Comments on: Can SEO Agencies Effectively Outsource Elements of SEO?

By: Data Recovery

Data Recovery — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:52:14 +0000

Great tips, I'm always looking for ways to maintain my seo efforts.

By: Data Recovery

Data Recovery — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:52:14 +0000

Great tips, I'm always looking for ways to maintain my seo efforts.

By: Boston SEO

Boston SEO — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:23:16 +0000

Communication is essential when trying to effectively outsource. If both parties are equally ambitious throughout, I feel that SEO outsourcing by SEO companies is a terrific alternative and should be considered by all. Great article.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:25:54 +0000

I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future. thanks

By: DocuMaker

DocuMaker — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:35:19 +0000

Outsourcing Through Rentacoder explains the proper way to outsource online before making mistakes via trial and error.

By: rocky

rocky — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:55:59 +0000

nice post. i am very happy to read it

By: Ben McKay

Ben McKay — Sat, 16 May 2009 11:13:27 +0000

Totally agree Mike. I’m about to write a post about the demand for SEO funnily enough…

Cheers for commenting. :)

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:51:43 +0000

Ben,
SEO outsourcing by SEO companies is something in my opinion is a mandatory option all SEO companies should have in their arsenal. While controlled growth is best for any business, the need to scale up quickly should always be addressed with a solution in your back pocket.

By: Ben McKay

Ben McKay — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:47:40 +0000

Thanks for stopping by Glenn!

I think your comment about ownership is a very important one. Outsourcing isn’t about outsourcing responsibilities/accountability, and as such shouldn’t be treated as fobbing off the workload. Management (or rather mis-management) of outsourcing can lead to a real break-down in it’s effectiveness, but not in accountability.

The oursourcee is accountable to the agency and the agency is accountable to the client. Each stage requires an emphasis on professionalism and value-adding from the carried out work.

Results is definitely one option to pay by. I have paid and been paid using various fixed and hourly methods, but I personally think that is a decision to be made on a case-by-case basis. Apparent value in the clients mind needs to be the primary goal at the end of the day.

And a great point to end on Glenn:
“And finally, I’d add that you should be sure – before outsourcing – that your freelancer can do the job as well as you would, were you to do it yourself. If they can’t – or if you’re not 100% sure – you’ll definitely be shooting yourself in the foot.”

…great stuff, thanks very much!

Ben

By: Glenn Murray

Glenn Murray — Wed, 13 May 2009 06:43:11 +0000

Nice post, Ben. (And thanks for the mention!) I have direct experience as the freelancer in your SEO equation. In fact, it’s something I do day-in and day-out. So obviously, I agree that it can be done effectively. But I agree that both parties have to be truly on the ball, and the freelancer needs to be very skilled at what they’re doing.

I’d also add that outsourcing introduces the sticky issue of ownership. I don’t mean legal/copyright ownership; I mean the feeling of ownership. Pride in the job. Commitment to getting it right. Taking no shortcuts. Going for absolute quality (not trying to do the least possible work for signoff). This is always tricky when you’re outsourcing, because of the remove from the consumer. It’s much harder to be careless when you have a direct client breathing down your neck, and when it’s your reputation that’s riding on the success of the project. One way this can be addressed (to an extent) is to pay for deliverables/results, not hours.

You mentioned that both parties have to pay close attention to the brief. I’d heartily second that. If you’re outsourcing simply to reduce the time you have to spend understanding the project, you’re gonna get stung.

And finally, I’d add that you should be sure – before outsourcing – that your freelancer can do the job as well as you would, were you to do it yourself. If they can’t – or if you’re not 100% sure – you’ll definitely be shooting yourself in the foot.

Thanks again Ben.

Cheers.
Glenn Murray (@divinewrite)