SaaS SEO Consultant: How & Why to Choose One

If you’re serious about driving your SaaS business to new heights of success, there’s one essential hire you shouldn’t overlook: a top-notch SaaS SEO consultant. With their specialized expertise in search engine optimization for Software as a Service companies, these consultants wield the power to propel your growth to unprecedented levels. But let’s face it, the burning question on every entrepreneur’s mind is, “What’s the cost of bringing on a seasoned SaaS SEO consultant?” Fear not, for I’ve got you covered.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of hiring a SaaS SEO consultant, uncovering the right questions to ask, and revealing how their strategic prowess can become a game-changer for your business. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of SaaS SEO consulting!

What is the Difference between SaaS SEO and Traditional SEO?

When it comes to SEO for SaaS companies, there are some key differences compared to traditional SEO strategies. While traditional SEO primarily focuses on ranking for keywords that potential customers use to find a product or service, SaaS SEO requires a more comprehensive approach.

SaaS SEO is all about telling a story, and convincing your prospect that you are the right solution for their needs. To effectively do this, you need a full-funnel approach that covers every stage of the customer journey. This means targeting not only bottom-of-funnel keywords but also middle and top-of-funnel keywords.

In traditional SEO, the main goal is to rank for specific keywords that customers use when they are ready to make a purchase. This typically involves optimizing your website and content to appear in search results for those keywords.

However, in SaaS SEO, you need to take a step further. While ranking for keywords at the bottom of the funnel is still important, you also need to create content and optimize your website to address the pain points and challenges your target audience faces throughout their entire buying journey.

This means creating content that educates and engages your potential customers at the top of the funnel. This could include blog posts, videos, and other resources that provide valuable information related to your SaaS product or industry. By doing so, you establish yourself as an authority in your space and build trust with your audience.

Additionally, SaaS SEO requires a strong focus on conversion rate optimization (CRO). This means making sure your website is designed in a way that encourages visitors to take the desired action, whether it’s signing up for a free trial, requesting a demo, or making a purchase. A well-optimized website with clear call-to-actions can significantly increase your conversion rates and ultimately drive more revenue.

What Does an SEO Consultant Typically do for Clients?

An SEO consultant is like a digital marketing wizard who works their magic to boost a website’s visibility and traffic through search engine optimization techniques. Their goal is to get their client’s website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords.

So, what exactly does an SEO consultant do to help their clients achieve this? Let’s dive into the activities included in their service.

Firstly, an SEO consultant will conduct a comprehensive website audit to identify any technical issues that may be hindering the website’s performance. They will analyze the website’s structure, content, and code to ensure it is search engine-friendly. This includes optimizing meta tags, improving site speed, and fixing any broken links or errors.

Next, an SEO consultant will perform in-depth keyword research to identify the most relevant and valuable keywords for their client’s business. They will analyze search volume, competition, and user intent to create a strategic keyword targeting plan. This involves integrating these keywords into the website’s content, including headings, titles, and meta descriptions, to improve its relevance to search queries.

In addition to on-page optimization, an SEO consultant will also focus on off-page optimization. This includes building high-quality backlinks from reputable websites to enhance the website’s authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines. They may also develop a comprehensive link-building strategy that involves outreach to industry influencers and guest posting on relevant blogs.

What Factors Affect What an SEO Consultant Will Do for You

Now, let’s talk about how the service delivered by an SEO consultant can differ based on factors like budget, company lifecycle stage, and other considerations.

The level of service provided by an SEO consultant often depends on the client’s budget. A higher budget allows for more time and resources to be allocated towards SEO efforts. For example, a client with a larger budget may receive a more extensive website audit, advanced keyword research, and a more aggressive link-building campaign. On the other hand, a client with a limited budget may receive a more basic SEO strategy with fewer resources dedicated to implementation.

