Hiring an SEO specialist is tough. Get it right, and you scale. Get it wrong, and you waste thousands. This guide breaks down the top platforms by cost, talent location, and best use case so you can hire confidently.
Quick Navigation:
- Best SEO Hiring Platforms
- Key Takeaways & Recommendations
- How to Choose the Right Platform
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Reading
Platform Comparison Table
A quick scorecard to choose fast.
| Platform | Best For | Regions | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LinkDR | Automated link building (no hiring) | Global | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Pay-per-link; AI outreach; verified publishers |
| OnlineJobs.ph | Cost-effective full-time SEO execution | Philippines | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | From ~$350/mo; great for link building and ops |
| KherkroldanSEO | Done-for-you SEO (white-label) | Philippines | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Agency execution, reporting, NDAs |
| Contra | Fast freelance hires and specialists | Global | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Commission-free; strong talent variety |
| Legiit | SEO gigs (on-page, tech, links) | Global | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Gig marketplace; vet by reviews/portfolio |
| SEOJobs.com | Full-time roles in US/CA/UK | US/CA/UK | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Curated board; higher signal |
| DynamiteJobs | Remote-first teams | Global (LATAM/EU/SEA strong) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Broader reach; higher sourcing effort |
| Head-hunting senior talent | Global | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Best for proactive sourcing | |
| Vetted.com | Not for hiring | N/A | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | Product discovery; ignore for recruiting |
LinkDR
AI-powered link building — no team to hire. LinkDR finds opportunities, does personalized outreach, and secures placements.
Pricing:
- $100 service fee per link, plus publisher cost (typically $100–$500)
When to use:
- You want pay-per-link with transparent pricing
- You prefer automation over building an internal team
- You need verified, real-site placements at scale
OnlineJobs.ph
Hire full-time SEO talent in the Philippines at accessible rates. Best for ongoing link building, content ops, and citations.
When to use:
- You need reliable execution under $1k/month
- You prefer long-term hires over gig work
KherkroldanSEO
White-label SEO agency. Strong for outsourcing deliverables without managing individuals.
When to use:
- You want an agency to own reporting and delivery
- You need white-label output for clients
Contra
Commission-free freelance marketplace. Great for quick specialist hires (technical SEO, audits, content strategy).
When to use:
- You need a specialist this week
- You want flexible, project-based contracts
Legiit
SEO-focused gig marketplace. Wide range of providers for on-page, technical fixes, and link building.
When to use:
- You have tightly scoped tasks
- You can vet by reviews, samples, and deliverables
SEOJobs.com
Curated SEO job board. Higher signal for full-time roles in US/CA/UK.
When to use:
- You’re hiring a strategist/manager
- You want candidates with proven case studies
DynamiteJobs
Remote-first job board with strong reach in LATAM/EU/SEA. Useful for building distributed teams.
When to use:
- You want global applicants across time zones
- You can invest time in screening
Best for proactive sourcing and senior hires via search, referrals, and InMail.
When to use:
- You are head-hunting specific experience
- You need volume plus precision filters
Vetted.com
Not a hiring platform. Skip for recruiting needs.
Key Takeaways & Recommendations
- Best for Cost (Philippines): Use
OnlineJobs.phorKherkroldanSEOfor affordable link building and operational tasks. - Best for Freelance Projects: Use
ContraorLegiitfor audits, tech SEO, or short-term tasks. - Best for US/CA/UK Hires:
SEOJobs.comhas curated, high-quality roles for full-time specialists. - Best for Global Remote:
DynamiteJobsandLinkedInoffer broad reach but require more sourcing effort.
How to Choose the Right Platform
- Budget < $1k/mo: Start with
OnlineJobs.phfor full-time hires orKherkroldanSEOfor agency support. - Need a Specialist Fast: Use
ContraorLegiitfor project-based work. Check portfolios and reviews. - Hiring a US/UK Strategist: Post on
SEOJobs.comand head-hunt onLinkedIn. - Building a Global Remote Team: Use
DynamiteJobsand targetedLinkedInoutreach.
Pro Tips:
- Define clear KPIs before hiring (e.g., links acquired, audits completed).
- Request 2–3 relevant case studies and a 30–60–90 day plan.
- For link builders, verify link quality—relevance and context matter more than raw counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to hire SEO specialists?
The Philippines is the most cost-effective for ongoing execution (via OnlineJobs.ph). Expect full-time rates from ~$350–$700/month.
What’s the best place to hire an SEO manager in the US/UK?
Use SEOJobs.com for job postings and LinkedIn for direct sourcing. Prioritize candidates who can show strategy roadmaps and case studies.
Should I hire in‑house or outsource SEO?
Hire in-house for strategy and leadership. Outsource repetitive execution (link building, content ops) to agencies or freelancers.
