Are we going to discuess this thread further?

It really challenges those SEO firms out there that are many add ons in the services.

I think it would help a lot..keep up the good work..

great Post!!!

Outsourcing various specialties/components of an online marketing campaign seems to be the way to go, but in doing so, I find the struggle is getting the right partners whom will work effectively with your shop and setting up the right project management to keep communication between effective.

From the client side, I think it makes sense that the client has an understanding of what is and is not being outsourced or when a specialist is being brought in for a given task or project component. In my experience, if we’ve succeeded at creating a successful relationship with the client, it’s more likely that this type of thins can be worked into a project.

For SEO, I think we need to understand a few things:

1. SEO and Project Management
SEO is increasingly a project management type job – coordinating resources, departments and assembling multi-disciplinary teams. Outsourcing cant replace that aspect of SEO.

2. Understanding Client Values
With SEO touching on many areas, there can be issues in outsourcing keyword research or copywritting when sensitive issues like branding are at stake. It’s difficult for an Agency to tell an outsourcing what the client had in mind in balancing say SEO v. Branding for their webpage titles.

3. SEO and Scale: Where is it?
The above said, SEO is probably the leasts scalable online marketing strategy. It takes tons of effort and coordination. With that said, having a reliable keyword researcher, SEO auditor, and analytics reporting is something that can outsourced fairly well.

But the SEO manager still needs to be very hands on and double check work thoroughly (yes, canceling out some of the efficiency of scale, I know).

And the process for doing link building, keyword research etc needs to be understood by the Agency before hand. Process, Tactics and Quality Control are paramount in SEO, since each Agency has its own style and method.

Agencies who outsource their SEO with a carte blanche to their outsourcer are putting their clients and themselves at risk.

Both are tough. Tougher than working direct with clients (that accounts for most of our best). When hiring someone that I would outsource work to, I find I spend almost as much (or more) time communicating with them than I save. Not really worth it. Only way around that is to give them little direction and input, and that’s probably not a great idea either.

When being the shop that is doing the work through another firm, it adds another layer in the communication. Makes every small item that much more time-consuming and each revision now has to go through more layers of approval.

If you can’t tell, I’m a bit down on the SEO outsourcing note right now!

Andrew

With regards to quality assurance, this responsibility relies solely with the contracted company, not the business providing the outsourcings services, although that companies reputation could very well be tainted as far as you are concerned. You may even chose not to utilize their services again.

However, the bottom line still remains that your company will take the fall for an incomplete or below standard project.

So, in my opinion, if a company choses to outsource, it is their best interest to double check the completed project to ensure its quality before delivering it to the paying client.

Basic programming and technical support work are disappearing to automation and outsourcing. The opportunities will be for those who understand business processes, can design and execute technology plans that create business value and can cultivate relationships both in and outside an organisation.
These hot in demand skills cross traditional boundaries, combine technical know how with a high demand for business and communications savvy.

Most in demand, those who know how to face clients, design advanced and sophisticated applications customized to add business value in a specific Industry or organisation.

More collaboration, interdisciplinary and much broader skills than the code crunching programmers presently in abundance are called for.

The requirement, solid technical competence combined with fabulous business, organisational knowledge as well as outstanding people and communication skills.

What is service you may ask? Well any thing that is economic that cannot be dropped on your foot. More precisely service is the application of skill to solve a particular problem. IT service in particular.

Of course there are those who doubt whether these skills can be taught. That they are the results of years of learning and experience. It remains to be seen.
I hope tis helps with your article Lee. and thanks for your stuff always intersting. The Baldchemist