Unlocking Success: What to Look for When Hiring an SEO Expert with Technical Skills
In the ever-evolving world of online marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) stands as one of the best methods for online success. Competing for online visibility and top rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs) has intensified, and businesses are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead. To navigate this challenging landscape, hiring an experienced SEO professional with proven track record should be the first step. But what should you look for when hiring an SEO specialist, especially one with technical skills? In this article, we’ll delve into the key attributes and competencies you should consider when selecting an SEO expert, focusing on web development skills, Content Management System (CMS) expertise, and web server administration – all aspects of technical SEO.
Web Development Skills
The technical aspect of SEO is deeply intertwined with web development. A proficient SEO expert should possess a strong understanding of web development, as it directly impacts a website’s performance and search engine visibility, I am not talking about a web developer that does everything from scratch, but a person that understanding good programming principles and basics of web development that are necessities for guiding the development team. Here’s what to look for:
- HTML/CSS Proficiency: The foundation of any web development lies in HTML and CSS. An SEO specialist should be well-versed in these languages to optimize on-page elements effectively. This includes optimizing meta tags, headers, and other HTML elements for search engines, this includes hurdles related to HTML and CSS caching and minification.
- JavaScript Knowledge: As websites become more interactive, JavaScript plays a crucial role. Your SEO expert should understand how search engines crawl and index JavaScript-based content and be able to optimize it accordingly. With growing number of JavaScript popularity and frameworks, it is essential to understand the problems that come of utilizing JavaScript in UI and the weight of JavaScript code, as well as how to sever JavaScript effectively during rendering.
- Mobile Optimization: With the increasing use of mobile devices, mobile optimization / responsive design is a must. Ensure your SEO expert can make your website responsive, ensuring it loads quickly and provides a seamless user experience on various devices, which can lead to better conversion rate optimization.
- Page Speed Optimization: Loading speed is an important signal to search engines and user experience. A skilled SEO expert should know how to optimize website performance, reduce page load times, and improve overall user experience. This is inter-related to web development skills and web server optimization.
CMS Related Skills
Content Management Systems (CMS) are the backbone of nearly 80% of the live website, making them easier to manage and update. A proficient SEO expert should be familiar with various CMS platforms and possess the skills needed to optimize them, every CMS for instance WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento,etc.. require deep understanding of components, plugins, modules and themes available. Here’s what to consider:
- WordPress Expertise: WordPress is probably the most popular open source CMS that powers a significant portion of the web. If your website runs on WordPress, your SEO specialist should have in-depth knowledge of this platform, including the use of SEO plugins like Yoast or RankMath, as well as optimization plugins like w3 Total Cache.
- CMS Agnostic: Your SEO expert should not be limited to a single CMS. They should have the flexibility to work with different systems, such as Drupal, Joomla, or custom-built CMS solutions, as well as some of the most popular web development frameworks.
- Content Structure: Effective SEO requires a well-structured website with organized content. Your SEO specialist should understand how to create a logical and user-friendly content hierarchy within the CMS, there are so many small things related to the development that most developers often overlook or are not aware of.
- Schema Markup: Implementing structured data through Schema Markup can enhance your website’s visibility in search results. Look for an SEO expert who can leverage this technique effectively.
Web Server Administration
Web server administration is a crucial aspect of technical SEO that often goes overlooked (nearly always). A deep understanding of how web servers function and the ability to configure them for optimal performance can make a significant difference. Here’s what to seek:
- Hosting Knowledge: The choice of web hosting can impact website speed and reliability. Your SEO expert should be able to advise on the best hosting options and configure the server settings for optimum performance.
- HTTPS Implementation: Google prioritizes secure websites, so your SEO specialist should know how to enable HTTPS through SSL/TLS certificates and configure server settings accordingly.
- Server Logs Analysis: Understanding server logs is essential for identifying crawl issues, server errors, and other technical SEO issues and often server logs gives more information than other analytical tools. Your SEO expert should be able to analyze and act upon server logs effectively.
- Website Security: Protecting your website from security threats is paramount. Your SEO specialist should be proactive in implementing security measures to safeguard your site from potential attacks.
Conclusion
A successful SEO campaign relies heavily on technical skills, including web development, CMS expertise, and web server administration. When hiring an SEO expert, look for all rounder with a lot of technical skills. Look for candidates who not only understand the nuances of SEO but also possess the technical acumen to implement effective strategies.
A well-rounded SEO specialist can bridge the gap between technical aspects and content optimization, ultimately improving your website’s visibility and search engine rankings. Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and staying ahead in the digital race requires a combination of technical proficiency, consistency and strategic thinking.
In your quest to find the ideal SEO expert, consider their experience, track record, and willingness to adapt to the ever-changing SEO landscape. By focusing on technical skills related to web development, CMS management, and web server administration, you’ll be better equipped to select an SEO specialist who can drive your online success.