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A Complete Guide to Hiring the Right SEO Professional

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A Complete Guide to Hiring the Right SEO Professional

Introduction

Choosing the right SEO professional can make or break your online visibility. Search engine optimization is complex and constantly evolving. A skilled specialist helps your website rank higher, attract quality traffic, and increase conversions. But with so many agencies, freelancers, and in-house options, how do you know whom to trust? This guide walks you through each step of hiring an SEO expert. You’ll learn what qualities to look for, how to vet candidates, and what questions to ask. By the end, you’ll feel confident in selecting the perfect SEO partner for your business goals.

Why Hiring the Right SEO Professional Matters

Investing in SEO yields long-term benefits, but only when implemented correctly. An experienced SEO professional understands search algorithms, keyword research, on-page optimization, and backlink strategies. They keep up with Google’s frequent updates and avoid black-hat tactics that can lead to penalties. Hiring an underqualified person may waste your budget, harm your rankings, or stall growth. On the other hand, a true expert crafts a clear plan, tracks progress with analytics, and adapts strategies to deliver measurable results.

Key Qualities to Look For

When evaluating candidates, prioritize these traits:

  1. Proven Track Record: Ask for case studies or examples of websites they’ve improved.
  2. Technical Expertise: They should know HTML, site speed optimization, mobile responsiveness, and schema markup.
  3. Keyword Research Skills: Look for deep understanding of search intent and long-tail keyword targeting.
  4. Content Strategy: SEO success depends on high-quality content that engages users and earns links.
  5. Analytical Mindset: Proficiency with Google Analytics, Search Console, and SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush.
  6. Communication: Clear reporting, regular updates, and the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms.
  7. Adaptability: SEO rules change often. A good professional stays informed and adjusts tactics quickly.

Different Types of SEO Professionals

SEO expertise can come in various forms:

  • In-House SEO Specialist: Integrates closely with your team; ideal for ongoing, full-time needs.
  • Freelance SEO Expert: Flexible and cost-effective for specific projects or small businesses.
  • SEO Agency: Offers multiple specialists and broader services like content creation, social media, and paid ads.
  • Consultant: Provides strategic guidance and audits; often works alongside your internal team or agency.

Choose the type that best fits your budget, project scope, and desired level of collaboration.

Steps to Evaluate Candidates

Follow a structured process to find the right fit:

  1. Define Your Goals: Outline what you want: higher rankings, more traffic, better conversions, or all of the above.
  2. Prepare a Job Description: List responsibilities, required skills, experience level, and deliverables.
  3. Review Resumes and Portfolios: Look for relevant industry experience and concrete results.
  4. Conduct Interviews: Ask about their process, favorite tools, and how they measure success.
  5. Request an SEO Audit Sample: Have them audit a page on your site to showcase their skills.
  6. Check References: Talk to past clients about their satisfaction and communication style.
  7. Evaluate Cultural Fit: Ensure their working style aligns with your team’s values and pace.

Red Flags to Avoid

Watch out for warning signs that a candidate may not deliver:

  • Guaranteed #1 Rankings: No one can promise top positions, as search algorithms are complex and unpredictable.
  • Lack of Transparency: Avoid professionals who won’t share their strategies, tools, or progress reports.
  • Cheap, One-Size-Fits-All Packages: SEO requires custom plans tailored to your niche and goals.
  • Black-Hat Tactics: Techniques like keyword stuffing, cloaking, or link farms can lead to penalties.
  • Poor Communication: Missed deadlines, vague reports, or difficulty explaining SEO concepts.

Choosing someone trustworthy and transparent helps you avoid costly mistakes.

What to Expect in Pricing

SEO pricing varies based on scope, expertise, and the professional’s location:

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  • Hourly Rates: $50–$200 per hour, common for freelancers and consultants.
  • Monthly Retainers: $1,000–$10,000+ per month, typical for agencies managing ongoing campaigns.
  • Project-Based Fees: $2,000–$30,000+ for specific tasks like site migrations or thorough audits.

Higher rates often reflect greater experience and more comprehensive services. Always clarify what is included—content creation, technical fixes, link building—and ask about additional costs.

