Top 7 Websites to Hire SEO Freelancers in 2025

93% of online experiences start with a search engine (according to Search Engine Journal). That means if your website isn’t optimized for search engines, you’re losing potential traffic, leads, and sales. Search engine optimization (SEO) remains one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies, but hiring the right SEO expert can make all the difference.

The challenge? Finding skilled SEO freelancers who can drive real results. With countless self-proclaimed “SEO experts” flooding the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, where can you find qualified professionals who actually know their craft? Let’s dive into the best websites and strategies to connect with top-tier SEO freelancers.

Finding the right SEO freelancer can make or break your online visibility. Here’s a quick rundown of the top Websites to Hire SEO Freelancers:

• Upwork – Best for long-term projects; diverse talent pool but requires vetting.
• Fiverr – Great for budget-friendly, one-time SEO tasks; quality varies.
• LinkedIn ProFinder – Ideal for industry-specific SEO consultants; generally expensive.
• Toptal – Premium platform with top 3% SEO talent; high cost but excellent quality.
• SEOClerk – Affordable SEO-specific marketplace; be cautious of low-quality services.
• PeoplePerHour – Mid-level freelancers; good for small businesses.
• Growth Collective – High-end SEO specialists with a performance-driven approach.

1. Upwork

Overview

Upwork continues to be the largest freelance marketplace in 2025, with thousands of SEO specialists ranging from beginners to industry veterans. Over 10,000 active SEO freelancers are listed on Upwork, with hourly rates ranging from $25 to $150+.

Key Features

• Advanced Filtering: Search by skills, hourly rates, success rates, and location
• Work Diaries: Track freelancer progress with screenshots and activity logs
• Escrow Protection: Funds are only released when work meets requirements
• Talent Badges: Verified badges for top performers in SEO specialties

Many businesses report finding long-term SEO partners through Upwork. The platform’s detailed profiles and review system help identify qualified professionals, though the large talent pool can make the selection process time-consuming.

“After three failed attempts with local agencies, I found an SEO specialist on Upwork who doubled our organic traffic within six months. The transparent review system made all the difference in finding the right fit.” – Small business owner

Pricing

• 5% service fee for clients
• Freelancer rates range from $15-$150/hour for SEO services

2. Fiverr

Overview

Fiverr has evolved substantially since its “$5 gig” days and now hosts many highly specialized SEO professionals offering packaged services. Fiverr hosts SEO professionals offering services starting as low as $5, but premium packages can exceed $500 for in-depth optimization.

Key Features

• Package-Based Pricing: Clear deliverables and timeframes
• Pro Verification: Vetted top-tier SEO experts
• AI-Powered Matching: Suggests relevant freelancers based on project needs
• Specialized Categories: Technical SEO, local SEO, e-commerce SEO, and more

Fiverr works particularly well for defined, one-off SEO tasks. Users appreciate the transparent pricing and the ability to see exactly what deliverables to expect before hiring.

“The package-based system on Fiverr helped us execute specific SEO initiatives without long-term commitments. We found an excellent technical SEO specialist who fixed our site structure issues and improved page load times significantly.” – E-commerce manager

Pricing

• Service fees included in displayed prices
• SEO packages typically range from $50-$2,000 depending on scope

3. LinkedIn ProFinder

Overview

LinkedIn ProFinder has gained significant traction as a premium platform for finding professional SEO consultants with verified work histories and connections.

Key Features

• Professional Verification: Freelancers linked to their professional profiles
• Industry-Specific Experience: Filter by specialists who have worked in your sector
• Network Recommendations: See mutual connections and endorsements
• Enterprise Solutions: Enterprise-grade compliance and vetting for larger businesses

LinkedIn ProFinder tends to connect businesses with more experienced (and often more expensive) SEO professionals. The platform excels at matching industry-specific expertise.

“Through LinkedIn ProFinder, we found an SEO consultant who had previously worked with three of our competitors. Their industry knowledge was invaluable, and they understood our challenges immediately.” – Marketing director at a SaaS company

Pricing

• Proposal-based system with no platform fees
• Typically higher rates ($75-200/hour) reflecting professional experience

4. Toptal

Overview

Toptal positions itself as an elite network, claiming to offer only the top 3% of freelance talent, including SEO strategists and consultants.

Key Features

• Rigorous Screening: Multi-stage vetting process for all SEO specialists
• Talent Matching Service: Dedicated specialists help find the perfect match
• Risk-Free Trial Period: Two-week trial to ensure fit
• Enterprise Compliance: Background checks and NDAs for sensitive projects

Clients consistently report high-quality work from Toptal freelancers, though at premium prices. The platform is particularly popular with funded startups and established enterprises.

