How to Hire for SEO Jobs in the UK

With businesses increasingly relying on search engine optimization (SEO) to drive online visibility, finding the right SEO talent is more important than ever. Whether you’re a small business, a digital agency, or an enterprise, knowing how to hire for SEO jobs in the UK can make all the difference in your online success.

But where do you find qualified SEO professionals? What skills should you look for? And how can you ensure you hire the right candidate for your business needs? This guide breaks down everything you need to know to hire for SEO jobs efficiently and effectively.

Why Hiring for SEO is Critical for Business Growth

SEO is the foundation of digital marketing, helping businesses:

Improve search engine rankings.
Drive organic traffic.
Increase brand visibility.
Convert visitors into customers.

Without strong SEO, businesses risk falling behind competitors who dominate search engine results. Hiring the right SEO expert ensures your website remains competitive and generates sustainable organic growth.

Where to Find the Best SEO Talent in the UK

Finding the right SEO professionals requires knowing where to look. Here are some of the best places to hire for SEO jobs in the UK:

1. Hayanow – The Best Platform for Hiring SEO Professionals

Hayanow connects businesses with pre-vetted SEO experts across various industries. Whether you need a freelance SEO consultant, an in-house specialist, or an entire SEO team, Hayanow makes hiring easy.

Why Choose Hayanow?

Access to skilled SEO professionals with proven track records.
A streamlined hiring process with vetted candidates.
Competitive pricing for freelance, contract, and full-time SEO roles.

Hiring through Hayanow ensures you get quality SEO talent without the hassle of endless job postings.

2. Job Boards and Recruitment Websites

Several job platforms specialize in SEO recruitment, including:

LinkedIn Jobs – A professional networking platform with SEO job listings.
PeoplePerHour – A UK-based site connecting businesses with freelancers.
Indeed & Glassdoor – Ideal for hiring in-house SEO specialists.

3. SEO Communities and Networks

Many talented SEO professionals engage in industry groups, including:

SEO Slack channels and Facebook groups.
UK-based SEO forums and networking events.
Conferences like BrightonSEO, where you can connect with potential hires.

4. Referrals and Networking

Ask for recommendations from business partners, colleagues, or marketing professionals. A trusted referral can often lead to the best hires.

Essential Skills to Look for When Hiring for SEO Jobs

Not all SEO professionals have the same skill set. Depending on your business needs, look for candidates with expertise in the following areas:

1. Technical SEO

Website speed optimization.
Mobile-friendliness and Core Web Vitals.
XML sitemaps and structured data.

2. On-Page SEO

Keyword research and implementation.
Content optimization for search rankings.
Meta tags, title tags, and internal linking.

3. Off-Page SEO

Link-building strategies.
Guest posting and PR outreach.
Social media SEO integration.

4. Local SEO

Google My Business (GMB) optimization.
Local citations and reviews management.
Geo-targeted keyword optimization.

5. Analytics and Reporting

Google Analytics and Search Console expertise.
SEO audits and data interpretation.
Performance tracking and reporting.

The best SEO professionals combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving to drive long-term results.

Steps to Hire the Right SEO Professional

1. Define Your SEO Needs

Are you hiring for technical SEO, content SEO, or full-service SEO? Clearly outlining your business goals will help you find the right candidate.

2. Write a Detailed Job Description

A well-structured job post should include:

Expected SEO tasks and responsibilities.
Required skills and experience.
Whether it’s a freelance, contract, or full-time role.
Salary or project budget expectations.

3. Shortlist and Screen Candidates

Once you receive applications, evaluate candidates based on:

Past SEO experience and industry relevance.
Portfolio and case studies of previous work.
Certifications (Google Analytics, HubSpot SEO, etc.).

4. Conduct an SEO Test or Trial Project

To assess real-world skills, consider offering candidates a small paid test project before hiring them long-term.

5. Negotiate Terms and Finalize the Hire

Ensure clear communication about:

Project deadlines and deliverables.
Performance expectations.
Payment structure (hourly, project-based, salary).

Once everything is agreed upon, draft a contract to protect both parties and ensure transparency.

Common Hiring Mistakes to Avoid

When hiring for SEO jobs, businesses often make these mistakes:

Focusing solely on cost – Cheap SEO services can do more harm than good. Invest in quality professionals.
Hiring without testing – Always review case studies or request a trial project.
Ignoring industry updates – SEO changes frequently. Ensure candidates stay up-to-date with algorithm changes.
Not setting clear expectations – Define KPIs (traffic growth, ranking improvements, conversions) before hiring.

Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and ensures long-term SEO success.

Get Started with Hiring the Best SEO Talent

Finding and hiring the right SEO professional is a crucial step toward growing your online presence and increasing traffic. By using the right platforms, evaluating skills, and avoiding common hiring mistakes, you can hire for SEO jobs with confidence.

Ready to connect with top SEO experts? Visit Hayanow today to find the best freelance and full-time SEO professionals for your business.