How to become an SEO freelancer?

Search engine optimization (SEO) has become critical for businesses to find their websites online. Companies rely on SEO professionals to improve their search visibility and rankings as more consumers use search engines like Google to find products and services. The demand for talented SEO specialists continues to grow each year.

An SEO freelancer is an independent consultant that offers SEO services to various clients. Typical responsibilities include conducting keyword research, optimizing website content for search engines, building high-quality backlinks, tracking website analytics, creating reports, and recommending website changes to improve SEO performance. SEO freelancers bring strategic expertise to help companies improve organic traffic, leads, and sales.

Advantages of Freelance SEO Consultant

Becoming a freelance SEO consultant offers many advantages, including:

• Flexible schedule – As a freelancer, you can work when and where you want. You can take on multiple projects while also making room for other priorities.
• Variety of projects – Freelancing allows you to work with different clients across diverse industries, keeping your job interesting. You can choose to specialize in specific areas over time as well.
• Income potential – Experienced SEO freelancers can make over $100 per hour. As you build your reputation and expertise, you can increase your rates and earn more. High demand makes freelance SEO a lucrative field to pursue.

Skills Needed to Become a SEO Freelancer

Technical SEO skills

Here are some technical SEO skills that you need to know – 

1. Keyword Research – Finding high-value keywords that target audiences are searching for to bring interested visitors to websites. Requires in-depth analysis of search data and trends.
2. On-Page Optimization – Optimizing website architecture, code, and content for search engines. This includes page titles, metadata, headers, image alt text, site speed, etc.
3. Link Building – Securing quality backlinks from other websites to build domain authority and recognition. Requires networking outreach and content creation skills.
4. Content Optimization – Creating, optimizing, and structuring website content targeting focus keywords to improve ranking potential. Requires an understanding of topics that strongly resonate with target users.
5. Site Architecture and Technical Setup – Designing effective navigational menus and site structure. Ensuring ideal URL formatting, site indexing, crawlability, and other technical elements vital for search visibility.

Communication and client relations skills

• Clearly convey technical recommendations and strategies to clients
• Set proper expectations on what SEO can achieve
• Active listening and interpretation of client goals
• Strong verbal, written and presentation abilities

Writing skills for creating keyword-optimized content

Here is an overview of the writing skills needed for creating keyword-optimized content as an SEO freelancer: 

1. Blog posts

• Long-form articles published on a company’s blog focusing on specific keywords
• Allow in-depth exploration of topics relevant to target customer interests
• Opportunity to showcase subject-matter expertise and thought leadership
• Build organic search traffic to website over time by answering consumer questions
• Promotional tactics like social shares can amplify blog content reach
• Effective blog posts require research of keyword demand and user intent to determine viable topics. Posts should take a strategic content marketing approach centered on delivering value for readers rather than overt self-promotion.

2. Website copy

• All text content published on client websites, from page titles to product descriptions
• Must optimize existing site content and create new high-quality copy
• Keep messaging aligned with brand’s voice and personality
• Analyze competitor sites to identify content gaps and areas of differentiation
• Ensure proper on-page SEO elements like metadata, headers, and alt text are applied
• When writing or revising website copy, consider the searcher’s perspective and what keywords and phrases they would use around that product, service, or topic. The copy should attract visitors while conveying a clear call to action.

3. Articles

• Byline posts written for publication on external industry websites
• Allows display of expertise to new audiences of targeted traffic
• Articles can rank on SERPs, driving referral visits
• Where published impacts domain authority gained from backlink
• Often adhere to specific publisher formatting and editorial guidelines
• Article writing requires adaptation to the outlet while still structuring content to highlight strategic keywords. Guest posting on a popular site within the client’s sector can raise their credibility and search visibility. Articles allow SEO experts to reach beyond a company’s existing audience.

Analytical skills for tracking and reporting on SEO performance

Here are some analytical skills needed for tracking and reporting on SEO performance – 

• Set Up Campaign Tracking – Implement website analytics (Google Analytics), rank tracking software (SEMrush, Ahrefs, etc), and link indexing tools to monitor keyword rankings, traffic sources, site visitors, lead conversions, and other KPIs.
• Analyze Website Traffic – Continuously analyze website traffic data, including determining the impact of organic search on revenue, decoding buyer journeys across channels, identifying the highest traffic landing pages, and diagnosing technical issues affecting site speed or crawlability.
• Track Keyword Rankings – Use rank tracking reports to determine the website’s competitive visibility for target keywords against other domain players in the niche. Monitor upward or downward movement over time.
• Review Backlinks and Referrals – Evaluate the latest backlinks pointing to the site, including anchor text usages and referring domains. Assess site authority gains from new links.
• Create Client Reporting – Prepare regular SEO reports for clients showcasing measurable progress towards objectives based on concrete website analytics. Commentary should explain data trends and guide action planning.
• Optimize Initiatives Over Time – Learn from campaign performance to determine effective and ineffective efforts. Double down on what delivers results while reducing spending on lower-performing areas. Continually work to improve SEO ROI.

