Technical SEO
Technical SEO is the foundation upon which all other SEO efforts are built. It focuses on optimising the technical aspects of a website to improve its visibility to search engines.
A technically sound website allows search engine bots to crawl, index, and render your content efficiently, leading to higher rankings and increased organic traffic.
What to look for in a technical SEO freelancer
When hiring a technical SEO freelancer, look for demonstrable experience and a deep understanding of key technical aspects. A strong portfolio showcasing successful projects and improved search engine rankings is crucial. Excellent communication skills are also essential for explaining complex technical issues in a clear and concise manner.
Key skills and expertise
- Website crawling and indexing
- Site architecture optimisation
- Schema markup implementation
- Page speed optimisation
- Mobile-first indexing and responsiveness
- HTTPS and website security
- International SEO (hreflang tags)
- Log file analysis
- Experience with various SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, SEMrush)
Main expertise areas to inquire about
Depending on your specific needs, delve deeper into the following areas:
- eCommerce SEO: For online shops, expertise in product schema, faceted navigation, and large website optimisation is vital.
- Local SEO: For businesses targeting local customers, knowledge of Google My Business optimisation and local citation management is essential.
- International SEO: For businesses operating in multiple countries, experience with hreflang tags, multilingual content management, and regional SEO strategies is crucial.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some questions to help you assess a freelancer's technical SEO expertise:
- Describe your approach to conducting a technical SEO audit.
- How do you identify and fix crawl errors?
- What are the most important technical SEO factors for improving website performance?
- Share an example of a technical SEO project you’re proud of and explain the results you achieved.
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest changes in search engine algorithms and best practices?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios carefully, paying attention to quantifiable results.
- Look for case studies demonstrating improved rankings, increased organic traffic, and enhanced website performance.
- Check client testimonials and references to gauge their reliability and professionalism.
Potential red flags
- Be wary of freelancers who promise guaranteed rankings or use black hat SEO techniques.
- Avoid those who lack a clear understanding of current SEO best practices or cannot articulate their strategies effectively.
- A lack of transparency or reluctance to share previous work should also raise concerns.
Typical complementary skills
Technical SEO often works hand-in-hand with other digital marketing disciplines. Freelancers with expertise in content marketing, on-page SEO, analytics, and UX can offer a more holistic approach to website optimisation.
Benefits of hiring a technical SEO freelancer
A skilled technical SEO freelancer can significantly improve your website's search engine visibility, leading to increased organic traffic, higher conversions, and improved brand awareness. They can identify and fix technical issues that are hindering your website's performance, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience for visitors.
By optimising your website for search engines, they lay the groundwork for long-term online success.
Real-world examples of technical SEO in action
- Improving page speed: A freelancer optimised a slow-loading eCommerce website by compressing images, minifying code, and implementing browser caching. This resulted in a significant decrease in bounce rate and a noticeable improvement in conversion rates.
- Fixing crawl errors: A freelancer identified and resolved a large number of 404 errors and broken links on a news website, improving its crawlability and indexing by search engines. This led to a substantial increase in organic traffic and improved user experience.
- Implementing schema markup: A freelancer implemented schema markup on a local business website, providing search engines with more context about the business and its services. This resulted in richer search results, improved click-through rates, and increased visibility in local search results.
