EXPERT SEO CONSULTANT

An SEO consultant is an expert who helps businesses improve their search engine rankings, increase organic traffic and drive more conversions. They analyse websites, identify issues and develop strategies to help businesses appear higher in search results for relevant queries.

At Submerge, an SEO consultant:

• Conducts SEO audits – Evaluates technical, on-page, and off-page SEO to identify areas for improvement.
• Performs keyword research – Finds high-value keywords that attract the right audience.
• Optimises website content – Ensures pages are structured, formatted, and written to rank well.
• Improves technical SEO – Fixes crawling, indexing, and site speed issues to make the site more search-engine friendly.
• Develops link-building strategies – Acquires high-quality backlinks to boost site authority.
• Monitors SEO performance – Tracks rankings, traffic, and user behaviour to adjust strategies over time.
• Keeps up with algorithm updates – Adapts to Google’s ever-changing rules to maintain and improve rankings.

SEO consultants work with businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, tailoring their approach based on industry, competition and business goals. Whether you’re struggling to rank, losing traffic or just looking to improve your online presence, an SEO consultant helps bridge the gap between your website and your ideal customers.

The cost of hiring an SEO consultant varies widely based on experience, location, project scope, and the level of service required. Pricing can range from £500 from the low end to £5,000-£10,000 per month, depending on the complexity of the work and the consultant’s expertise.

Here’s a general breakdown of SEO consultant pricing models:

• Hourly rate – Typically ranges from £75 to £250+ per hour, often used for audits, strategy sessions or troubleshooting specific issues.
• Monthly retainer – This costs £1,000 to £5,000 per month and is ideal for ongoing SEO work, monitoring and long-term strategy implementation.
• Project-based pricing – Depending on the size of the project, one-off SEO projects (like audits, migrations or content strategies) may cost between £1,000 and £20,000+.
• Performance-based SEO – Some consultants charge based on results, such as a percentage increase in traffic or revenue, but this model is less common due to SEO’s long-term nature.

Ultimately, the cost depends on the level of expertise you need and the outcomes you want to achieve. A low-cost SEO service at the lower-end of the scale might not deliver lasting results or even result in more problems for a site if, say, technical changes are not implemented properly, while a more experienced consultant will bring strategic insight, proven techniques and a tailored approach that delivers real ROI.

Yes – if you want long-term, sustainable growth, a good SEO expert is worth every penny. SEO isn’t just about ranking higher on Google – it’s about getting more visibility, attracting the right audience and converting traffic into leads or sales.

Here’s why hiring an SEO expert is a smart investment:

• They save you time – SEO is complex and ever-changing. An expert stays ahead of algorithm updates, best practices and technical challenges so you don’t have to.
• They help you rank higher – A well-optimised site appears at the top of search results, increasing brand awareness and credibility.
• They drive more organic traffic – Unlike paid ads, SEO traffic is free, continuous and sustainable once you start ranking.
• They optimise for conversions – it’s not just about clicks. SEO experts ensure your traffic turns into real business by improving user experience and content.
• They keep you ahead of competitors – Your competitors are investing in SEO. If you’re not, you’re falling behind.

While SEO takes time, the ROI is often far greater than other digital marketing channels. A well-executed SEO strategy continues to deliver traffic and leads long after the initial investment – making an SEO expert one of the most valuable assets for any business looking to grow online.

Not all SEO experts are created equal.

The right SEO consultant will improve your search rankings, boost traffic, and drive conversions. The wrong one could waste your budget, use outdated tactics, or even harm your site’s rankings. Here’s how to find a legit SEO expert who delivers results (clue: start with Submerge):

1. Look for proven experience

A great SEO expert should have a track record of success. Ask for case studies, client testimonials, or before-and-after results that show how they’ve improved rankings, traffic and conversions.

2. Avoid ‘guaranteed’ rankings

If someone promises you the #1 spot on Google, run. SEO is unpredictable, and no one can guarantee top rankings. A trustworthy SEO consultant focuses on sustainable growth, not quick wins.

3. Check their approach

Good SEO is customised, ethical, and strategic. Ask how they conduct keyword research, optimise content, build backlinks, and handle technical SEO. They should talk about long-term strategies, not just short-term hacks.

4. Assess their communication

SEO is a long-term investment, so you need someone who explains things clearly, provides regular updates and works transparently. If they’re secretive about their methods, it’s a red flag.

5. Look for industry knowledge

A strong SEO expert stays ahead of Google algorithm updates and understands how SEO integrates with content, UX, and conversion optimisation. Look for someone who keeps up with the latest trends and best practices.

6. Ask about reporting and metrics

A good SEO consultant should provide clear, data-driven reports on rankings, traffic, and conversions. If they can’t show you measurable progress, they’re not the right fit.

Finding the right SEO expert takes time, but the investment pays off. Look for experience, transparency and a strategic approach – and avoid anyone selling ‘instant’ SEO success.