Are you thinking of hiring an SEO firm to help your business website reach the first page of Google Search?
SEO agencies are experts in search engine optimization. Their job is to drive targeted traffic to your site. But how do you know which firm to choose?
This article will give you the edge when choosing the right SEO agency.
We offer 5 invaluable tips to help you partner with the right team. Read on to ensure you receive the best service. And reach the goal of page one on Google.
1. On-Page and Off-Page SEO
What types of SEO does the agency say they deliver?
On-page or on-site SEO relates to the content of your own website. Techniques like optimizing page titles and headings fall under this category.
Off-page SEO is concerned with backlinks or external sites that link to yours.
Google takes into consideration authoritative links as a way to score quality. Earning links from high-ranking sites is worth its weight in gold.
Ensure the SEO team you hire offers both types as well as technical SEO.
If they provide a blanket statement, ask for a full breakdown. Know exactly what SEO you’ll receive for each page of your site.
Related: SEO for Business Growth: 6 Ways SEO Leads to Growth
2. Overall Costs
Many SEO agencies are up-front about their costs but some aren’t.
Ask about the initial outlay and ongoing fees. Ensure you enquire about any extra charges in the small print.
For example, how much are you expected to pay for an initial evaluation and strategy document? Will the fee get waived if you decide to work with them?
Comparing agency fees mirrors the three quotes rule when hiring a tradesperson.
Reach out to three or more SEO companies and compare their costs. See if the cheapest also offers the same quality services as the others. And can you claim penalties if they don’t deliver?
3. References and Reviews
Make sure to view the SEO agency’s portfolio page. But don’t stop there.
Contact the website owner and politely ask how they found working with the team. What were the plus points? Any negatives? Are they still in a partnership?
Also, Google the firm’s name and read the online reviews of the service. Be aware that negative comments could come from competitors so research them thoroughly.
The benefits of SEO references and reviews can’t be understated as optimization is all about results.
4. Digital Marketing Strategy
SEO is a long term investment that requires a long term strategy.
The best agencies build a digital marketing strategy that best matches your unique needs. They do a keyword analysis of your specific marketplace. Then they evaluate the search success of your existing site.
Some SEO agencies like Patternseo.io create a content gap analysis that compares your site with your competition. Choosing a firm that goes the extra mile will reap the biggest rewards.
5. Social Media and SEO
SEO doesn’t stop with Google.
Social media can help funnel the right traffic to your website. Each post and tweet contributes to the right people discovering your brand. Managing that process requires the proper tools and mindset.
See if the agency offers this service even if you don’t have a social media presence. It will give you additional options for future marketing if they do.
SEO Agencies and More at Entrepreneurship in a Box
Now you know what to expect from the best SEO agencies it’s time to learn more about search optimization.
Visit our technology archives to discover a wealth of information on Google ranking. We cover a wide range of IT topics to help businesses of all sizes make informed decisions. Remember to sign-up for our free innovation and business tips. Just add your name and email to receive news straight to your inbox.