How to Onboard Your SEO Professional

A smooth onboarding process sets the stage for success:

  1. Share Access: Provide logins for Google Analytics, Search Console, CMS, and other relevant tools.
  2. Set Clear Expectations: Agree on key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting frequency, and communication channels.
  3. Provide Brand Guidelines: Share your voice, style, and target audience details to guide content work.
  4. Schedule Kickoff Meeting: Discuss goals, timelines, and first steps in detail.
  5. Establish Review Points: Plan regular check-ins to assess progress and pivot strategies as needed.

Good collaboration and transparency lead to faster wins.

Measuring Success and ROI

Track these metrics to gauge your SEO professional’s impact:

  • Organic Traffic Growth: Look for steady increases in visits from search engines.
  • Keyword Rankings: Monitor improvements for target keywords and related terms.
  • Conversion Rate: Measure how many visitors complete desired actions, like signing up or purchasing.
  • Bounce Rate and Dwell Time: Healthier engagement signals that your content matches user intent.
  • Backlink Profile: Quality links from relevant, authoritative sites help boost domain authority.

Regular reporting on these KPIs ensures you stay informed about return on investment and can celebrate milestones.

Conclusion

Hiring the right SEO professional is a critical investment in your online success. By defining clear goals, assessing candidates for technical expertise and soft skills, and avoiding common red flags, you can find a partner who delivers measurable results. Choose the format—freelance, in-house, agency, or consultant—that aligns with your needs and budget. A well-structured onboarding process and transparent communication pave the way for a successful collaboration. Finally, track key metrics like organic traffic, rankings, and conversions to ensure your SEO efforts pay off. Follow this guide to secure the perfect SEO expert and watch your website thrive.

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Why Indian Students Choose Teesside University for MBA?

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By Salem Dorothy

Teesside University

Introduction

An MBA is the most chosen degree among students. But pursuing this degree from a well-reputed university can be life-changing for the students. So many of the candidates choose the UK to study MBA. Here, a complexity arises when it comes to choosing the best university.

Among the many universities in the UK, Teesside University is slowly becoming a favorite university, especially for those students who want to pursue an MBA. But why is this becoming so much favourite? What makes this university the best among others? Come, let’s take a look at that- why Indian students are choosing Teesside University for their MBA.

Reasons to Choose Teesside University for an MBA

Here are some of the reasons to choose Teesside University for pursuing an MBA in the UK. This will make you understand clearly why many Indian students choose the UK as their dream destination to study MBA in UK and to grow in their career. Take a look at those points:

1. A Practical Approach to Learning

The best things that students notice at Teesside are its practical teaching style. It is not like some universities that only focus on theory, but Teesside University also focuses on practical business cases with classroom learning. Students are encouraged to solve problems, work on group projects, and even interact with professionals through guest lectures and industry events. This helps Indian students, who often come from theoretical study backgrounds, to think practically and grow professionally.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Costs

In the comparison of big cities like London or Manchester, Teesside University is more affordable. The course fees for the MBA program are also quite reasonable. Many Indian students come from middle-class families, and affordability matters a lot when choosing a university abroad. On top of that, the cost of living in Middlesbrough, where Teesside is located, is lower than in other major UK cities. That means students can save money while enjoying a quality education.

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3. Supportive Environment for International Students

Leaving home and moving to a different country can be scary, especially for the first time. Teesside University understands this. That is the reason why they offer strong support for international students. From helping with accommodation to organizing welcome events, the university ensures that students feel comfortable and settled. There are also Indian student societies where new students can meet others from similar backgrounds, share food, celebrate festivals, and feel at home.

4. Good Placement Opportunities for Students

MBA students at Teesside get strong support from the university’s career services. The staff help with building CVs, preparing for interviews, and finding job placements. Many Indian students have shared their experiences of getting internship opportunities while studying, which later led to full-time roles. These work experiences make their resume stand out, both in the UK and back home in India.

5. A Recognized Degree with Global Value

The MBA at Teesside University is globally recognized and well-structured. It includes key topics such as strategic management, marketing, business finance, and leadership. The MBA program is designed in a way that students can apply their learning to real business challenges. After completing their course, students feel confident to take on leadership roles in companies or even start their own businesses.

6. Safe and Friendly City Life

Where Teesside University is located- Middlesbrough is a very quiet area in the UK, which has become a student-friendly town. It is not too crowded and has everything a student needs, like markets, restaurants, libraries, gyms, and parks. Indian students feel safe here, and the local people who are located in this area are also known for their friendly nature. This makes the daily life of students easier and more enjoyable.