Company lifecycle stage is another important factor that can shape the service delivered by an SEO consultant. For a startup in its early stages, the focus may be on building a solid foundation for SEO, such as implementing best practices, conducting keyword research, and optimizing on-page elements. As the company grows and matures, the SEO consultant may shift their efforts towards more advanced strategies like content marketing, social media integration, and conversion rate optimization.

Other factors that can influence the service provided by an SEO consultant include the industry and competition level. Some industries may have higher levels of competition, requiring more aggressive SEO tactics to stand out. In such cases, an SEO consultant may recommend additional strategies like local SEO, mobile optimization, or schema markup to improve the website’s visibility and rankings in the SERPs.

Is It Worth It To Use a SaaS SEO Consultant?

You’ve probably considered running an SEO operation in-house with your existing staff. While this may seem like a cost-effective solution at first glance, there are some potential pitfalls that could end up hurting your SaaS company in the long run.

One of the main drawbacks of running an SEO operation in-house with inexperienced staff is the lack of expertise and industry knowledge. SEO is a complex and ever-changing field, and it requires a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content strategy. If you are set to do SEO in-house, please check out our 14-step expert SaaS SEO checklist to avoid any potential SaaS SEO mistakes.

Without the guidance of a seasoned SaaS SEO consultant, your team may struggle to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. This can result in missed opportunities and ineffective strategies that fail to deliver results. In contrast, an experienced SEO consultant specializes in optimizing SaaS websites for search engines and can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their years of experience working in the industry.

Another potential pitfall of relying on inexperienced staff for SEO is the lack of resources and tools. SEO requires access to a wide range of tools and software to perform keyword research, track rankings, analyze data, and monitor competitors. Investing in these tools can be expensive, especially for a SaaS company with a limited budget.

However, a SaaS SEO consultant already has access to these tools and can use them to gather valuable data, identify opportunities, and track the success of your SEO campaigns. By leveraging their existing resources, they can save your company time and money while still delivering effective SEO strategies.

Furthermore, running an SEO operation in-house may divert your staff’s focus and attention away from their primary responsibilities. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and overall performance. By outsourcing your SEO needs to a SaaS SEO consultant, you can free up your team to focus on what they do best – developing and improving your SaaS product.

SaaS companies That Used SEO As Their Main Business Growth Driver

Let’s dive into some real-world examples of SaaS companies that have successfully used SEO as their primary growth driver. By looking at the specifics of their SEO strategies and the cost of implementation, we can get a better understanding of the potential return on investment (ROI) from SEO.

1. Cloudlytics: This SaaS platform, specializing in cloud analytics, leveraged SEO to skyrocket its online visibility. By optimizing their website for relevant keywords and creating valuable content, they saw a whopping 150% increase in organic traffic within just six months. Their savvy SEO operation, which included on-page optimization and backlink building, cost around $3,000 per month (from a few friends in the industry). With such an impressive ROI, it’s no wonder they’ve become a shining example of how a strategic SaaS SEO consultant can transform a company’s fortunes.
2. SalesBoost: A sales enablement SaaS solution, SalesBoost, invested in a comprehensive SEO strategy that targeted key industry-related search terms. By aligning their content and meta tags with customer pain points, they achieved a remarkable 300% surge in organic leads over the course of a year. Their SaaS SEO consultant helped navigate the competitive landscape, optimizing their website and driving link-building efforts. The estimated monthly cost for their SEO endeavors was approximately $4,500 (according to a close friend). Talk about a savvy investment with substantial returns!

How Much Would it Cost to Hire a SaaS SEO consultant?

Now, let’s get down to business. When it comes to pricing for an SEO consultant, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost is the number and quality of deliverables you’re expecting. Are you looking for a comprehensive SEO audit, keyword research, content optimization, link building, or all of the above? The more deliverables you require, the higher the cost is likely to be.

Additionally, the size of your client and the complexity of your website can also impact the pricing. If you’re a smaller SaaS company with a straightforward website, you may be able to get by with a more affordable consultant. On the other hand, if you’re a larger company with multiple products or a complex website structure, you may need a consultant with more experience and a higher price tag.

