SEO Outsourcing for Agencies: Steps, Costs, and Best Practices

Many agencies lose clients because they promise comprehensive digital marketing services but can't deliver consistent SEO results.

When a client's organic rankings drop or they struggle to hit their traffic targets, guess who takes the blame? You do—even if SEO was never your specialty.

The cascading effect hits fast: client churn increases, your reputation takes a hit, and you're stuck choosing between hiring expensive in-house SEO talent you can't afford or continuing to deliver subpar results.

This forces many agencies to turn down potentially lucrative clients or overpromise on services they can't execute well.

This guide covers exactly when SEO outsourcing for agencies makes sense, how to find the right partner, and the smart alternatives to traditional outsourcing that can save you serious money while delivering better results.

When Should Agencies Consider Outsourcing SEO?

Outsourcing SEO can be a strategic move for agencies looking to deliver high-quality services without overextending their internal resources. Here are some signs that it might be time for your agency to consider outsourcing SEO:

Limited internal resources

When your existing staff is stretched thin and there’s no capacity to take on additional SEO tasks, outsourcing can be a practical option. It allows your in-house team to focus on their core activities while experts handle the SEO work.

Lack of SEO expertise

SEO is a specialized field that requires up-to-date knowledge of search algorithms, keyword strategies, and content optimization techniques. If your team lacks experience in this area, outsourcing SEO to experts can ensure your clients receive the best results and maximum online visibility.

Growing client demands

As your agency takes on more customers or larger projects, meeting each client’s SEO needs can become challenging. Outsourcing SEO enables you to scale your services and meet growing client demands effectively.

Inconsistent results

If your agency is struggling to deliver consistent and measurable SEO results, bringing in an external provider with a proven track record can enhance the quality and reliability of your SEO services.

Narrow service package

To remain competitive, agencies often need to offer a full suite of digital marketing services. Outsourcing SEO can help you provide a more comprehensive package to clients without having to build out an entire SEO department.

How To Choose the Right SEO Partner

Given that this outsourced SEO service will be representing your brand, choosing a reliable partner is critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the ideal match:

1. Define your needs and goals

Before you start your search, clearly outline what you expect from an SEO outsourcing partner. Whether you need help with keyword research, on-page optimization, link-building techniques, or comprehensive SEO strategies, having a clear understanding of your requirements will guide your selection process.

2. Research potential partners

Look for SEO providers with a proven track record of success. Use online platforms, industry forums, and recommendations to build a list of potential partners. Review their websites, case studies, and client testimonials to gauge their expertise and reliability.

3. Evaluate expertise

Assess their level of expertise and experience in SEO. Here are some important questions to ask:

• What’s your experience in our industry?
• Can you provide case studies or references from past clients?
• What SEO tools and technologies do you use?
• What is your strategy for keyword research and selection?
• How do you approach link building?
• How will you measure and report on our SEO performance?

They should be able to provide detailed reports that include key performance indicators (KPIs) and clear insights into the progress and effectiveness of their previous SEO efforts.

4. Check for up-to-date practices

SEO is a constantly evolving field, and the landscape is always changing due to new technologies and practices. For example, almost 40% of digital marketers are now using AI to assist in their keyword research.

Ensure the partner you choose stays current with search engine algorithm updates and industry trends. Inquire about how they keep their skills and SEO strategies up to date. 

5. Review their communication skills

Effective communication is key to any successful partnership. Assess their responsiveness, clarity, and willingness to explain complex SEO concepts in simple terms. Ensure they are open to regular updates and progress reports.

6. Consider the cost and contract terms

While cost should not be the only deciding factor, it is essential to understand providers’ pricing structure and contract terms. Compare quotes from different providers and consider the value you will receive for your investment.

Should You Hire SEO Providers Directly or Partner With a Hiring Firm?

When it comes to outsourcing SEO, agencies have two primary options: 

• Hiring SEO providers directly
• Partnering with a SEO recruitment/staffing company

Direct hiring involves a hands-on, comprehensive approach where your agency is responsible for every step of the recruitment process. 

While this method offers full control over the selection process, it can also be incredibly time-consuming and resource-intensive, given that the average time to hire is now 44 days.

Moreover, without an experienced recruitment team, you might hire candidates who don’t meet your agency’s needs or industry standards.

Partnering with a recruitment or staffing company streamlines the entire process. These firms specialize in sourcing and vetting SEO talent, ensuring that only the most skilled professionals are presented. 

One of the key benefits of working with a recruitment firm is the potential for cost savings, particularly when hiring from SEO talent-rich regions with low salary expectations, like Latin America (LatAm).

Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia have large pools of highly skilled SEO professionals who typically offer more affordable rates than their US counterparts. The lower cost of living in these regions translates to competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

Best Practices When Partnering With an SEO Service Provider

No matter how you find a partner, some best practices can help ensure a successful collaboration. Here are essential guidelines to follow when outsourcing SEO for your agency:

Set clear goals and KPIs

The foundation of any successful partnership is clear, measurable goals and KPIs. Before you begin working with your SEO provider, ensure that both parties have a mutual understanding of what SEO success looks like. 

Define specific SEO objectives, such as:

• Increasing organic traffic growth
• Improving search engine rankings for target keywords
• Boosting conversion rates

Setting clear (and realistic) goals helps align expectations and provides a benchmark for measuring progress. 

Establish effective communication channels

Regular communication channels ensure that both parties stay informed and aligned throughout the SEO project. Decide on the frequency and format of updates—whether via weekly calls, biweekly emails, or monthly reports—and stick to these timelines.

