There are plenty of SEO software solutions on the market for site owners to choose from. Marketing and SEO software is great for DIY site owners because it puts them soundly in the driver seat of their site’s SEO. However, before you decide to go the software route, you want to make sure it’s the right choice for you and your site.

Here are 4 things to keep in mind before buying any SEO software or programs:

At what price point…
does it become so expensive to purchase the SEO software that you might as well start shopping around for an SEO consultant or firm to just handle everything. SEO software can help you organize and manage your SEO, but it can’t do it for you. At what point does it make sense to spend the money on a real person? They can manage all of your SEO and take everything off of your hands.

Account for the learning curve
You shouldn’t expect to install any SEO software or program and instantly know how to use it. Even the most simple programs take a little getting used to before you don’t have to think about every step you take. If you need to get the ball rolling on your SEO and you need it done yesterday, don’t forget to factor in learning time with your new SEO software. Once you learn the ins and outs of the software you might be able to automate (or at least streamline) a lot of your tasks, but it takes time and practice to get to that point.

Do you have time to really use it?
Don’t buy SEO software if you don’t have the time to sit down and really learn how to use it and how to make it work for you and your SEO goals. If you’re going to be shelling out most of your SEO budget for the software, be certain you have time to use it! Otherwise you are just wasting money and your SEO still isn’t getting handled properly.

Software gives you the tools, but not the knowledge
Just because you know how to use Microsoft Word, that doesn’t mean you’re a good writer. Remember that your SEO software is a tool, but it’s up to you to make it work for your website. No SEO tool is going to be able to replace the need for an educated site owner or SEO expert when it comes to developing and implementing an SEO campaign.