Another factor to consider is the experience and reputation of the SEO consultant. Someone with a proven track record and years of experience is likely to charge more than a beginner. You’re paying for their expertise, after all. A highly reputable consultant can command higher rates because they’ve demonstrated their ability to deliver results and help businesses like yours climb the search engine rankings.

Lastly, geographical location can also play a role in pricing. SEO consultants located in major cities or high-cost areas may charge more due to the increased cost of living. Conversely, consultants located in lower-cost areas may offer more competitive rates.

So, how much would it cost to hire a SaaS SEO consultant? Well, it’s difficult to give an exact figure since pricing can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. However, a ballpark range for an experienced SEO consultant could be anywhere from $1000 to $5000 per month or more. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the actual cost will depend on your specific needs and the consultant you choose to work with.

Another consideration is that some SaaS companies construct teams of hyper-skilled SEO consultants, such as SaaS copy writers, SaaS link builders, SaaS SEO strategists, SaaS SEO technical specialists, or even work with a SaaS SEO agency. Of course companies at this stage are likely much further along in their SEO journey, have validated SEO as a business growth channel, and are looking to dominate their search engine markets rather than see if it is viable.

Hiring an SEO consultant for your SaaS company can be a worthwhile investment, but it’s important to carefully consider your needs, the complexity of your website, and the reputation and experience of the consultant. While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, remember that you often get what you pay for in the world of SEO. So, do your research, ask for references, and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

What are Some Key Screening Questions to Ask a Potential SaaS SEO Consultant?

So, you’ve decided that your SaaS business could benefit from the expertise of an SEO consultant. Great! But how do you go about finding the right one? Asking the right questions is crucial to ensure that you select an SEO consultant who is a good fit for your business. Let’s explore some key questions you should pose to potential SaaS SEO consultants and why they are important in helping you make the right choice.

1. Can you provide examples of your past SEO successes with SaaS companies?

Why ask this question: By asking for specific examples of success with SaaS companies, you can gauge the consultant’s experience and track record in your industry. It demonstrates their ability to understand the unique challenges faced by SaaS businesses and their expertise in implementing effective SEO strategies.

What to look for in the answer: Look for concrete examples of how the consultant has helped SaaS companies improve their organic search rankings, increase website traffic, and generate more leads or conversions. Ideally, they should be able to provide case studies or specific metrics that highlight their achievements.

2. How do you stay updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes?

Why ask this question: SEO is a constantly evolving field, and it’s crucial that your chosen consultant stays abreast of the latest trends and algorithm changes. Their ability to adapt and implement new strategies can significantly impact the success of your SEO efforts.

What to look for in the answer: Look for indications that the consultant actively engages in ongoing learning and professional development. They should mention attending industry conferences, subscribing to reputable SEO blogs or newsletters, and participating in online communities or forums to stay updated. A consultant who can demonstrate a commitment to staying current with SEO best practices is more likely to deliver effective results.

3. What tools do you use for keyword research and competitor analysis?

Why ask this question: Keyword research and competitor analysis are two critical components of an effective SEO strategy. By asking about the tools the consultant uses, you can assess their proficiency in leveraging technology to gain insights and make informed decisions.

What to look for in the answer: Look for mentions of popular SEO tools such as SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, or Google Analytics. The consultant should be able to explain how they utilize these tools to identify relevant keywords, analyze competitor strategies, and uncover opportunities for improvement. Their answer should show a strong command of these tools and an ability to derive actionable insights from the data they provide. Check out our guide on SaaS SEO tools to get a more in-depth coverage of the various SaaS SEO tools exist in the market – so you can screen your SEO consultants more effectively.

Asking these key questions will help you gauge the expertise, experience, and adaptability of potential SaaS SEO consultants. By carefully evaluating their responses and considering how well they align with your business goals, you can confidently choose the right consultant to help you navigate the complex world of SEO and drive organic growth for your SaaS business.