“After wasting months with less expensive options, we hired a Toptal SEO strategist who completely transformed our approach. The comprehensive screening process definitely delivers higher caliber talent.” – CMO of a tech startup

Pricing

• No platform fees
• SEO specialists typically charge $80-250/hour

5. SEO Clerks

Overview

Unlike general freelance platforms, SEO Clerks focuses exclusively on search marketing services, making it a niche marketplace for SEO-specific tasks. SEOClerk has thousands of active SEO professionals offering services for everything from backlink building to site audits.

SEOClerk is specifically designed for SEO services, making it a great place to find freelancers specializing in ranking improvement strategies. It’s ideal for small businesses looking for cost-effective SEO solutions.

Key Features

• SEO-Specific Categories: Highly specialized services like link building, content optimization, and local citations
• Micro-Task Options: Small, affordable SEO tasks available
• Seller Levels: Clear indication of freelancer experience and reputation
• Direct Communication: Chat with providers before purchasing

SEO Clerks is particularly useful for businesses with limited budgets or those needing specific SEO tasks completed quickly. The specialized nature of the platform means freelancers are typically well-versed in SEO fundamentals.

“For specific SEO tasks like fixing broken links or optimizing meta descriptions, SEO Clerks has been our go-to platform. The prices are reasonable, and the turnaround time is impressive.” – Small agency owner

Pricing

• 20% commission from sellers
• Services typically range from $5-$500 depending on complexity

6. PeoplePerHour

Overview

This UK-based platform has grown to become a global favorite for hiring SEO freelancers, particularly among European businesses. PeoplePerHour claims that over 3 million freelancers use the platform, with many specializing in SEO.

Key Features

• Hourlies: Fixed-price SEO packages with clear deliverables
• Community Certifications: Peer-reviewed skill verification
• Workstream: Integrated project management tools
• AI-Driven Matching: Uses artificial intelligence to suggest relevant freelancers

Users appreciate PeoplePerHour’s balance between quality and affordability. The platform tends to have a good selection of mid-range SEO professionals.

“PeoplePerHour’s milestone payment system gave us the confidence to try a comprehensive SEO overhaul with a freelancer we hadn’t worked with before. The results exceeded our expectations, with our primary keywords now all on page one.” – Retail business owner

Pricing

• Service fee between 3.5% and 20% depending on total spend
• SEO freelancer rates typically range from £25-£100/hour

7. Growth Collective

Overview

Growth Collective is a newer, curated marketplace specifically focused on marketing freelancers, including SEO specialists with proven track records.

Key Features

• Pre-Screened Experts: All freelancers go through a vetting process
• Outcome-Focused Matching: Platform recommends specialists based on business goals
• Transparent Experience: Clear information about each freelancer’s past results
• Collaboration Tools: Built-in systems for managing complex SEO campaigns

Growth Collective has quickly gained a reputation for connecting businesses with highly effective SEO professionals who take a results-driven approach.

“The difference with Growth Collective was immediately apparent. Our matched SEO consultant had previously achieved similar goals to what we were targeting, and their strategic approach went well beyond keyword optimization.” – B2B company founder

Pricing

• 15% platform fee
• SEO consultant rates range from $85-$200/hour

Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key aspects of each platform for hiring SEO freelancers:

How to Choose the Right Platform

When selecting a platform to hire an SEO freelancer, consider:

1. Budget: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer more varied price points, while Toptal and Growth Collective focus on premium talent.
   
2. Project Scope: For comprehensive SEO strategies, platforms with vetted professionals like Toptal or LinkedIn ProFinder may be worth the investment. For specific tasks, SEO Clerks or Fiverr can be more cost-effective.
   
3. Timeline: Some platforms specialize in quick turnarounds (Fiverr, SEO Clerks), while others are better for ongoing relationships (Upwork, Growth Collective).
   
4. Vetting Needs: If quality assurance is paramount, choose platforms with rigorous screening processes.
   

Conclusion

The freelance SEO landscape continues to evolve in 2025, with platforms increasingly specializing to meet different client needs. While larger marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr offer breadth of choice, curated platforms like Toptal and Growth Collective provide quality assurance for businesses willing to invest more.

The best platform ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget constraints, and the complexity of your SEO requirements. Many businesses find success using different platforms for different aspects of their SEO strategy—perhaps hiring a strategist through a premium service while sourcing specific implementation tasks through more affordable options.

Regardless of which platform you choose, thoroughly vetting potential freelancers by reviewing their portfolios, checking references, and starting with smaller projects can help ensure a successful partnership.