Thinking about outsourcing your SEO content writing? Here's what you need to know:
- Outsource when: You lack time, SEO skills, struggle with consistency, or need to scale
- Benefits: Access to experts, cost-effective, frees up your time
- Types of services: Content agencies, AI tools, freelancers, or a mix
- Before you start: Ensure your website is SEO-ready and plan your budget
- Measure success: Track organic traffic, keyword rankings, and conversion rates
Key takeaway: Outsourcing SEO content can boost your digital presence, but it's not a magic bullet. Start small, be clear about your needs, and keep an eye on results.
Remember: Good SEO takes time. Don't expect overnight success – give it 4-12 months to see real benefits.
Ready to dive in? Let's break down when, why, and how to outsource your SEO content writing.
Featured Video: How to Outsource SEO (step by step)
When to Outsource Your SEO Content
Feeling overwhelmed by SEO content creation? You're not alone. Let's look at when it's time to bring in the pros.
Not Enough Time or Staff
You're a small business owner juggling a million tasks. Sound familiar? Orbit Media's 2020 Blogging Survey found that writers spend an average of 3 hours and 55 minutes on a single blog post. That's half a workday!
If you're constantly pushing content to the back burner, it's time to outsource. Don't let your blog collect dust while you're busy elsewhere.
Missing SEO Skills
SEO isn't just keyword stuffing anymore. It's complex and always changing. 60% of B2B marketers struggle with creating engaging content. Add SEO to the mix, and it's like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded.
If "meta descriptions" and "backlinks" make your head spin, you need an SEO content expert.
Trouble Posting Regularly
Consistency is crucial in content. But 47% of bloggers say it's harder than ever to attract readers. Why? Sporadic posting is like whispering in a hurricane – no one hears you.
If your content calendar looks like Swiss cheese, it's time for backup.
Content Not Getting Results
You're creating content, but your traffic is flat. Here's a reality check: Companies publishing 16+ blog posts monthly get 4.5 times more leads than those posting 4 or fewer.
If your content isn't delivering, it's time for pro help. SEO writers know how to create content that ranks AND converts.
Growing Content Needs
As your business grows, so does your content need. But scaling up isn't just about quantity.
Anne, a Copywriter and Digital Marketing Specialist, says:
"Outsourcing your blog content writing tasks to experts who know how to perfectly craft content that accomplishes a goal will be one of the best decisions your team has ever made."
If you're struggling to keep up with content demands without sacrificing quality, outsourcing could be your answer.
Is Your Business Ready to Outsource
Thinking about outsourcing your SEO content writing? Hold up! Let's make sure you're actually ready for this step. Here's what you need to consider:
Website Setup Needs
First things first: your website needs to be SEO-ready. Here's the deal:
- You need a CMS that makes publishing and updating content a breeze
- Your URLs should be SEO-friendly
- Your site should load fast (under 3 seconds is the goal)
- It must look good on mobile
Why? Because even amazing content won't do much if search engines can't make sense of your site.
Cost Planning
Let's talk money. Outsourcing isn't free, and you need to budget smart. Here's what you're looking at:
- Freelance writers: $15-$45 per hour
- SEO content agencies: $500-$2000 per month for smaller businesses
- Project-based work: $1000-$5000 per project
- Of course, we’re biased - but here at Scale SEO, you can get high-quality, long-form articles for 70% less than other options (with our unique use of AI, you get more, better, and cheaper)
But here's the thing: SEO is a long game. As Trevin Shirey from WebFX puts it, "SEO is a long-term marketing channel that compounds. So, an SEO investment you make in 2024 will be making an impact in 2025 and beyond."
Time Planning
Don't think you can just hand everything off and forget about it. You'll still need to:
- Brief writers on your brand voice and what you want
- Look over drafts and give feedback
- Work with your SEO team to keep everything on track
Set clear deadlines and make a content calendar. And remember: consistency is key. Businesses that post 2-6 blogs a week are 50% more likely to see strong results.
Team Skills Check
Take a look at what your team can do. Figure out what skills you need to bring in:
- Do you have an SEO expert to guide your content strategy?
- Can someone on your team brief writers and review content?
- Do you need writers who know your industry inside and out?
If you're starting from scratch with SEO, you might want to look at a full-service provider. They can handle everything from keyword research to content writing and link-building.
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Types of Content Services
When it comes to outsourcing SEO content writing, you've got options. Let's break it down:
Content Agencies
Content agencies are the big guns of the SEO content world. Think of them as your one-stop shop for all things content.
They're great if you need expertise across multiple areas (SEO, writing, strategy), consistent quality, and can handle big projects. But they come with a price tag to match.
Take Siege Media. They've helped giants like Zendesk and Casper create traffic-driving content. How much traffic? We're talking over $148 million in annual client traffic value. That's not pocket change.
Or look at Flying Cat Marketing. Their "3x SEO Accelerator" framework has helped B2B companies triple their demo requests. One client, Mixmax, saw a 500% jump in blog-assisted demo requests. Talk about results!
AI Content Tools
AI tools are the new kids on the block. They're fast and efficient, but are they worth the hype?
They can help with basic tasks and research, but they're not miracle workers. As Content Pros puts it, "AI isn't (intentionally) funny." It can't create unique opinions or humor – key ingredients for content that pops.
Working with Freelancers
Freelancers are the solo artists of content. They offer flexibility and a personal touch.
They're often more affordable (Payoneer says the average hourly rate is about $16), but remember, you often get what you pay for. They might not have all the skills for complex projects, and their availability can be hit or miss.