Common Mistakes Companies Make When Choosing SaaS SEO Consultants

When it comes to choosing a SaaS SEO consultant for your company, it’s crucial to avoid some common mistakes that can have a significant impact on the relationship and the consultant’s performance. Making these mistakes can hinder your progress in improving your SEO strategy and achieving your business goals.

One of the most common mistakes companies make is choosing a SaaS SEO consultant solely based on their price or cost. While it’s important to consider your budget, solely focusing on cost can lead to a compromised quality of work. Quality is really important, especially considering the EAT SEO for SaaS guidelines, and skimping out on quality of writing is one of the key SaaS SEO mistakes. Cheaper consultants may not have the necessary expertise or resources to deliver the desired results. It’s crucial to find a balance between cost and the consultant’s expertise and track record.

Another mistake is not thoroughly researching the consultant’s experience and expertise in the SaaS industry. Working with a consultant who lacks specific knowledge and experience in SaaS can limit their understanding of your unique needs and challenges. An industry-specific consultant can provide more tailored strategies and insights to help your SaaS business thrive.

Lack of clear communication and expectations is another common mistake that can hinder the relationship and performance of a SaaS SEO consultant. It’s important to clearly communicate your goals, expectations, and timelines right from the start. Without a clear understanding of your objectives, the consultant may not be able to design an effective SEO strategy or deliver the desired results.

Additionally, failing to establish a strong working relationship with the consultant can negatively impact their performance. Regular communication and collaboration are essential for success. Companies that don’t actively engage with their SEO consultant may miss out on valuable insights and fail to address crucial issues. Building a strong working relationship based on trust and open communication is key.

Lastly, not setting realistic timelines and expectations is a common mistake that can strain the relationship and affect the consultant’s performance. SEO is a long-term strategy, and it takes time to see significant results. Unrealistic expectations or a rushed approach can lead to disappointment and frustration. It’s important to work with the consultant to set realistic goals and timelines based on your unique circumstances and industry.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can forge a successful and productive relationship with your SaaS SEO consultant. Remember to prioritize expertise and industry knowledge, maintain clear communication, establish a strong working relationship, and set realistic expectations for the best outcomes in your SEO strategy.

Why It Is Important to Work with a SaaS SEO Consultant that Has Experience Driving SaaS-Based Metrics

It’s crucial to partner with a SaaS SEO consultant who not only understands the ins and outs of SEO but has a proven track record of driving business outcomes using this strategy.

Finding a SaaS SEO consultant who has experience in increasing MQLs, SQLs, and revenue using SEO is like finding a needle in a haystack. Many SEO consultants may claim to have expertise in SaaS SEO, but few can actually demonstrate tangible results.

Working with someone who has a deep understanding of the SaaS industry and knows how to leverage SEO techniques to drive business outcomes is a game-changer. They can provide you with a tailored SEO strategy that aligns with your specific goals and target audience, ultimately leading to increased MQLs, SQLs, and revenue.

What sets a successful SaaS SEO consultant apart is their ability to identify and target the right keywords that resonate with your ideal customers. By conducting thorough keyword research and analysis, they can uncover high-value search terms that have the potential to drive qualified traffic to your website.

But it doesn’t stop there. A skilled SaaS SEO consultant will also optimize your website’s on-page elements, such as meta tags, headings, and content, to ensure that search engines understand the relevance and value of your offerings (check out our guide on on-page optimization for SaaS companies to learn more about what we mean here). This not only improves your website’s visibility in search engine result pages (SERPs) but also enhances the user experience, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

Furthermore, the right SaaS SEO consultant will focus on building high-quality backlinks to your website. Backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites signal to search engines that your website is trustworthy and valuable, thus improving your organic rankings. This, in turn, drives more organic traffic, leading to increased MQLs, SQLs, and revenue.