Communication should be transparent and open, allowing for the timely exchange of information, feedback, and any concerns. 

Use project management tools

Project management tools offer a centralized platform for monitoring tasks, sharing documents, and tracking progress. Popular project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com allow you to create task boards, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities. 

These platforms often have integration features that can sync with other software, keeping everything organized and accessible.

How Much Does SEO Outsourcing Cost?

The cost of SEO outsourcing varies significantly depending on the level of service and location of your provider. 

At the lower end of the spectrum, some SEO outsourcing services start at around $200 to $500 per month. These budget-friendly options typically involve predefined packages with limited control over the SEO strategy and execution. 

While these services can provide basic SEO tasks like on-page optimization and link building, they are often one-size-fits-all solutions that may not perfectly meet your needs. 

Hiring a remote SEO professional offers a much better return on investment for agencies looking for a more customized and strategic approach. However, the costs differ dramatically depending on their location. 

In the US, for example, the average annual salary for an SEO specialist in the US is $74,500. That is a significant financial commitment, especially given it doesn’t include additional costs like benefits, training, and other overhead. 

On the other hand, if you leverage the services of a recruitment or staffing firm to hire from talent-rich regions like LatAm, you can reduce your costs without sacrificing quality.

From our experience placing this role, this is what the average salaries look like across experience levels:

Top 3 SEO Outsourcing Providers for US Companies

Below are three top-notch SEO outsourcing providers, listed in no particular order. This list includes both white-label SEO providers and recruitment agencies with a strong background in hiring SEO specialists.

1. Near

Near (Hire With Near) is a full-service staffing and recruiting agency that helps US companies of all sizes hire top-performing remote talent in Latin America across finance, accounting, sales, software engineering, AI, data, design, marketing, operations, and virtual assistance.

Unlike traditional SEO outsourcing where you're sharing resources with other clients, we help you build your own dedicated SEO team.

Your LatAm hires work exclusively for your agency, follow your processes, and integrate fully into your operations.

• No upfront costs: You never pay anything until you make a hire
• Flexible fee structure: Choose between a one-off recruitment fee or monthly staffing support with payroll and compliance handling
• Pre-vetted talent pool: Access to 45,000+ candidates, plus custom sourcing to meet your exact requirements
• Fast hiring process: Most placements within 3 weeks
• Real-time collaboration: Work with talent in overlapping time zones—no overnight delays or awkward meeting schedules

Access to top-tier LatAm talent who perform like your best US hires means you get the expertise you need without the premium US price tag.

Just ask R\nd, a digital marketing and web development company that wanted to bring on a freelance SEO expert but couldn’t find the right local candidate.

Most of their applicants weren’t even qualified for the position, so they turned to us for help. 

In just under two weeks, they hired a Senior SEO Strategist—plus a UX Strategist and Website Project Manager—from LatAm, saving over $175,000 annually in salary costs. 

2. Hike SEO

Hike SEO is a versatile provider offering a powerful SEO platform, managed SEO services, and a white-label SEO tool that you can seamlessly integrate into your agency’s service package.

Its professional SEO services allow you to offload the heavy lifting of SEO tasks to its experts, ensuring high-quality and consistent results for your customers. 

3. The Hoth

The Hoth is a well-known white-label service provider known for its robust SEO and digital marketing services suite. The company offers a range of scalable SEO outsourcing solutions, including high-quality content creation, link building, and local SEO services, making it ideal for agencies of all sizes. 

The Hoth’s white-label solutions allow your agency to provide comprehensive SEO services to clients so that you can improve their search rankings without the need to invest in additional resources. 

Final Thoughts

We think most agencies approach SEO backwards. 

They treat it like a box to check rather than a core competency that drives real client results. That's why so many end up with mediocre outcomes, frustrated clients, and razor-thin margins.

The agencies that actually win with SEO? They stop thinking like middlemen and start building real expertise. Instead of farming out SEO to whoever bids lowest, they invest in dedicated professionals who understand their clients, their processes, and their standards.

We've seen this transformation happen hundreds of times. Agencies that were struggling with inconsistent results and client churn suddenly become the go-to SEO experts in their market. 

The difference isn't just the talent quality, though LatAm professionals consistently outperform expectations. It's the shift from renting expertise to owning it.

Your clients don't care where your SEO team sits. They care about rankings, traffic, and revenue growth. When you have dedicated professionals who live and breathe your agency's standards, that's exactly what they get.

Ready to stop competing on price and start competing on results?

Book a free consultation with our team to see how building your own LatAm SEO team can transform your agency's capabilities and your bottom line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of outsourcing SEO for agencies?

The primary benefits include access to specialized expertise, cost savings, and the ability to scale services quickly. 

By outsourcing or hiring dedicated SEO professionals, agencies can offer comprehensive digital marketing packages without the overhead of building an in-house SEO department. 

This allows you to focus on your core strengths while ensuring clients receive expert SEO services.

How do I know if my agency is ready to outsource SEO?

You're ready to outsource when your current SEO efforts consistently underperform, you lack the internal expertise to improve results, or client demands exceed your team's capacity. 

If you're spending more time learning SEO than executing other profitable services, or if inconsistent results are affecting client retention, it's time to partner with specialists.

Why should I consider hiring SEO talent from Latin America?

Latin American SEO professionals offer the same quality as US hires but at significantly lower costs, with the added benefit of real-time collaboration. 

According to Near's State of LatAm Hiring Report, companies typically save $35,000 to $55,000 per LatAm SEO hire while gaining access to professionals who work in overlapping time zones and understand US business practices.

 Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia have deep pools of experienced SEO specialists who often outperform their US counterparts.