Can I do SEO myself or should I hire someone?

1. SEO Industry Growth:

• The global market for SEO services is estimated to be worth $200 billion by 2025. This suggests a growing demand for professional SEO services.

2. Mobile Search Dominance:

• Over 50% of all searches are done on mobile devices. This trend is likely to continue, emphasizing the importance of mobile optimization in SEO strategies.

      3. Algorithm Changes:

• 22.2% of SEO practitioners consider algorithm changes as the primary concern, up from 8.6% in 2023. This volatility may make it more difficult for non professionals to keep up with SEO best practices.

       4. Content Creation Challenges:

• In 2023, 13.8% of SEO pros said content creation was the top challenge. While this specific percentage isn’t provided for 2025, content creation is likely to remain a significant aspect of SEO.

       5. SERP Competition:

• 69.8% of SEO professionals found SERP competition increased over the last 12 months. This trend may continue, making it more challenging for DIY SEO efforts to compete.

       6. Client Retention:

• 50.0% of SEO professionals reported client turnover remained steady throughout 2024. This suggests a consistent demand for professional SEO services.

      7. Voice Search Optimization:

• Voice search is expected to become more prominent, requiring optimization for conversational queries. This may add complexity to SEO strategies

      8. User Experience as a Ranking Factor:

• User experience metrics are predicted to become even more significant ranking factors by 2025. This could require more specialized knowledge and tools.

If you’re running a business and looking to show up in local searches, you’ve probably asked, “Can I do SEO myself, or should I hire someone?”

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and real costs of both options.

DIY SEO: What It Really Takes

Choosing to tackle SEO on your own has its appeal, especially if you want control or you’re looking to save money.

But DIY SEO isn’t a quick fix.

It requires a solid understanding of search engines and platforms like Google Business Profile (GBP), Google Maps, and Bing Maps. Here’s what you’d need to cover:

1. Keyword Research: To rank, you’ve got to know what people are searching for. Tools like Local SEO Optimization’s local keyword research tool can help find those relevant terms for your area.

2. On Page SEO: Optimising every page means tweaking your title tags, meta descriptions, and images. It’s time consuming, but crucial. If you’re new to this, check out how to decide if you need SEO on every page.

3. Google My Business Management: Having an optimised Google Business Profile (GBP) is non negotiable. You’ll need to understand how to update it, track reviews, and respond to customer feedback to stay competitive. If you want to see where you’re at, you can try GBP optimisation checker.

4. Content Creation: Quality content drives traffic and boosts rankings. You’ll need a solid plan to produce fresh, relevant articles, blog posts, and landing pages. If you’re new to this, check the steps on creating effective local SEO content.

5. Building Citations: Citations, or online mentions of your business, on sites like Yelp, Bing, and Foursquare help search engines validate your business’s legitimacy. With tools like the Citation Building Guide, you can tackle this yourself.

6. Tracking and Analysis: You need to track how your website is performing, which keywords are ranking, and if your GBP is bringing in traffic. Free tools like Google Analytics can work, but it’s a learning curve.

Pros of Doing SEO Yourself

• Cost Savings: No upfront fee, so you keep cash in your pocket.
• Hands On Learning: You get real experience and control over every aspect of SEO. You can learn a lot here, just not all. We can not give you the insticts that come with 20 years of doing SEO and content creation.
• Flexibility: You control the process, allowing you to experiment without waiting for an agency’s turnaround time.

Cons of DIY SEO

• Time Investment: Expect to spend hours on research, content creation, and analytics.
• Risk of Mistakes: Messing up your SEO efforts can push your rankings down rather than up. If you’re new, it’s a steep learning curve.
• Ongoing Workload: SEO is not a one and done task. It requires consistent updates and monitoring.

When Hiring an SEO Expert Like Frank Masotti Makes Sense

Let’s get real. If SEO isn’t your full time job, it’s tough to keep up with the latest Google changes, algorithm updates, or new tools.

Hiring an SEO pro, especially someone like Frank Masotti from Local SEO Optimization, can take that load off your plate.

Here’s what Frank and his team bring to the table:

• Local Expertise: Frank is all about local SEO, so his team has Google Maps, GBP, and Bing Maps down to a science. They know how to get your business to the top in local searches.

• Advanced Tools and Knowledge: Agencies have access to premium tools that aren’t always affordable for solo users. Instead of using free tools, they leverage tools with deep analytics that give you more accurate insights.

• Tailored Strategy: No cookie cutter plans. A seasoned expert like Frank digs into your specific industry, local competitors, and target audience to build a customized plan.

• Time Efficiency: With a pro, you’re paying for their knowledge and time, which is far quicker than learning everything from scratch.

Pros of Hiring an SEO Pro

• Professional Results: They’ve done it before, and they’re specialised. You get effective, proven strategies from day one.
• Less Risk: With Frank Masotti’s guidance, you’re less likely to make critical SEO mistakes.
• Speed to Market: Professionals know what to focus on, meaning faster results.
• Time for Core Business: You free up your time, allowing you to run your business while the SEO experts do what they do best.

Cons of Hiring an SEO Agency

• Costs: Quality SEO isn’t cheap. You’re paying for expertise and time, so expect a monthly or upfront fee.
• Finding the Right Fit: Not all agencies are created equal. It can take some time to find an agency like Local SEO Optimization that gets your vision.

DIY vs Hiring: What’s Right for Your Business?

If you’re just starting or running on a tight budget, DIY SEO might be a good starting point.

Tools from Local SEO Optimization like the Local SEO Checklist Generator can help you stay on top of tasks.

But if you’re ready to invest and want faster, scalable results, hiring someone like Frank Masotti can make a big difference.

Key Takeaways

So, can you do SEO yourself? Absolutely.

But if you’re short on time or you want results without the guesswork, hiring a local SEO expert like Frank Masotti could be the smartest move.

For those of you considering pro help, book a free consultation to see if it’s a fit.

And remember, SEO isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.