At Leemjaz, we’ve worked with businesses of all sizes that struggled to manage SEO on their own. Some tried building in-house teams, while others handled SEO alongside daily operations. What we noticed is consistent: companies often spend too much time and money experimenting, only to realize they need outside expertise. This is exactly where Outsource SEO Services make a difference, giving businesses access to professional strategies without the cost and complexity of managing everything in-house.
By outsourcing SEO, businesses can focus on growth while experts handle rankings, traffic, and visibility. But is outsourcing the right choice for every company? And how does it compare to managing SEO in-house?
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, costs, and strategies so you can decide if outsourcing SEO is the right move for your business.
Outsource SEO Services vs In-House SEO Comparison
The first decision most businesses face is whether to handle SEO internally or hire an SEO outsourcing partner. Here’s how they compare:
| Factor | In-House SEO | Outsourced SEO Services |
| Cost | Salaries, benefits, training, tools (often high) | Monthly retainer or project fee with an SEO agency |
| Expertise | Limited to team’s knowledge | Wide range of skills across industries and niches |
| Control | Full oversight and daily management | Less day-to-day control, but transparent reporting |
| Scalability | Difficult to scale quickly | Easy to scale with outsourced SEO services |
| Speed | Slower ramp-up, especially for new teams | Faster execution with proven processes |
When to choose in-house: You want full control, have a large budget, and can invest in training.
When to outsource: You need faster results, expert-level execution, and flexibility at a lower cost.
What Are Outsource SEO Services?
Outsource SEO services mean hiring an external SEO outsourcing company to manage your search optimization efforts. Instead of building an in-house team, you can hire SEO experts to handle:
- On-page SEO optimization (titles, meta tags, keywords, internal linking)
- Off-page SEO and outsource link building (backlinks, digital PR)
- Technical SEO outsourcing (site audits, speed, mobile optimization)
- Content writing and optimization
- Local SEO (Google Business Profile, local citations, reviews)
- Reporting and analytics
For reference, here’s Google’s SEO starter guide, which sets the foundation of what good SEO looks like.
Why Businesses Outsource SEO Services
Businesses outsource SEO for efficiency and results. Key reasons include:
- Affordable SEO services compared to full-time staff.
- Access to skilled SEO specialists and advanced tools.
- Save time so business owners can focus on operations.
- Scalable solutions that grow with your business needs.
Example: One of our e-commerce clients came to Leemjaz after trying to manage SEO in-house. Within six months of outsourcing SEO to our team, their organic traffic increased by 42%, and sales from search grew by 35%. This is the power of outsourcing to specialists who already have proven systems in place.
Many businesses also combine SEO with Social Media Marketing to maximize visibility and engagement across different channels.
Benefits of Outsourcing SEO Services
- Expert guidance, agencies bring years of proven strategies.
- Premium tools access, outsourced teams use top SEO software like Ahrefs or SEMrush.
- Faster execution, strategies implemented quickly.
- Resource savings, your team can focus on sales and operations.
- Scalable SEO solutions, campaigns grow with your business.
Drawbacks and Risks of Outsourcing SEO Services
Outsourcing isn’t without challenges:
- Less direct control of daily SEO tasks.
- Risk of low-quality SEO agencies using black-hat tactics. You can learn more from Search Engine Journal.
- Communication barriers with offshore providers.
- Long-term dependency on an SEO outsourcing partner.
The solution is choosing a reputable, transparent SEO outsourcing company.
Types of Outsourced SEO Services
Businesses can outsource:
- On-page SEO optimization.
- Outsource link building and outreach campaigns.
- Technical SEO outsourcing, fixing site speed and indexing.
- Local SEO outsourcing for maps and local search.
- Content creation, blogs, landing pages, product descriptions.
- E-commerce SEO services for online stores.
- White label SEO services for agencies that resell SEO.
Cost of Outsourcing SEO Services
Pricing models include:
- Hourly rates, usually $50 to $200 per hour.
- Monthly retainers, from $500 to $5,000+ depending on scope.
- Project-based fees for audits or campaigns.
- Performance based pricing, where payment depends on results.
For context, HubSpot has detailed benchmarks on SEO pricing across different service levels.
Cost depends on your site size, industry competition, and whether you hire a local or offshore SEO outsourcing company.
How to Choose the Right SEO Outsourcing Partner
To select the best SEO outsourcing company, follow these steps:
- Define your SEO goals (rankings, traffic, conversions).
- Review case studies and past results.
- Check testimonials and independent reviews.
- Ask about reporting frequency and transparency.
- Ensure they use ethical, white-hat practices.
- Avoid companies that guarantee #1 rankings.
At Leemjaz, we encourage businesses to ask the tough questions before hiring an SEO outsourcing service provider, ensuring they know exactly what to expect.
Best Practices for Managing Outsourced SEO Services
For success with outsourced SEO:
- Set clear KPIs (keyword rankings, leads, conversions).
- Request detailed SEO reports.
- Schedule regular check-ins.
- Maintain basic in-house SEO knowledge.
- Use collaboration tools like Trello or Slack for alignment.
Many of our clients also integrate Social Media Marketing campaigns with SEO for stronger brand awareness and engagement.
Is Outsourcing SEO the Right Choice for Your Business?
Use this framework:
- Outsource SEO services if you want expert results quickly and affordably.
- Go in-house SEO if you need full control and have a large long-term budget.
- Try a hybrid model if you want to keep strategy in-house but outsource technical SEO or link building.
Conclusion on Outsource SEO Services
Outsourcing SEO services is a smart investment for businesses that want professional results without the cost of hiring full-time staff. With the right SEO outsourcing partner, you gain access to expertise, tools, and proven strategies that drive long-term growth in traffic, leads, and revenue.
At Leemjaz, we provide affordable, tailored solutions from technical SEO and link building to content optimization. Our ethical, data-driven approach helps businesses strengthen their online presence. If you’re ready to scale, book a consultation with us today and discover how Leemjaz can be your trusted SEO partner. For a broader digital strategy, explore our Social Media Marketing Services to complement your SEO efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outsourcing SEO Services
1. What does outsourcing SEO mean?
It means hiring an external SEO agency or expert to manage search engine optimization instead of doing it in-house.
2. Is it better to outsource SEO or keep it in-house?
Outsourcing is more cost-effective and scalable for most businesses, while in-house SEO provides more control.
3. How much do outsource SEO services cost?
Pricing ranges from $500 to several thousand dollars per month, depending on project scope and provider.
4. What types of SEO can be outsourced?
On-page SEO, off-page SEO, technical SEO, content, local SEO, and e-commerce SEO can all be outsourced.
5. How do I choose the best SEO outsourcing company?
Look for case studies, client reviews, transparent reporting, and ethical (white-hat) SEO practices.
6. Can SEO outsourcing help small businesses?
Yes, outsourcing is often the most affordable and effective way for small businesses to compete online.