Outsourcing SEO in the Philippines can certainly help your business save costs while receiving high-quality, high-value SEO services.
But, like all aspects of SEO outsourcing, you must tread these waters carefully - especially if you’re not familiar with Search Engine Optimization - there are many bad actors from spammers to scammers that will gladly take your money, but will only hurt your business and reputation.
Unfortunately, when you search for guides on how to hire SEO Experts in the Philippines, all you’ll find are websites of local SEO Specialists who are selling their services:
(Weirdly enough, our SEO training course directory is ranking for this keyword - quite a surprise!)
But that’s not what you’re looking for, are you? You’re looking for a hiring guide.
And that's why I wrote this article.
If you're contemplating whether to outsource SEO, this article will guide you through the intricacies of SEO outsourcing and help you devise a strategic game plan to find the ideal specialist for your business.
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Filipino Advantage: Why Look to The Philippines for SEO Expertise?
Why even hire an SEO in the Philippines? Why not just hire someone locally?
Economic Edge
When considering SEO outsourcing, the Philippines stands out as a prime destination as it offers a unique blend of value and expertise. This is especially true for business owners in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively lower than that of the aforementioned countries:
This translates to competitive pricing (saving up to 70% in costs, according to Outsource Accelerator) for high-caliber services, without compromising on quality.
Additionally, the Philippines boasts a burgeoning IT infrastructure and a government that actively supports and promotes the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.
Such initiatives have led to a workforce that's not only skilled but also well-acquainted with the global standards of digital services.
I myself worked for Microsourcing at the very beginning of my career, working for a Kiwi business.
This combination of affordability and world-class expertise means that businesses, especially from countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, can maximize their ROI by leveraging Filipino SEO services. Instead of stretching their budgets thin with local rates, companies can allocate saved funds to other essential areas, fostering holistic growth.
Linguistic and Cultural Affinity
The linguistic mastery and cultural understanding of Filipinos go beyond mere familiarity.
Historically, the Philippines was colonized by the Spanish for over three centuries and then by the Americans for nearly half a century. This has imparted a Western influence on the country’s education system, language, and cultural norms.
English, being an official language and medium of instruction in schools, has resulted in a vast majority of Filipinos being fluent English speakers. This fluency isn't just technical; it's nuanced, allowing them to grasp and convey intricate topics, such as Search Engine Optimization, with clarity and precision.
Culturally, the Western influence combined with the Philippines' own rich heritage has given Filipinos a unique perspective. They can effortlessly bridge the gap between Eastern and Western mindsets. This ability is invaluable in Search Engine Optimization, where understanding a target audience’s cultural context can determine a campaign's success or failure.
Moreover, Filipinos have a strong sense of community, often reflected in their work ethics. They place immense value on collaboration, mutual respect, and understanding, which makes working with them a harmonious experience.
Their innate hospitality and warmth often translate into a proactive, attentive, and client-centered approach in professional settings.
Time Zone Ties
While the Philippines is a world away geographically, its time zone offers a unique advantage. With work hours that overlap significantly with Australia and New Zealand, real-time communication becomes hassle-free.
The US and the UK might have completely opposite times versus the Philippines, but that doesn’t stop Filipinos from working the graveyard shift. In fact, 70 to 80% of Filipinos employed at call centers work the graveyard shift. I assume this is mainly because there are more job openings and higher base pay for night shift workers.
To Outsource or Not To Outsource: Do You Even Need A Search Engine Optimization Specialist?
Diving headfirst into SEO outsourcing services might be an enticing option, but it isn't always the silver bullet for every marketing problem you encounter.
There are situations where the challenges of outsourcing might outweigh the benefits. Here are some examples of when outsourcing a Search Engine Optimization Specialist might not be for you:
In-House Expertise: If you already have a competent in-house SEO team that consistently delivers desired results, then outsourcing might be redundant and could disrupt the established workflow.
Ultra-Specific Niche: If your business is operating in an incredibly specific niche or sector, an in-house team might have a deeper, more intricate understanding of the product, audience, and industry nuances compared to an external specialist.
Communication Preferences: If you're a business owner who greatly values face-to-face interactions, spontaneous brainstorming sessions, and on-site collaborations, you might find remote or outsourced teams less satisfying in terms of communication dynamics.
Sensitive Data Concerns: If your business is dealing with highly sensitive data or proprietary information, you might be hesitant to share this with external parties due to confidentiality and security concerns, preferring to keep all work in-house.
Expert Tip: Before diving headfirst into outsourcing, run a thorough assessment of your current business setup. Compare your in-house team’s capabilities and achievements with what outsourcing promises.
Use metrics like past campaign performances, current organic traffic, and growth trajectories. If the gap is substantial or if you lack an in-house team entirely, then outsourcing an SEO Specialist in the Philippines might be your next best move.
On the flip side, if your in-house team is already delivering comparable results, you might be better off investing in further training and resources for them.
Tips To Finding Ideal Filipino SEO Experts
Look Beyond The #1 Spot
Rankings are enticing. It's tempting to believe that a #1 spot is a direct reflection of an agency’s skill. However, SEO, much like most disciplines, isn't always black and white. A #1 ranking might be the result of simply being there first, having industry connections, or through unscrupulous short-term SEO strategies.