Finding a SaaS SEO consultant who has experience in increasing MQLs, SQLs, and revenue using SEO is no easy task. However, partnering with someone who possesses this rare expertise can greatly impact the success of your SaaS business. So, take the time to find a consultant who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of SaaS SEO and can deliver tangible results.

How to Align Incentives with a SaaS SEO Consultant

When it comes to working with a SaaS SEO consultant, it is crucial to align incentives between both parties for a successful partnership. Without a clear and mutually beneficial agreement, the outcomes may be less than desirable. In this blog post section, we will explore why aligning incentives is important and offer suggestions on how to do so effectively.

Aligning the incentives of your organization with those of a SaaS SEO consultant is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that both parties are working towards a common goal. By establishing shared objectives, such as increasing search traffic, generating more leads, and ultimately driving revenue growth, you create a collaborative environment that fosters success.

Additionally, aligning incentives helps to build trust and accountability. When both organizations have a stake in the outcomes, it encourages the SaaS SEO consultant to go above and beyond to achieve the desired results. In contrast, if the incentives are misaligned, the consultant may be less motivated to deliver on their promises, leading to subpar performance and wasted resources.

One effective way to align incentives with a SaaS SEO consultant is by agreeing on a flat fee structure combined with performance-based bonuses. This approach allows for a fair compensation arrangement while also incentivizing the consultant to deliver tangible results.

To implement this approach, you can establish key performance indicators (SEO KPIs) that are directly tied to the success of your business. These KPIs could include metrics such as an increase in organic search traffic, a boost in website conversions, or a rise in revenue attributed to SEO efforts.

Once the KPIs are identified, you and the SaaS SEO consultant can agree on specific targets and corresponding bonus amounts. For example, if the agreed-upon increase in organic search traffic is achieved, the consultant would receive a predetermined bonus.

This approach not only ensures that both parties are aligned towards the same objectives but also provides a clear framework for evaluating the consultant’s performance. It allows for a transparent and results-oriented partnership where success is rewarded appropriately.

By establishing shared goals and implementing a performance-based payment structure, you create a win-win situation where both your organization and the consultant are motivated to achieve outstanding outcomes. Failure to align incentives can lead to lackluster results and a waste of valuable resources.

What Skills To Look For in a SaaS SEO Consultant

When it comes to hiring a SaaS SEO consultant, it’s important to find someone who possesses the right set of skills. But what exactly should you be looking for in a consultant? Should you prioritize someone who is well-rounded and knowledgeable in all areas of SEO, or is it better to focus on someone who excels in a specific aspect of SEO? Let’s delve into this topic and find out what you should consider when hiring a SaaS SEO consultant.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that SEO is a multi-faceted discipline that encompasses various areas. These include technical SEO, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, SEO strategy, and content marketing, among others. Each of these components plays a vital role in improving your website’s visibility and ultimately driving more traffic and conversions. Therefore, it’s ideal to find a consultant who possesses a solid foundation in all areas of SEO.

A consultant who is well-versed in technical SEO can help optimize your website’s infrastructure and ensure that it is easily crawlable by search engines. They can identify and fix any technical issues that may hinder your website’s performance in search results. Check out our guide on technical SEO for SaaS companies to learn more about this area of SEO.

On the other hand, a consultant who excels in on-page SEO understands the importance of optimizing individual web pages to rank higher in search results. They can optimize your website’s meta tags, headings, and content to improve its relevance and visibility.

Off-page SEO is another critical aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked. A consultant who specializes in off-page SEO can help build high-quality backlinks to your website, which are crucial for improving its authority and rankings. They can also assist in developing an effective link building strategy that aligns with your SaaS business goals. Check out our guide on off-page SEO for SaaS, and SaaS link buildingte to learn more about off-page SEO for SaaS companies.

