Hiring SEO experts in the Philippines can be a cost-effective way to grow your agency and improve your client rankings, drive organic traffic, and boost conversions. The Philippines has a strong talent pool of SEO specialists who are well-versed in global SEO trends, making it a great option for outsourcing. However, finding the right SEO expert for your agency requires a structured approach.
Here are five essential tips to help you hire the best SEO experts in the Philippines:
1. Define Your SEO Goals and Job Requirements
Before you start your search, be clear on what you need for this role. This will help you find the right candidate who aligns with your business objectives.
- Are you looking for a full-service SEO expert or a specialist in technical SEO, content optimization, or link building?
- Do you need local SEO for targeting customers in a specific region, or are you focusing on a global audience?
- What key performance indicators (KPIs) will you use to measure success (e.g., rankings, traffic, conversions)?
- Will you hire on an hourly basis, project-based, or as a monthly retainer? Retainers are ideal for long-term SEO strategies, while hourly or project-based contracts work best for short-term or specific tasks.
Having well-defined SEO job requirements will help streamline the hiring process and attract the right candidates.
2. Assess Their SEO Knowledge and Strategies Through an Interview and Practical Exam
SEO is a dynamic field, and expertise varies among professionals. It’s important to thoroughly assess a candidate’s knowledge before making a hiring decision.
- Interview Process – Ask specific SEO-related questions to gauge their understanding of:
- On-page and off-page SEO strategies
- Keyword research and competitive analysis
- Technical SEO (site audits, indexing, schema markup)
- Google’s algorithm updates and white-hat SEO practices
- Local SEO strategies
- Test their SEO problem skills by asking real client scenarios
- SEO Practical Exam – A practical test is one of the best ways to evaluate a candidate’s skills. Consider giving a small test that includes:
- Writing an optimized meta title and description for a sample page
- Conducting keyword research for a sample website
- Creating a schema markup for a sample website
- Asking specific answers to common SEO issues
- Providing bullet points SEO audit and recommendations for a sample website.
By combining an interview and a written assessment, you can ensure the candidate has the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills required for the role.
3. Evaluate Their Communication and Reporting Skills
SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and clear reporting. Even the most skilled SEO expert won’t be effective if they can’t communicate insights and results effectively.
- English Communication Skills – Since SEO involves writing and strategy discussions, ensure the candidate has strong English proficiency. Ask them to take an online English test, such as from Exam English, to assess their grammar and language skills. The SEO practical exam is a another way of assessing the candidate’s English proficiency, coherence, and grammar.
- Reporting Style – Ask how they present SEO reports. Do they offer automated reports? Can they customize reports based on client needs?
- Tools and Metrics – Find out what SEO tools they use (e.g., Google Search Console, Ahrefs, Semrush) and how they track performance.
Hiring an SEO expert who provides transparent and easy-to-understand reports will help you stay informed about campaign progress and make data-driven decisions.
5. Ask for a SEO Portfolio
Before finalizing your decision, always request a portfolio of past work and case studies showcasing their SEO success.
- Industry Experience – Look for SEO experts who have worked with businesses in your industry. This ensures they understand the competitive landscape and target audience.
- Proven Results – Ask for data-driven examples, such as increased organic traffic, higher keyword rankings, or improved conversion rates. A reliable SEO expert should be able to provide real performance metrics.
- Client Testimonials and Reviews – Check online reviews, LinkedIn recommendations, or client testimonials to verify their credibility.
A strong portfolio backed by measurable results gives you confidence in their ability to deliver effective SEO strategies.
4. Compare Rates and Pricing
SEO rates varies based on expertise, experience, and service scope. Before hiring, compare different pay structures and consider the value they offer.
- Hourly Rates vs. Retainers – Hourly rates can be cost-effective for small tasks, while monthly retainers are better for long-term SEO growth.
- Performance-Based SEO – Some experts charge based on rankings or traffic improvements. Be cautious with guaranteed rankings, as SEO results take time.
- Customized SEO Packages – Some agencies offer tailored solutions based on your needs, combining content creation, technical fixes, and link-building.
While affordability is important, avoid choosing the cheapest option without considering quality. Investing in an experienced SEO expert with a proven track record will yield better long-term results.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an SEO expert in the Philippines can be a smart move for businesses looking for affordable and high-quality SEO services. By defining your goals, evaluating knowledge through interviews and tests, assessing communication skills, comparing pricing, and reviewing past results, you can find the right professional to drive organic growth for your business.
For agencies looking for a seamless and scalable SEO solution, GLOM Media Agency’s white label SEO and managed SEO experts service offer a reliable way to deliver top-tier SEO results to your clients. Whether you need full-service SEO management or expert support for your agency, we provide customized solutions to help you scale effortlessly.
Partner with GLOM Media today and let us handle the SEO while you focus on growing your agency!