Rankings matter, but they're just a piece of the puzzle.
Reviews & Testimonials
Word of mouth, in the form of testimonials and reviews, still carries immense weight. These are firsthand accounts of collaboration, results, and the nuances of working with the specialist. Don’t just look at the five-star reviews; sometimes, the best reviews are 3- and 1-star reviews.
Why did a business owner give a scathing 1-star review? Why was the specialist given a lukewarm 3-star review?
Read Case Studies
Success stories or case studies offer a transparent view of an SEO specialist's approach, strategy, and results. By dissecting these studies, businesses can gauge the adaptability, creativity, and effectiveness of potential partners.
Look for Educational Content
Educate, don't just elevate. The best SEO specialists don't just dazzle with jargon and flashy presentations. They educate. Look for professionals who take the time to explain strategies, share knowledge, and ensure that you're informed, rather than just impressed.
Know Your Budget
Quality SEO services are an investment. However, it's vital to strike a balance between quality and affordability. Set clear budgetary boundaries and ensure that the specialist you're considering offers value that aligns with the investment.
Jump Into A Call
Yes, a portfolio website can list qualifications and success stories, but a video call reveals character, approach, and compatibility.
Engaging in a discovery call can offer insights into an SEO specialist's communication style, responsiveness, and alignment with your business's vision.
Expert Tip: During consultations, consider asking questions like, "Can you walk me through a strategy you implemented for a similar business?" or "How do you handle unexpected shifts in Search Engine Optimization trends?" Their answers can provide a clearer picture of their expertise and adaptability.
Questions to ask a potential SEO hire
What are your methods of reporting and communication in general?
Clear communication is vital for any successful collaboration. Establishing when and how you'll communicate ensures that both parties stay aligned and informed.
It's also a good idea to understand their preferred communication platforms, their responsiveness to unplanned queries, and how frequently they provide updates.
Can you break down the terms of the contract and any financial commitments?
Contracts can often be a hassle to read, but understanding every term, especially regarding deliverables, timelines, and payment, is crucial.
If there are terms you're unsure about, ask. And, if necessary, consider having a legal expert review the contract.
How does your proposed SEO strategy align with our business goals?
While SEO experts have their unique approaches, it's essential that their strategy aligns with your specific objectives and industry nuances.
Discuss their SEO roadmap in detail, understanding KPIs, milestones, and adaptive strategies based on evolving data.
When discussing strategies, it's essential to touch upon search engine marketing as a whole. How does your prospective SEO provider incorporate broader SEM techniques?
What are the achievable targets, and how do they differ from the more ambitious ones?
Differentiating between what's realistically achievable and what's a stretch goal is essential to set the right expectations.
Ask for past data or case studies to understand and validate their claims.
What are the terms if we decide to terminate the collaboration?
Even with the best intentions, understanding the exit clauses, including cancellation terms and financial implications, is essential.
It's always best to address this upfront to avoid potential future misunderstandings.
Which SEO tools do you use and why?
The tools an SEO specialist uses can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of campaigns.
Expert Input from SEOExpert.ph: We recommend tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and SurferSEO. Ensure your potential SEO partner is equipped with reliable tools to drive your campaign forward.
Watch out for these potential red flags (or cards)
Some SEO Specialists are charismatic, but don’t let those flowery words and exquisitely designed PowerPoint presentations fool you!
Here are some questions to ask yourself to uncover potential red flags.
How realistic are their promises?
SEO is a competitive industry, so it's tempting for SEO providers to make offers that sound too good to be true. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is! Here are some classic cases of setting unrealistic expectations:
Read our detailed guide on SEO rates in the Philippines to learn more.
Are they transparent in their methods and reporting?
The success of any SEO campaign relies heavily on open communication and clarity. If a provider is evasive about their techniques or reluctant to share detailed metrics, it may be cause for concern. SEO requires trust, and transparency is its foundation.
A Filipino colleague I worked with in the past was hired abroad as an SEO Specialist. He told me horror stories of his co-workers doctoring ranking reports to their unsuspecting clients. In my case, I don’t just send ranking reports. I also send impressions and traffic reports because that’s more foolproof since my clients can just go straight to their analytics accounts to verify.
Why are they avoiding voice calls?
While written communication is pivotal, the reluctance to jump on a voice or video call can be a red flag. Direct conversations can often provide clarity, resolve issues faster, and help gauge the sincerity and professionalism of the provider.
Can you see evidence of their past successes?
A reputable SEO provider will have a strong portfolio showcasing their achievements. This is your window into their capabilities, strategies, and results.
A strong portfolio should have a mix of diverse projects, quantifiable results, and client testimonials. It's not just about the quantity but the quality of work and the tangible outcomes they've achieved.
We curated a comprehensive list of industry-specific red flags here.
Is Hiring An SEO Specialist from the Philippines for you?
Engaging in SEO isn't just about better visibility; it's about understanding the heart and soul of search engines. The allure of cost-effective solutions, language familiarity, and the plethora of talent available make partnering with a specialist from the Philippines an attractive proposition for businesses globally. However, doing so still requires vigilance and making informed decisions.
We hope this article equips you with the right mindset and information to find the right SEO professionals for your business.
And if you need an SEO to grow your business online, you can contact us here to receive a commitment-free website audit.
References on living costs:
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