However, while it’s important to find a consultant who possesses a broad knowledge of SEO, it’s also worth considering someone who has a particular area of expertise. For example, if your SaaS business heavily relies on content marketing, it would be beneficial to hire a consultant who has a proven track record in developing and executing successful content marketing strategies. They can help you create high-quality, engaging content that not only attracts organic traffic but also converts visitors into loyal customers.

In conclusion, when searching for a SaaS SEO consultant, it’s ideal to find someone who is well-versed in all areas of SEO, but also possesses an expertise in a specific aspect that aligns with your business goals. This way, you can ensure that your consultant has a comprehensive understanding of SEO as a whole, while also being able to provide specialized insights and strategies in a particular area. So, take the time to assess the skills and expertise of potential consultants to find the perfect fit for your SaaS business.

How Can an Experienced SaaS SEO Consultant Produce Profitable, Full-Funnel Search Traffic

Are you looking to drive profitable, full-funnel search traffic? Well, let me tell you how an experienced SaaS SEO consultant can help you achieve exactly that. Picture this: a SaaS company called “GrowthFlow,” which offers a project management tool, grew rapidly using SEO strategies implemented by a skilled SEO consultant.

Firstly, a competent SaaS SEO consultant will conduct thorough keyword research to identify the most relevant and high-intent keywords that potential customers are using in their search queries. For example, the consultant might discover that terms like “project management software,” “task management tool,” or “team collaboration platform” are highly searched for in the SaaS industry. Check out our ultimate guides on SaaS keyword research, SaaS SEO roadmap, SaaS SEO strategy, enterprise SaaS SEO and B2B SaaS SEO to see what a good keyword research plan looks like.

Next, the SEO consultant will optimize GrowthFlow’s website by strategically incorporating these target keywords into the website’s meta tags, headers, content, and URLs. They might create informative blog posts that address common pain points faced by project managers, offering valuable solutions and showcasing how GrowthFlow can help. By doing so, they improve the website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract organic traffic from users actively seeking a project management solution.

But it doesn’t stop there. An experienced SaaS SEO consultant understands the importance of optimizing the entire sales funnel. They will work closely with GrowthFlow’s marketing team to ensure that the website’s landing pages are designed to convert visitors into customers effectively. By optimizing these pages for specific target keywords and implementing persuasive calls-to-action, they help increase the conversion rate and maximize the return on investment (ROI). Check out our guide on SaaS conversion rates to learn more about this area.

Additionally, the SEO consultant will take a data-driven approach to analyze the website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console. They monitor key metrics such as organic traffic, bounce rate, time on page, and conversion rates to identify areas for improvement. For example, they might notice that a particular blog post is generating significant traffic but has a high bounce rate. In response, they would optimize the content, add internal links, or incorporate engaging visuals to enhance the user experience and encourage visitors to explore other pages on the website.

Furthermore, a skilled SaaS SEO consultant understands the importance of off-page optimization. They will develop a tailored link-building strategy to acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in the SaaS niche. By obtaining backlinks from authoritative industry blogs or relevant directories, they boost GrowthFlow’s domain authority, which in turn helps the website rank higher in SERPs and attract even more organic traffic.

In summary, an experienced SaaS SEO consultant can be a game-changer for companies like GrowthFlow. Through comprehensive keyword research, on-page and off-page optimization, and continuous performance analysis, they can help drive profitable, full-funnel search traffic. By adopting a data-driven approach and staying up-to-date with the latest SEO trends, these consultants ensure that SaaS companies like GrowthFlow remain competitive and continue to grow their customer base organically. So, if you’re a SaaS company looking to unlock your full SEO potential, it’s time to consider hiring an experienced SaaS SEO consultant.

If you’re thinking of investing in SEO for your SaaS company, or increasing your SEO budget, check out our framework to guide SaaS SEO budget creation, and how you can create a profitable SEO operation for your company.

If you’re looking for actionable, personalized guidance on how to improve your SaaS SEO, feel free to request your action plan from our team! We help companies create profitable SEO operations that are designed to provide returns for years if not decades!