The most skilled SEO consultants adeptly leverage data, tools, and reporting to provide strategic recommendations grounded in website performance metrics and competitive benchmarking.

Getting Started as a Freelancer

Here is how you can start as a freelancer – 

A. Build your knowledge and skills (courses, certifications, hands-on practice)

• Take courses and earn certifications in areas like on-page optimization, link building, and Google Analytics.
• Continuously expand your technical SEO skills and understanding of best practices.
• Gain hands-on experience by volunteering to assist local businesses with their SEO.

B. Create an online portfolio highlighting your work and expertise

• Showcase case studies demonstrating your SEO work and results achieved for companies.
• Highlight client testimonials speaking to the value you delivered.
• Explain your core services and areas of expertise.

C. Network to find freelance gigs (online forums, LinkedIn)

• Join SEO forums and Facebook Groups to connect with fellow professionals.
• Comment on industry blogs and columns to display your expertise.
• Grow your connections and credibility on LinkedIn.

D. Bid on project listing sites (Upwork, Fiverr)

• Check sites like Upwork and Fiverr for clients looking for SEO support.
• Tailor proposals directly to the project goals and needs.

E. Reach out to marketing agencies about supporting their clients

• Contact digital marketing agencies to inquire about subcontracting opportunities.
• Offer to augment their existing client services with your SEO specialization.

• F. Consider offering FREE services at first to build testimonials
• Find a small business interested in SEO and offer free consulting.
• Ask to use their project in your portfolio case studies.
• Request a testimonial detailing your impact.

Best Practices for Running Your Freelance SEO Business

A. Sign contracts and track hours for all client work

• Have clients sign service agreements outlining scope, rates, and terms to protect both parties.
• Long hours spent on client accounts using time-tracking software.
• Compare hours against compensation to analyze profitability.

B. Use tools to streamline and automate reporting

• Integrate analytics platforms, rank trackers, etc., to consolidate data.
• Build custom reports and dashboards for one-click client access.
• Set up automatic monthly report delivery rather than manual send.

C. Set rates that adequately compensate for your time and expertise

• Consider local market rates for SEO services when pricing packages.
• Factor in the value of specialized knowledge and proven methodologies.
• Increase rates annually as you gain more experience.
• Offer retainer discounts for longer-term client commitments.

D. Develop processes to communicate with clients regularly

• Schedule quarterly calls to discuss strategy and reporting.
• Set expectations for email and message response times.
• Send monthly recaps of tasks completed and critical analytics.

E. Handle taxes, deductions, insurance, and other business requirements

• Save a portion of income for quarterly estimated income taxes.
• Track eligible business expenses like travel, software, and courses.
• Look into general liability insurance for protection.
• Ensure legal business formation and licensing.

Implementing processes that streamline SEO delivery while scoping expectations, rates, and policies leads to profitable client engagements and a sustainable consulting business.

V. Keys to Growing and Scaling Your Business

A. Continuously build your skills and specialize

B. Ask clients for referrals and testimonials

C. Create a professional website to attract ideal clients

D. Automate what you can to increase efficiency

E. Hire other freelancers to support you on larger projects

Conclusion

A successful SEO freelancer needs technical optimization, content creation, data analysis, and client relations skills. This blog post covered the essential skills and best practices for starting and growing a consultancy. Training, certifications, and experimentation to improve your skills.  An online portfolio and personal brand optimization to showcase your services.  Networking continuously to find freelance gigs at agencies or through online marketplaces. Setting up contracts, rate structures, and streamlined processes to deliver high-quality work efficiently. 

Embarking on a freelance SEO career provides immense freedom and income potential. As search engine algorithms and best practices continue to evolve, there is an ongoing demand for independent consultants with specialized expertise that companies rely on. Committing to continual learning and development in this field is vital for sustainable success. The advice outlined here should equip aspiring SEO freelancers with actionable steps for launching and scaling a prosperous solo consultancy. Identify your niche strengths, deliver tangible results for clients, and position yourself as a leading expert to realize this rewarding career path.