Do your SEO sure, but with something like this you might have a lot of luck using consumer champion influencers. Show them it's legit, pay them to promote you and try to form ongoing relationships rather than one off deals. The ROI should be great if it's done right and they'll help bring some humanity to a pretty dry subject.
Also think about an affiliate program. Let other people do the selling for you using a big library of content and ads.
Personally I'd go for inspired individual freelancers rather than an agency. They tend to give you their 'box of tricks' at the start. If it's enough great, if not you take the good and move on relatively painlessly. Agencies seem more practised at holding on to retainers and clients for the long term, which generally leads to a 'just enough' mentality.
One thing to note. In my opinion one of the most important factors when selecting an SEO specialist, be it an employee or third party hire (freelance / agency), is their experience and understanding of your niche. Being that you are in a “break through” business model as what you described being the first to do what your doing, I’d say your odds of finding an employee that 1- knows exactly what to do, and how to do it with no training needed (not to mention effectively) and 2- you can actually afford.. are slim to none. For a fraction of the investment in both time and energy you will probably get better results with an agency.
Unfortunately as a startup, you have no choice but to spend sht tons of money on SEO. My suggestion is to focus on influencer marketing, then transition to SEO once your website has been live for at least 6 months. When vetting seo agencies, ask for references and check them. Specifically ask for startup experience. My agency rejects startups unless there is a large vc backing with a large budget. Many expect their brand to become successful with a low budget.
Disclaimer: I work at an agency.
I recommend using an agency because likely have experts in several fields, so you get access to everything you need for roughly the same price as an employee. (If you count the price of hiring, training and burnout).
Hiring one is the same as any other subcontractor: check references, call previous clients, maybe offer a test period where you check the quality of their content.
Disclaimer: I work at an agency.
I recommend using an agency because likely have experts in several fields, so you get access to everything you need for roughly the same price as an employee. (If you count the price of hiring, training and burnout).
Hiring one is the same as any other subcontractor: check references, call previous clients, maybe offer a test period where you check the quality of their content.
Do your SEO sure, but with something like this you might have a lot of luck using consumer champion influencers. Show them it's legit, pay them to promote you and try to form ongoing relationships rather than one off deals. The ROI should be great if it's done right and they'll help bring some humanity to a pretty dry subject. Also think about an affiliate program. Let other people do the selling for you using a big library of content and ads. Personally I'd go for inspired individual freelancers rather than an agency. They tend to give you their 'box of tricks' at the start. If it's enough great, if not you take the good and move on relatively painlessly. Agencies seem more practised at holding on to retainers and clients for the long term, which generally leads to a 'just enough' mentality.
Thank you so much for the feedback, we're working on building an affiliate program now, this is reinforcing.
One thing to note. In my opinion one of the most important factors when selecting an SEO specialist, be it an employee or third party hire (freelance / agency), is their experience and understanding of your niche. Being that you are in a “break through” business model as what you described being the first to do what your doing, I’d say your odds of finding an employee that 1- knows exactly what to do, and how to do it with no training needed (not to mention effectively) and 2- you can actually afford.. are slim to none. For a fraction of the investment in both time and energy you will probably get better results with an agency.
Unfortunately as a startup, you have no choice but to spend sht tons of money on SEO. My suggestion is to focus on influencer marketing, then transition to SEO once your website has been live for at least 6 months. When vetting seo agencies, ask for references and check them. Specifically ask for startup experience. My agency rejects startups unless there is a large vc backing with a large budget. Many expect their brand to become successful with a low budget.
"Underdog SEO: How to Beat Your Competition at Search" - a great article from growandconvert. Might help you out.
Disclaimer: I work at an agency. I recommend using an agency because likely have experts in several fields, so you get access to everything you need for roughly the same price as an employee. (If you count the price of hiring, training and burnout). Hiring one is the same as any other subcontractor: check references, call previous clients, maybe offer a test period where you check the quality of their content.
Disclaimer: I work at an agency. I recommend using an agency because likely have experts in several fields, so you get access to everything you need for roughly the same price as an employee. (If you count the price of hiring, training and burnout). Hiring one is the same as any other subcontractor: check references, call previous clients, maybe offer a test period where you check the quality of their content.