Semrush’s Ultimate Guide to Local SEO Outsourcing
Unlock the potential of your local SEO strategy with effective outsourcing solutions
- Local SEO outsourcing is a useful solution to help businesses of all sizes improve search rankings.
- Each outsourcing option comes with its own pros and cons; understanding these can help businesses make the right decision.
- Semrush Local offers affordable, comprehensive tools that lighten the SEO load without outsourcing to agencies or freelancers.
Local SEO outsourcing is a powerful strategy to enhance your online presence without the hassle of in-house management. By leveraging external expertise, companies can streamline their local SEO efforts and achieve better results. But is local SEO outsourcing right for every business? And what alternatives are there for companies that need extra help without the expense of extra labor?
What is local SEO outsourcing?
Local SEO outsourcing involves hiring external agencies or freelancers to manage and optimize your local search presence. The goal of local SEO outsourcing is to make it easier for customers in your area to find your business. Businesses can outsource:
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Directory and citation building
- Local keyword research
- Review generation and management
- Link building
- Local content creation and optimization
- Technical SEO
- And more
Outsourcing SEO services offers access to expert knowledge, time savings, and the ability to focus on core business activities. It can also provide more consistently high-quality SEO results than an in-house team might achieve. While outsourced SEO offers many benefits, it also comes with potential downsides. Understanding these challenges can help businesses make informed decisions about whether outsourcing is the right choice for their needs. Outsourcing can lead to a loss of control over how the provider executes your local SEO campaigns. Not all SEO outsourcing companies offer the same level of service quality. Some may use outdated techniques or focus on quantity over quality, which can negatively impact your local SEO efforts. Relying on outsourcing can create a dependency that may present challenges if you change providers or bring SEO inhouse. This dependency can also be risky if the provider goes out of business or fails to deliver as expected. Having a backup plan for your local marketing strategy can help mitigate these risks.
Different types of outsourcing solutions
SEO agencies
Local SEO outsourcing providers on Semrush Agency Partners
Agencies offer comprehensive local SEO outsourcing services, managing every aspect of your strategy. These SEO companies provide expertise and resources that many businesses lack internally.
Pros
- Access to a team of SEO experts
- Comprehensive services covering all aspects of local SEO
- Advanced tools and established processes
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Cons
- Can be expensive, especially for small businesses
- May involve long-term contracts
| Best of the best: Try the Agency Partners platform from Semrush to find the right local SEO agency for you. Filter by industry, services, and location to connect with the right partner. |
Freelance SEO experts
Local SEO outsourcing professionals on Fiverr
Freelancers can be a cost-effective option for businesses looking for specific SEO tasks. They offer flexibility and can focus on particular areas like keyword research or Google Business Profile management.
Pros
- More affordable than agencies
- Tend to specialize in specific tasks
- Personalized service
Cons
- Quality of service can vary significantly
- Limited resources compared to agencies
- Finding reliable freelancers can be challenging
| Middlemen: Some agencies and freelancers offer local SEO under a white label. This means that the person you’re hiring isn’t doing the work themselves, they sell the services of another provider. |
Digital marketing tools
Semrush’s Listing Management
Local SEO digital marketing tools allow businesses to outsource certain tasks via automation. These tools can assist with tracking local search rankings, monitoring reviews, and optimizing business listings. Tools like Semrush Local provide a balanced approach, combining automation with expert insights to enhance local SEO. Many agencies and freelancers use paid local SEO tools to carry out work for their clients.
Pros
- Cost-effective solution for managing local SEO
- Automation of repetitive tasks
- Comprehensive features in one platform
- Easy to use with detailed insights and analytics
Cons
- May not offer the same level of personalized service as agencies or freelancers
- Limited to the capabilities of the tool
Before deciding which local SEO outsourcing option is best, make a list of the things you need the most help with in priority order. That way, you won’t overpay for unnecessary services after an agency representative makes a convincing case.
| Start today: Semrush Local provides transparent local SEO tools that save businesses time without the need for outsourcing. |
Success stories: Local SEO outsourcing with digital tools
Local SEO tools have helped many businesses, agencies and freelancers achieve remarkable results. Here are some success stories that illustrate the tangible benefits of effective automation.
Stratedia
Top local rankings in Map Rank Tracker
Stratedia, a digital marketing agency, were struggling to help clients create consistent messaging while attracting more business. By leveraging Semrush Local tools, Stratedia achieved huge success:
- Improved local search rankings using tools like Listing Management and Map Rank Tracker to secure top spots
- $30,000 in new-client revenue by offering local SEO services using Semrush Local tools
- 95% client retention rate using simple Semrush graphics to demonstrate ROI and build long-term trust
ClickReady
ClickReady Marketing, an Atlanta-based SEO agency, needed to generate more leads for their clients. Using Semrush Local tools, ClickReady saw significant improvements:
- 60-80% visibility score for SMB clients through improved local search and Google Maps rankings
- 7-8 year client retention thanks to enhanced transparency, demonstrable results, and better employee morale
- 25-30% time savings from automated listing management, allowing the SEO team to focus on providing better services
Sam The Concrete Man
A list of directory listings with no issues
Contractor Sam The Concrete Man needed to ensure each franchise ranked well in local search. By using Semrush and Semrush Local tools, they achieved impressive results:
- 100 franchises in Google’s Local Map Pack, meaning higher visibility and more traffic
- 70 directories automatically updated with accurate and consistent business information
- 140 technical and on-page SEO checks from regular site audits, maintaining site health and improving user experience
Morningside Acupuncture
5-star reviews for an acupuncture clinic
Morningside Acupuncture, a clinic in New York City, faced intense local competition. Owner Teddy Levarda used Semrush Local tools to transform his business’s online presence:
- 2,900% increase in organic web traffic
- 4x revenue increase from 2020 to 2021, with further increases in 2023
- 200+ 5-star ratings and a much easier way of tracking them than copy/pasting into spreadsheets
Why choose Semrush Local as an alternative to local SEO outsourcing?
Streamline your local SEO