Final Verdict

Simply, Teesside University offers everything to an Indian MBA student, for which they always look. The Teesside University is dedicated to providing practical learning, hands-on experience, effective study facilities, and employment opportunities with affordable costs, good job support. It is famous for its warm, welcoming environment, which mostly attracts students from India, so they don’t feel that they are far from home. Along with these, the parents of candidates also feel tension-free while seeing these facilities. It is really a good place for the learners where they not only focus on growing their skills and experience for a bright career, but also feel part of a global community and build a network worldwide.

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That is the reason why many Indian students are choosing Teesside University to achieve their dreamy success and head for their MBA. So, if you are also planning to study abroad, then the Teesside University in UK can be the best choice for you to grow in your career. Just don’t wait, the admission deadline is not far away, plan your abroad education journey to the UK, apply within the deadline, and take the first step towards your success.

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MBTI® Global Step and Step II Certification Program

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Anahat Organisation Development Consultancy Private Limited

Joined on 21 Jul 2025

Event Information

Anahat’s 4-day MBTI® Global Step I & Step II Certification Program empowers you with the strategic edge to decode human behaviour, understand personality types, shape teams and leadership, and elevate organizational culture that drives performance.

This certification program is a comprehensive education in the globally respected MBTI®- designed for beginners. It covers Type theory, and key applications of the assessment. This MBTI® Global Step I & Step II Certification Program enables you to apply research-backed insight to tackle key organisational challenges.

The MBTI® instrument is the most widely used personality assessment in the world. More than 2 million assessments are administered to individuals annually. It is used by 89 of the Fortune 100 companies. The MBTI® instrument enables personal and organizational transformation by giving people a powerful tool to improve how they communicate, learn and work. Click here to learn more.

Program Details

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The MBTI® Certification program teaches participants how to professionally and ethically administer and interpret the MBTI® instrument. This four- day certification program provides participants instruction in Type theory and key MBTI® applications, broken down into an easily understandable format. During the program you will learn:

•The origins and background of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, how to successfully administer the assessment to individuals and teams

•Technical aspects of the MBTI® assessment, including information about the construction of the instrument and its reliability and validity How to deliver MBTI® feedback and personality insights to individuals and groups, using the results for personal and team development, coaching, Leader development and more

•An understanding of your personality preferences, and how they affect personal and professional relationships.

•How MBTI® preferences combine dynamically to add depth and understanding to personality differences.

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•Practical, ethical, and effective applications of the MBTI® Step &Step assessments.

You will need to pass the qualifying exam after the program. in order to demonstrate adequate understanding of the course material. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to purchase and use the MBTI® assessments and reports through Anahat. You will also receive a certificate from The Myers-Briggs Company Asia Pacific, indicating your eligibility to use the MBTI® instrument.

Anahat specializes in training and development and is a distributor of psychometric instruments in India. Anahat’s consulting offerings include coaching, OD interventions and training in the areas of leadership, collaboration and change management. Anahat has certified more than 2000 people on the use of instruments such as the MBTI®, FIRO-B®, Stro Interest Inventory, Saville Assessment and CPI2 . Anahat represents The Myers-Briggs Company, the publisher of the MBTI instrument in India. To know more, visit us at www.anahat.in or write to us at info@anahat.in.

The Myers-Briggs Company, based in California, US, is a world leader in personality, career, and organizational development assessments. It is best-known as the publisher of MBTI®, FIRO-B®, C and Strong assessments.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI® Certification Program prepares you to use and interpret the MBTI® instrument. Training in the MBTI® Step assessment provides more in-depth insight into an individual’s personality type and behavior using 20 additional facets. The four-day workshop is highly interactive and provides many opportunities for you to practice presenting the MBTI® instrument and interpreting results in a variety of situations: with groups, with individuals, and in coaching.

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The MBTI® Instrument Trusted by 89% of Fortune 100 companies and taken by 2.7 million people every year in more than 20 languages, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) assessment helps people gain insights about themselves and how they interact with others—improving how the communicate, learn, and work.

The MBTI® assessment makes Carl Jung’s theory of psychological type both understandable and highly practical by helping individuals identify their preferences in four areas. Know more about MBTI®.

Why should you be interested in the MBTI® Instrument?

• Versatile and wide range of applications: The MBTI® framework’s versatility makes it very useful across application areas like team building, leadership development, conflict management, stress management, career transitions, and more.

