Determining the right number of people to hire for your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) team isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it varies widely based on the size of your business, the complexity of your website, the competitiveness of your industry, and your specific SEO goals. As a general rule, small to medium-sized businesses often start with one or two dedicated SEO professionals or collaborate with an agency, while larger companies may build an entire in-house SEO team that includes multiple specialists.
Understanding Your SEO Needs
Before deciding on the number of SEO specialists to hire, it’s essential to understand your business’s SEO needs. Is your goal to establish a presence in local search results, to dominate a global market, or to drive e-commerce sales? Your objectives will significantly influence your staffing decisions.
Analyzing Your Business Size and Website Complexity
Smaller businesses with less complex websites may require fewer SEO professionals to manage their online presence. Conversely, larger businesses or those with intricate, content-rich websites may need a team of specialists to handle different aspects of SEO.
Industry Competitiveness
In a highly competitive industry, you might need a more robust team to gain the upper hand. Sophisticated strategies, in-depth research, and continuous optimization are necessary to outperform competitors in saturated markets.
Key SEO Roles and Responsibilities
To effectively manage SEO, several key roles and responsibilities must be addressed. This can be achieved by hiring individuals with a blend of skills or by segmenting the responsibilities among specialized roles.
SEO Strategist or Manager
This role involves overseeing SEO strategy, aligning it with the business goals, managing the team and budget, and reporting on performance. It might be the first role you hire for, especially if you need someone to champion SEO within your organization.
Content Creator
Quality content is pivotal for SEO success. Content creators develop material that is not only engaging to users but is also optimized for search engines.
Technical SEO Specialist
The technical SEO specialist is responsible for ensuring your site is accessible, fast, and crawls efficiently. This can involve anything from fixing crawl errors to optimizing site architecture.
Link Builder
Acquiring high-quality backlinks is still a crucial component of SEO. A link builder targets opportunities to enhance your site’s authority through external links.
Data Analyst
A data analyst interprets SEO metrics and analytics, helping the team understand what strategies are working and where adjustments need to be made.
SEO Copywriter
An SEO copywriter will focus more on writing and refining the content on your site for search relevance, keyword optimization, and engagement.
Do You Need a Full Team or Just a Specialist?
The necessity of hiring a full team vs. a single SEO specialist greatly depends on your company’s current stage and aims. For many small businesses or startups, one multi-skilled SEO manager may be adequate to get the wheels turning.
Pros of Hiring a Full SEO Team
- Expertise in Each Area: A team can bring in specialized knowledge in various parts of SEO, ensuring no aspect is neglected.
- More Hands on Deck: A larger team can handle more tasks simultaneously and manage larger-scale SEO campaigns.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: Diverse perspectives can foster creativity and innovation in strategies and problem-solving.
Cons of Hiring a Full SEO Team
- Cost: Maintaining a full team is more expensive and might not be feasible for smaller businesses.
- Management and Coordination: Larger teams require additional management and efforts to ensure everyone is aligned and working together effectively.
Outsourcing vs. In-Housing Your SEO
Another consideration is whether to build an in-house SEO team or outsource to agencies or freelancers. There’s no universal answer, but each option has benefits and drawbacks depending on your business situation.
The Case for Outsourcing Your SEO
Outsourcing can be cost-effective and can provide a breadth of expertise. You’ll have access to a team of experts without hiring full-time employees. It’s flexible and can be scaled up or down as needed.
The Risks of Outsourcing
The cons include less control over the daily work being done and potential disconnects in communication. Not all agencies may align closely with your company culture or understand the finer points of your brand.
The Benefits of an In-house SEO Team
Having an in-house team fosters a deeper understanding of your company’s culture, products, and goals. Greater control over workload and real-time collaboration are key benefits.
The Drawbacks of an In-house Team
Higher costs and resource allocation can be challenging, particularly for smaller businesses. Additionally, hiring and retaining top talent requires time and effort.
Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many businesses opt for a hybrid approach, leveraging the strengths of both in-house teams and outsourced assistance. For instance, you might hire an in-house SEO strategist who then manages relationships with freelancers or agencies for specific tasks, such as content creation or technical audits.
Developing Your SEO Dream Team
If you decide to build an in-house team, it’s essential to prioritize roles that align with your most pressing needs. Does your website require technical overhauling? Start with a technical SEO specialist. Is content your main priority? Look for a skilled SEO content creator or copywriter. As your business grows, you can expand your team to cover more specialized roles.
Finishing Thoughts
The “right” number of people to hire for SEO is individual to each business and its unique goals. Start with a clear understanding of your SEO needs and scale up thoughtfully. Whether you choose to hire one multi-skilled individual, a full in-house team, outsource to an agency, or use a hybrid model, the goal is to ensure coverage of the essential SEO skill sets. Focus on what will most effectively improve your search rankings and online visibility within your capacity and resources. Effective SEO takes patience, effort, and a strategic approach, whether conducted by an individual or a team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is hiring the right number of SEO professionals important?
Hiring the right number of SEO professionals is crucial because it determines the effectiveness and efficiency of your SEO strategy. Having too few may mean slower progress, while hiring too many could lead to unnecessary expenses. The right team size balances expertise, costs, and the ability to achieve your SEO goals in a timely manner.
What factors should I consider when deciding how many people to hire for my SEO team?
You should consider factors such as the size of your business, the complexity of your website, your budget, the competitiveness of your industry, your SEO goals, and the timeline you have for achieving those goals. Also, take into account whether you’re looking for specialized skills or a more general approach to SEO.
Can a single SEO specialist handle my business’s needs?
A single SEO specialist might be sufficient for a small business with a simple website and modest goals. However, larger businesses or those with complex websites, high competition, or aggressive growth goals will likely require a team with various specialists to handle different aspects of SEO.
What roles are essential in an SEO team?
Essential roles in an SEO team can include an SEO strategist or manager, a keyword researcher, a content creator, a link builder, an SEO analyst, and a technical SEO expert. In some cases, these roles can be fulfilled by the same person, while larger teams might need multiple individuals for each role.
Should I outsource SEO or hire an in-house team?
The decision to outsource SEO or hire an in-house team depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Outsourcing can be more cost-effective and provide access to a broader range of expertise. In contrast, an in-house team can offer more direct control and ongoing attention to your SEO strategy. Consider the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision.
How does the size of my website impact the number of SEO professionals I need?
The size and complexity of your website are directly proportional to the workload. Larger websites with many pages, products, or complex architecture require more time and resources for optimization. This can necessitate a larger SEO team to manage the workload effectively.
Is there an industry standard for the number of SEO professionals a business should have?
There is no one-size-fits-all industry standard for the number of SEO professionals a business should have as it varies greatly depending on the specific needs and circumstances of each business. Customizing your team size based on your business’s unique requirements is the best approach.
How does my competitive landscape affect the size of my SEO team?
If you are in a highly competitive industry where competitors are actively optimizing their SEO, you may need a larger, more skilled team to outpace them and achieve higher search rankings. A rigorous analysis of your competition can provide insights into the size and expertise your SEO team should have.
What is the average cost of hiring an SEO professional?
The cost of hiring an SEO professional varies significantly based on experience, location, expertise, and the market demand for SEO services. An entry-level SEO specialist may cost less, while a seasoned expert or consultant may command a higher salary. Researching market rates in your area can give you a better idea of expected costs.
How can I scale my SEO team as my business grows?
To scale your SEO team as your business grows, start by assessing your evolving SEO needs. Incrementally hire specialized personnel to extend your team’s capabilities. Consider flexible options like part-time hires or consultants for particular projects or during peak times. Regularly review your SEO strategy and adapt your team accordingly.
