthy SEO professionals.

3. Assess Their Experience and Portfolio

Look for Proven Results

Not all SEO freelancers are equal. To ensure you hire the right one, ask for a portfolio of their previous work. A strong candidate should provide case studies, website audits, and examples of successful projects.

Key things to verify:

Websites they have optimized and their ranking improvements
Results from past SEO campaigns (organic traffic growth, lead generation, etc.)
Tools they use (Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, etc.)

Additionally, consider reaching out to their past clients for references. This will give you an idea of their reliability, work ethic, and ability to deliver results.

4. Ask the Right Interview Questions

Evaluate Their Expertise

When interviewing potential SEO freelancers, asking the right questions can help you gauge their level of expertise. Consider these questions:

What SEO Strategies have worked best for your previous clients?
How do you stay updated with Google algorithm changes?
Can you provide examples of successful link-building campaigns?
What SEO tools do you use, and why?
How do you measure the success of your SEO efforts?
Can you perform a quick audit of my website and provide initial insights?

A skilled freelancer should be able to answer these questions confidently and provide actionable insights.

5. Set Realistic Timelines and Expectations

SEO Takes Time

One common mistake business makes is expecting overnight results from SEO efforts. Unlike paid advertising, SEO is a long-term strategy that requires patience and consistency.

Discuss realistic timelines and milestones with your SEO freelancer. For example:

3 months: Improved website structure, on-page SEO, and initial ranking changes.
6 months: Noticeable traffic growth and keyword improvements.
12+ months: Significant ranking gains, higher domain authority, and increased conversions.

By setting clear expectations from the beginning, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure both you and your freelancer are aligned in the process.

6. Focus on Revenue, Not Just Traffic

Quality Over Quantity

While increasing traffic is important, the real measure of SEO success is how well it converts visitors into paying customers. Instead of focusing solely on traffic numbers, evaluate how your SEO freelancer’s strategies impact your bottom line.

Ask for case studies that demonstrate how their work has led to:

Higher conversion rates
Increased sales and revenue
Better engagement metrics (lower bounce rates, longer session durations, etc.)

A great SEO freelancer understands that their role extends beyond driving traffic—they help grow your business.

7. Establish Clear Communication and Reporting

Stay Informed on Progress

Effective communication is crucial when working with a freelancer. Before hiring, establish how often you will receive updates and what metrics they will track.

Your SEO freelancer should provide regular reports that include:

Keyword rankings and improvements
Website Traffic Trends
Backlink acquisition progress
Technical SEO fixes
Content performance metrics

Using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush, they should offer insights into your SEO growth and suggest data-driven adjustments to the strategy.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right SEO Freelancer

Hiring an SEO freelancer can be a game-changer for your business, but choosing the right one requires due diligence. By clearly defining your goals, researching candidates, verifying results, and setting realistic expectations, you can find an expert who will drive meaningful improvements in your search rankings and overall online presence.

Don’t rush the hiring process. Take your time to evaluate candidates carefully and remember that SEO is an ongoing effort that requires patience. When you find the right freelancer, their expertise will contribute to long-term business growth and success.