• Well researched, reliable and valid: With over 6decades of research backing it, the MBTI® instrument is very reliable and has been validated across many application areas in the organizational context.

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• Simple framework: Simple and easy to understand framework and reports that provide a common language for describing how individuals interact with each other.

Why get certified?

• Gain a better understanding of your and others ‘personality preferences and how they affect personal and professional relationships.

• Deliver effective talent development programs with a greater understanding of your people, organization.

• Help students make better education decisions by understanding their preferences. Teams, and career personality

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• Expand your coaching toolkit, so that you can help others be their best.

About the Trainers

*CS Mahesh, Founder Director at Anahat and a Master trainer for MBTI® certification programme, has certified over 2000 professionals in the use of psychometric instruments like the MBTI®, FIRO-B®, Strong®, CPI2, and the SavilleConsulting suite of assessments. He is also certified on the EQ-i 2.0.

Janaki Venkat, Founder Director at Anahat and a Master trainer for MBTI® certification programme, is an executive coach with over 1000 hours of coaching experience. She is also a Master Trainer for psychometric instruments like the Saville Assessments, FIRO-B®, Strong®, CPI2and EQ-i 2.0.

*Please note that either one of Mahesh or Janaki will be the trainer for the programme depending on availability.

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This event is hosted on an Online Platform

You will receive joining details after the registration.

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Understanding the Unexpected Surge in US Job Growth in August

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By Ayla Rosalie

Understanding the Unexpected Surge in US Job Growth in August

Introduction

In August, the US economy added far more jobs than economists had predicted, surprising markets and policymakers alike. After months of cooling hiring, the unexpectedly strong payroll report showed employers adding over 300,000 positions. For many workers, this surge meant renewed confidence in finding work. For the Federal Reserve, it raised questions about the timing of future interest rate cuts. In this article, we’ll explore why August’s job growth outpaced forecasts, which industries led the gains, how the labor force shifted, and what it all means for the broader economy. By understanding these drivers, readers can better grasp where the job market may head next.

The Numbers Behind the Surge

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfarm payrolls rose by 308,000 in August, well above the consensus forecast of roughly 180,000. The unemployment rate ticked down slightly to 3.8 percent, as more people found work and full‑time hours edged higher. Average hourly earnings grew 0.3 percent, signaling steady—but not runaway—wage gains. Together, these figures painted a picture of robust job creation at a time when many expected the labor market to slow in response to higher borrowing costs and cooling consumer demand.

Seasonal and One‑Off Factors

Several timing issues contributed to the surprise:

  • Back‑to‑School Hiring: Retailers and logistics firms often boost staffing in August to handle school supply sales and online orders. This year’s strong sales—fueled by discounting and stable household incomes—led to bigger-than-usual hires in warehouses and stores.
  • Event‑Driven Demand: Late‑summer festivals, sports tournaments, and outdoor events drove temporary hiring in hospitality, security, and transportation. Many of these roles became long‑term jobs as venues extended their seasons.
  • Delayed Census and Administrative Roles: Certain government agencies completed delayed hiring rounds for census follow‑up and permit processing, adding to public‑sector payrolls.

While these seasonal effects occur every year, their impact in August was larger than historical averages, boosting the headline number.

Sector Breakdown: Leisure, Healthcare, and More

Digging into industry data reveals where most of the gains came from:

1. Leisure and Hospitality

This sector added 90,000 jobs, the largest increase among all categories. Restaurants, bars, and hotels ramped up staffing for end‑of‑summer travel and local staycations. Despite high wage costs, many establishments found that extra staff paid off through higher customer throughput and tip incomes for workers.

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2. Healthcare and Social Assistance

Healthcare continued its steady expansion, with 50,000 new positions in August. Home health aides and outpatient care centers drove the growth as the aging population demands more services. Hospitals also filled roles to clear surgery backlogs built up during earlier pandemic waves.

3. Professional and Business Services

Professional and business services added 45,000 jobs, led by staffing firms and consulting agencies. Strong corporate earnings and ongoing digital transformation projects sustained demand for temporary and contract workers.

4. Construction

Residential and commercial construction employers hired 30,000 workers in August. Despite higher mortgage rates, homebuilders added crews for renovations and multi‑family projects, while commercial developers prepared for new office and retail builds.

5. Manufacturing

Manufacturing has struggled in recent years but added 15,000 jobs last month. Automotive plants and aerospace firms increased shifts in response to backlogged orders, while smaller factories saw a slight uptick in demand for electronics and appliances.

