The world of digital marketing is dynamic and quickly evolving. As such, businesses must invest in the right tools to stay ahead of the game. Among the most crucial tools for any modern business is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This involves designing and implementing a strategic framework to improve a webpage’s search ranking.
SEO is an essential component of online visibility, and it can have significant consequences for a business’s bottom line. However, a common challenge for businesses is determining who should take the lead on SEO implementation: Web Developers or SEO Specialists.
Determining who should take charge when it comes to deploying your brand’s SEO strategy is a vital decision that determines the success or failure of your online marketing campaign. Let’s explore the strengths of each team member in order to weigh our options and better understand who should take the lead.
A Closer Look at the Web Developers
Web Developers play a critical role in building and maintaining a website that is technically sound, user-friendly, and optimized. Their expertise lies in creating websites that are easy to navigate, responsive, and interactive. While web development services play an important role, SEO is an entirely different ball game that requires specialized knowledge. Your web design team might not have this niche understanding of the intricacies of SEO practices.
While the web design and development team can implement some technical SEO strategies like optimizing speed and making your site mobile-friendly, the more intensive SEO practices do require a unique perspective and experience. The results you’re hoping to achieve are likely only attainable with the help of an SEO specialist for on-page optimization, keyword research, and content generation.
The Role of an SEO Specialist
SEO specialists are essential in crafting website content that resonates with your audience while also performing well for the various algorithms. Optimized content is designed for search engines and potential customers to find with ease. An SEO professional is also responsible for keyword research, understanding the competitive landscape for your specific brand, and staying up-to-date on the latest changes to the algorithm.
The ultimate goal of the SEO team is to set up your brand and internal teams for success. They complete the essential research and lay the foundation for your brand to expand its online presence effectively. This isn’t to say that the SEO team’s work is any more important than your other teams, but it does play a crucial role in the overall system.
Who Should Take the Lead on Implementation?
The answer to this question ultimately boils down to the size and specific needs of your brand. For smaller businesses with more limited resources, it may make sense to work with an SEO specialist who has hands-on experience in technical optimization for websites. On the flip side, you could also choose to hire an expert in web development services and train them on SEO best practices, etc. While these methods might not allow your SEO deployments to live up to their full potential, they might just be what works best for your business.
However, larger companies with bigger budgets could greatly benefit from separating the tasks into two separate roles that support one another. When you have two departments working independently on aspects of a project that they specialize in, it’s easier for them to come together at the end and implement highly effective SEO web development solutions.
The final note may be to change your perspective on the idea of implementation when it comes to SEO and web development services. Rather than trying to delegate one party to be the lead, you should think of each respective department as an independent entity. Each can take their own lead on specific tasks – doing what they know best. In the end, the departments will share their findings and bounce ideas off each other. This allows for more growth, as well as more eyes on a project.
Using Your Own Discretion
Technological advancements and a marketplace that is increasingly competitive require businesses to invest in digital marketing to maintain their relevancy. At the core of this is SEO, a tool that enhances online visibility, grows revenue, and helps businesses edge out their direct competitors.
Deciding on who should take the lead on a crucial project such as SEO implementation, you should take into great consideration the skills and strengths of each team and its individual members. It’s also important to consider the idea that independent work on specific tasks that fall within the wheelhouse of each group should be appropriately divided. This way no one individual is actually taking the lead and leaving the rest of the team in the dust. Your interdepartmental communication will improve and you will see much more creativity throughout your workflows when you allow your teams to do what excites them while also working collaboratively.
While this can vary greatly based simply on the size and type of business, business owners can attest to the fact that they can’t afford to miss out on optimization opportunities. This is why it’s so important for businesses of all sizes to consider bringing on both types of teams.
