How To Hire The Right SEO Expert

TL;DR

Learn how to evaluate an SEO candidate's experience effectively.

Transcript

If you ever tried hiring an SEO professional,  then you probably know that the real challenge is being able to evaluate the hands-on experience  of this person, what did they do in their previous projects, the results, the good things, the bad  things. Well, how can we do that successfully? We hope to answer this question today with our  SVP of mar... Read More

Key Insights

• Evaluating an SEO candidate's experience is challenging but crucial for ensuring they can deliver results.
• Maxim Roslyakov, with extensive hiring experience, suggests evaluating both agencies and in-house candidates similarly.
• Initial steps include compiling candidate data from LinkedIn or CVs, focusing on those with over a year of experience.
• Utilize tools like Semrush's Organic Research to analyze website traffic during the candidate's tenure.
• Prioritize candidates based on organic traffic growth achieved during their previous roles for effective hiring.
• The analysis of traffic trends provides a basis for in-depth discussions during interviews.
• Future topics include the choice between hiring agencies versus in-house SEO professionals.
• A well-crafted job description and onboarding process are vital for integrating new SEO hires successfully.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main challenge in hiring an SEO professional?

The main challenge in hiring an SEO professional is evaluating their hands-on experience and understanding the impact they had in previous roles. This involves assessing their contributions to organic traffic growth and their ability to deliver results over time, which can be difficult without direct access to company data.

Q: How does Maxim Roslyakov suggest starting the evaluation process?

Maxim Roslyakov suggests starting the evaluation process by gathering candidate information from LinkedIn profiles or CVs. He emphasizes focusing on candidates with more than a year of experience, as SEO is a long-term process, and this duration allows for a more accurate assessment of their impact on organic traffic growth.

Q: What tool is recommended for analyzing a candidate's previous work impact?

The recommended tool for analyzing a candidate's previous work impact is Semrush's Organic Research. This tool helps evaluate the organic traffic trends of websites where the candidate previously worked, providing insights into their contributions to traffic growth and overall SEO performance during their tenure.

Q: Why is it important to analyze organic traffic trends during candidate evaluation?

Analyzing organic traffic trends is important because it provides a tangible measure of a candidate's impact on a company's SEO performance. By examining traffic growth during their employment, employers can prioritize candidates who have demonstrated the ability to significantly improve organic visibility and drive results.

Q: What are the benefits of prioritizing candidates based on traffic growth?

Prioritizing candidates based on traffic growth allows employers to focus their efforts on individuals who have proven their ability to enhance a website's organic performance. This approach helps streamline the hiring process by identifying the most promising candidates, ensuring that discussions during interviews are informed by their past achievements.

Q: What future topics are planned for the series on hiring SEO professionals?

Future topics planned for the series include the decision-making process between hiring an SEO agency versus an in-house professional. The series will also cover tips for creating effective job descriptions and onboarding processes, ensuring that new hires are well-integrated and positioned to contribute to the company's success.

Q: How can a well-crafted job description aid in hiring SEO professionals?

A well-crafted job description is crucial in hiring SEO professionals as it clearly outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the role. This clarity helps attract suitable candidates, sets the foundation for evaluating their fit, and ensures alignment between the company's needs and the candidate's expertise.

Q: What role does onboarding play in integrating new SEO hires?

Onboarding plays a critical role in integrating new SEO hires by familiarizing them with the company's processes, culture, and strategic goals. A structured onboarding process ensures that new hires understand their role, have the necessary resources, and are aligned with the business objectives, enabling them to contribute effectively from the outset.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Hiring an SEO expert requires careful evaluation of their hands-on experience, focusing on results achieved in past roles. Maxim Roslyakov shares insights on assessing candidates using LinkedIn data and website traffic analysis through tools like Semrush to prioritize and understand their impact.

• The process involves gathering candidate information, analyzing organic traffic trends during their employment, and prioritizing candidates based on performance. This method not only aids in selection but also serves as a foundation for interview discussions.

• Future topics in the series will explore the decision-making process between hiring in-house SEO professionals versus agencies, emphasizing the importance of a strong job description and onboarding process to ensure new hires contribute effectively to the business.