{
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What key skills should I look for when recruiting an SEO team?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "In 2026, prioritise candidates with skills in technical SEO, content creation, link building, data analytics, and AI search optimisation. The ability to adapt to rapidly evolving search features like Google AI Overviews and generative search is becoming increasingly important for any SEO hire."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How important is structuring my SEO team correctly?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Very important. A clearly defined structure with distinct roles, from strategic leadership to specialist execution, keeps your team focused and accountable. Undefined structures often lead to overlapping responsibilities and gaps in coverage, both of which hurt performance."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Why should I use a technical SEO test before hiring?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Resumes and interviews do not reliably predict SEO performance. A practical skills assessment reveals whether a candidate can actually diagnose technical issues, conduct keyword research, and interpret analytics data. This step saves significant time and reduces the risk of a costly bad hire."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What budget should I set for an SEO team in 2026?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The average US SEO professional earns approximately $74,795 per year. Factor in role seniority, your location, and the cost of essential tools such as Semrush or Ahrefs when building your budget. For early-stage startups, a leaner team of two to three strong generalists often delivers better ROI than a large team of specialists hired too quickly."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I find qualified SEO professionals?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "LinkedIn is the most direct channel for active and passive candidates. Employee referrals consistently deliver higher-quality hires. Industry conferences are ideal for meeting practitioners who are invested in staying current. Freelance platforms can be useful for trial engagements before making a full-time offer."
      }
    }
  ]
}