Other sectors, including transportation, finance, and retail trade, also contributed modest gains, reflecting a broadly healthy labor market.

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Labor Force Participation and Demographics

The unemployment rate’s slight dip owed not only to job gains but also to more people entering or re‑entering the labor force. August saw the participation rate climb to 62.5 percent, indicating that discouraged workers and recent graduates felt confident enough to look for jobs. Prime‑age participation (ages 25–54) also improved, a positive sign that long‑term trends of early retirements and out‑of‑work adults may be reversing.

Younger workers (ages 16–24) returned to summer jobs or sought internships, boosting the youth addition to payrolls. Meanwhile, increases in women’s participation—especially in health and education roles—helped narrow the gender gap in the workforce.

Wage Growth and Inflation Dynamics

Average hourly earnings rose 0.3 percent in August, or 4.3 percent year‑over‑year—slightly below the inflation rate of around 3.2 percent. This suggests that wage pressures remain, but so far have not sparked a wage‑price spiral. Employers indicated in surveys that they plan to moderate future wage hikes, relying more on efficiency improvements and training to meet productivity goals.

For the Federal Reserve, this data presents a mixed picture. Strong job growth signals labor market resilience, but moderate wage gains provide some breathing room from overheating. Policymakers will weigh these dynamics as they consider whether to cut rates soon or hold steady to ensure inflation continues falling toward the 2 percent target.

Regional Variations

Not all states experienced the same job surge. Sun Belt regions—Florida, Texas, and Arizona—saw above‑average hiring in leisure, construction, and professional services. Rust Belt states like Ohio and Michigan lagged, reflecting continued manufacturing headwinds. Coastal tech hubs—California and Washington—posted mixed payroll reports, with gains in software and IT services but small declines in transportation and government roles.

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These regional differences highlight the uneven pace of economic recovery and may influence state policy decisions on workforce development, training grants, and business incentives.

Business Confidence and Hiring Intentions

Surveys of employers conducted around August—such as the National Federation of Independent Business and the Institute for Supply Management—showed high confidence levels in hiring over the next three months. Small businesses cited robust customer demand and manageable borrowing costs as reasons to expand payrolls. Larger corporations planned selective hiring, focusing on tech, logistics, and customer service roles to support new product launches and efficiency drives.

This forward‑looking data supports the likelihood of continued job gains into the fall, although some firms signaled caution regarding inventory gluts and geopolitical uncertainties.

Implications for Workers and Job Seekers

For job seekers, the August report offers hope and actionable insights:

  • Leverage High‑Growth Sectors: Target industries with the biggest gains—hospitality, healthcare, and professional services—when searching or retraining.
  • Negotiate Wisely: Moderate wage growth suggests room for negotiation, especially if you bring in‑demand skills like nursing, IT support, or project management.
  • Consider Relocation: Regions with stronger job gains may offer more openings and competitive pay.
  • Upskill Continuously: Employers value adaptability. Online courses in digital tools, language proficiency, or specialized certificates can boost employability.

Risks and Uncertainties Ahead

While August’s numbers were encouraging, several risks could slow hiring:

  • Global Slowdown: Economic weakness in Europe and China could dampen demand for US exports, affecting manufacturing and trade‑related jobs.
  • Retail Inventory Buildup: Excess goods may force retailers to cut order volumes and hiring ahead of the holiday season.
  • Federal Reserve Policy: If the Fed delays rate cuts, higher borrowing costs for businesses could restrain investment in new hires.
  • Labor Market Tightness: Persistent labor shortages in key sectors like trucking or skilled trades could throttle growth if not addressed by training programs.

Policymakers and business leaders will need to monitor these headwinds to sustain the positive momentum.

Conclusion

August’s unexpected surge in US job growth highlights a labor market that remains resilient despite higher interest rates and global uncertainties. Strong hiring in leisure and hospitality, healthcare, professional services, and construction underpinned the headline gain of over 300,000 jobs. Rising participation rates and moderate wage growth suggest workers and employers alike are navigating the post‑pandemic economy with cautious optimism. While regional differences and looming risks warrant attention, the data offers hope to job seekers and reassurance to policymakers. As we move into the fall, keeping an eye on consumer demand, Fed decisions, and hiring intentions will be key to understanding whether this robust growth can continue.

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