Mixed Approach
Why pick just one? A mixed approach lets you get the best of all worlds.
You could use an agency for your core SEO strategy and high-priority content, AI tools for content ideas and basic outlines, and freelancers for niche topics or quick turnarounds.
The trick is finding the right mix for your needs and budget. It's like creating the perfect content cocktail – a little bit of this, a dash of that, and voila! Content magic.
How to Start Outsourcing
Ready to jump into SEO content outsourcing? Let's break it down into steps you can actually use.
Writing Content Instructions
Clear communication is key. Without it, you're just asking for headaches.
Here's how to write instructions your writers will love:
1. Create a detailed brief
Think of your brief as a roadmap. Include:
- Keywords (primary and secondary)
- Word count target
- Tone and style you want
- Who you're writing for
- Main points to hit
- Content you think is awesome
Justin Berg from Rock The Rankings nails it:
"Your content writers will thank you. Your audience will thank you. Google will reward you.
2. Provide a style guide
A style guide keeps everything consistent. Cover:
- Your brand's voice
- How you like things formatted
- Grammar and punctuation rules
- Where to get stats
3. Set clear expectations
Be upfront about deadlines, revisions, and how you'll communicate. It'll save you headaches later.
Checking Content Quality
Quality checks aren't just about typos. You need to make sure the content fits your brand and SEO goals.
Here's how to keep your content on point:
1. Create a pre-publishing checklist
Include:
- Keyword use
- How easy it is to read
- Links (internal and external)
- Fact-checking
- SEO stuff (meta description, alt text, etc.)
2. Use a multi-stage review process
Don't rely on just one person. Try this:
- Writer turns in draft
- Editor checks quality and SEO
- Expert checks facts
- Final proofread
3. Use tools that help
Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and Surfer SEO can catch things humans might miss.
Tracking Results
If you're not tracking, you're guessing. Here's how to measure your outsourced content's impact:
1. Set up Google Analytics
Focus on what matters:
- Organic traffic
- How long people stay on the page
- Bounce rate
- Conversion rate
2. Track keyword rankings
Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to see how your content's doing in search.
3. Keep an eye on backlinks
Good content gets backlinks. Check your backlink profile with tools like Moz or Majestic.
4. Figure out your ROI
Rambod Yadegar from HawkSEM says:
"By measuring the return on investment (ROI) for SEO, you can quantify the value and track the impact of every campaign."
To get your ROI, track:
- How much the content costs to make
- Money made from content-driven conversions
- Time saved by outsourcing
Adding to Your Process
Fitting outsourced content into your workflow can be tricky. Here's how to make it work:
- Make a content calendar
Include:
- When stuff's getting published
- What you're writing about
- Who's writing what
- How you'll promote it
2. Get feedback
Regular check-ins with your outsourced team help smooth things out. Have a monthly call to talk about what's working and what's not.
3. Start small, then grow
Begin with a few pieces a month. As you get better at it, you can do more.
4. Consider mixing in-house and outsourced content.
Your in-house team knows your brand best. Use them for the important stuff and outsource the rest.
How to Measure Results
You've outsourced your SEO content writing. Now what? Let's look at how to figure out if it's actually working.
Success Metrics
Here are the key numbers you need to watch:
Organic Traffic: This is the big one. Use Google Analytics to see how many people are finding your site through search engines.
Keyword Rankings: Are your target keywords moving up in search results? Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can help you keep track.
Conversion Rate: Traffic is nice, but conversions are what really matter. Keep an eye on how many visitors are doing what you want them to do on your site.
Bounce Rate: If this is high, your content might not be hitting the mark. Try to keep it under 70%.
Time on Page: Longer is better. Aim for 2-3 minutes per page.
Cost vs. Results
Is your outsourced content worth the money? Here's a simple way to figure it out:
SEO ROI = (SEO Revenue - SEO Costs) / SEO Costs
Let's say your SEO brought in $5,000 and cost $2,000. That's an ROI of 150%. Not bad at all!
But don't expect overnight success. As Maile Ohye from Google says:
"In most cases, SEOs need four months to a year to help your business first implement improvements and then see potential benefit."
So be patient. Good things take time.
Ways to Improve
If you're not seeing the results you want, try these:
1. Better Briefs
Give your writers clear, detailed instructions. Include target keywords, audience info, and specific goals for each piece.
2. Team Up with Your Writers
Don't just hand off tasks and forget about them. Work closely with your outsourced team to make your content strategy better over time.
3. Freshen Up Old Content
Don't let your old posts gather dust. Keep them updated and relevant.
4. Mix It Up
Try different types of content. Infographics, videos, or interactive stuff can grab your audience's attention in new ways.
5. Focus on What People Want
Make sure your content answers the questions your audience is actually asking. Use tools like Answer the Public to find out what people in your niche are curious about.
Summary
Outsourcing SEO content writing can boost your digital marketing game. Here's the scoop:
When should you outsource? If your team lacks SEO know-how, you're short on resources, need to scale quickly, or your current efforts are falling flat.
What's in it for you? It's often cheaper than building an in-house team, you get access to SEO pros, and you free up time for other important stuff.
But before you jump in:
- Know what you want to achieve
- Start with small tasks
- Be crystal clear about what you need
- Do your homework on potential partners
- Keep an eye on the results
Outsourcing isn't just about saving money. It's about tapping into expertise to get real results. As Ravi Davda, CEO of Rockstar Marketing, puts it:
"We can't do everything ourselves. I spent years learning SEO, and only then did I start to outsource the process."
So, if you're ready to level up your SEO game, outsourcing might be your secret weapon.
