top SEO marketers

Finding the Best SEO Marketers: Our Guide with Practical Tips

We’re diving head-first into the world of SEO. Specifically, we’ll explore what makes the top SEO marketers truly stand out, share some must-know SEO advice, and uncover how an SEO expert can give your business an edge. Let’s get right into it.

1. Why SEO Matters—And How It Powers Growth

“I want to grow!”

If we distill things down to the basics, in our experience from observing countless startups, one lesson repeats itself: if people can’t find you on Google or Bing (yes even Bing), you’re missing out—big time. Whether you’re a scrappy founder or a leader at an established brand, here’s why SEO should be on your radar:

• Compounding Returns: Paid ads can deliver a quick spike in traffic, but a solid SEO foundation pays dividends for years.

• Qualified Leads: When people organically search for you, they’re already interested. It’s like they’re knocking on your door, ready to talk.

• Evergreen Visibility: Once you build a strong digital presence, you benefit around the clock—no extra budget required each time someone clicks.

Bottom line: If your target audience is on search engines (hint: they almost certainly are), investing in high-quality SEO is one of the smartest moves you can make.

2. The DNA of the Best SEO Marketers

Every successful SEO professional I’ve come across has a similar set of qualities. These folks aren’t just about “content + keywords + links.” They’re the real deal—think data analysts meets marketing maestros. Here’s what they have in common:

1. Data Geeks

   • The top SEO marketers love digging into metrics—from click-through rates to conversion data. They’ll dissect Google Analytics and Search Console stats like detectives on a mission.

2. Systemic Thinkers

   • If SEO is a puzzle, they see how all the pieces fit together—technical optimization, content strategy, user experience, and more. They’re constantly adjusting every lever for better performance.

3. Adaptable and Curious

   • Google loves to shake things up with algorithm updates (hello, surprise!). Top-tier SEO experts adapt fast, stay curious, and test new approaches before everyone else.

4. Technical Know-How

   • It’s not just about words on a page. Speed, mobile responsiveness, structured data—these details can turn a decent site into a ranking powerhouse. The pros get this deeply.

3. Why Teaming Up with an SEO Expert Is Worth It

Some folks might wonder, “Why not DIY my SEO?” You certainly can. However, if you’d rather focus on your product, customers, and growth strategy, bringing in an SEO expert is often the way to go. Here’s why:

• Precision Targeting: They know which keywords matter most—and how to weave them into your site naturally. No spam, no fluff, just ROI-focused optimization. They’ve been there, done that, and get you to the right answer much faster.

• Sustained Momentum: Quick fixes might give you a short-term pop, but experts build strategies designed for the long haul—think sustainable traffic growth month after month.

• Credibility & Trust: A site ranking on the first page of Google oozes authority. People trust it more, click more, and—most importantly—buy more.

• Measured Outcomes: Reputable SEO pros will give you clear metrics: from traffic to conversions to revenue impact. You’ll know exactly where your money’s going and why.

4. Our Favorite and Actionable SEO Advice

Even if you’re not ready to hire someone, there are a few steps you can implement yourself. I like to call these “high-leverage moves,” because they yield the biggest returns for the time you put in:

1. Nail Your Keyword Research:

   • Free tools like Google Keyword Planner or premium options like Ahrefs can help you find high-intent, low-competition keywords.

   • Narrow your scope to long-tail phrases (e.g., “best SEO marketers for small tech startups”) for faster wins and more targeted traffic.

2. Write Quality Content—Like, Really Good Content

   • Don’t just blog for the sake of blogging. Answer real questions your audience has.

   • Naturally incorporate your keywords, but keep the focus on delivering value. Google’s gotten way too smart for keyword stuffing.

3. Polish Your On-Page SEO

   • Title tags, meta descriptions, headers (H1/H2/H3), and alt text all matter. Spend time refining them—your rankings will thank you.

   • Quick tip: Make meta descriptions compelling, like mini sales pitches that entice people to click.

4. Speed and Mobility

   • If your site lags or isn’t mobile-friendly, people (and Google) will bail. Check your loading times using tools like PageSpeed Insights and fix what’s broken.

   • Make sure your site design is responsive; search engines prioritize mobile-friendly sites in their rankings.

5. Cultivate High-Quality Links

   • Backlinks still matter—a lot. Build relationships with other sites, create killer content, and earn those sweet, sweet backlinks organically.

   • Avoid shady link schemes (buying links, spammy directories, etc.). It’s not worth the risk

6. Own Your Local SEO (If It Matters to You)

   • If you run a local business, optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate contact details, business hours, and reviews.

   • Local keywords (like “best SEO expert in [city name]”) help you show up for relevant searches in your area.

5. How to Identify a Top-Notch SEO Partner

If you’re leaning toward hiring help, fantastic. But not all SEO pros are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Track Record: Ask for success stories and references. Pro tip: a legit expert will eagerly share past wins.

• Straight Talk: They’ll walk you through the plan, explain each step, and be honest about what to expect (no “We’ll get you to #1 in a week!” nonsense).

• Custom Strategies: Avoid one-size-fits-all SEO packages. The best SEO marketers tailor solutions to your brand, audience, and unique challenges.

• Ethical Tactics: No black-hat, spammy nonsense. You want strategies that’ll keep you ranking well in the long run, not quick tricks that get you penalized.

You can spend months searching, sourcing, and then courting these folks (they are very high in demand), or you can just use Intro. We only let on the best of the best, SEO experts who helped build well known brands into their glory.

6. Wrapping Up: Elevate Your Brand with the Best SEO Marketers

If you’ve stayed with me this far, you’re serious about upping your SEO game—and that’s awesome. Whether you decide to DIY it or work with an SEO expert through Intro, here’s the quick recap:

• SEO is one of the most powerful growth levers you can pull.

• The best SEO marketers are data-savvy, curious, and technically skilled.

• A solid SEO strategy delivers targeted traffic, long-term results, and brand authority.

• A few fundamental moves—like optimizing on-page elements and creating top-notch content—can get you surprisingly far.

The future belongs to those who help their audience find exactly what they need. Ready to put your site on the map (and the search results page)? Start with the advice above, or better yet, partner with one of the world’s best SEO experts on Intro, someone who understands your vision and can take you there.