OK, you have decided to embark on an SEO project for your business.
It’s exciting, thinking about the future traffic and leads that will come to your website.
However, you have heard some horror stories from other business owners when it comes to working with an SEO company. There are many great agencies, a lot of really good individual freelancers, and then the rest of the market is (unfortunately) made up of scammers.
A scammer can be anyone from a Fiverr seller selling something they know is pretty much crap like software generated backlinks, to an agency whose business model is simply to sell new business owners on overpriced SEO campaigns and then do nothing for months simply pocketing the money until you find out about it and quit. Let us guess – you get 5-10 emails per week from “SEO experts” who have “found issues with your website” and they can “fix it all for you” for a low price. Stay away!
A good SEO company should be constantly re-investing back into their clients business in the form of content, backlinks, and new features or improving code.
Below we outline a few topics of discussion to have with your potential SEO Company before signing any type of contract or starting a project.
Understand SEO Tools and Techniques
Evaluate Tools for Keyword Research and Analysis
Ask the SEO company about the specific tools they utilize for keyword research and analysis. Understanding the tools they use can give insight into their expertise and approach to search engine optimization. Ensure they use up-to-date tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
It is crucial to inquire about the frequency of keyword analysis. A good SEO agency will conduct regular keyword research to adapt to changing trends and algorithms. By asking about their process, you can gauge their commitment to staying relevant in the competitive online market.
Inquire About On-Page and Off-Page Optimization Techniques
SEO services encompass both on-page and off-page optimization techniques. Ask the SEO company about their strategies for optimizing website content (on-page) and building external links (off-page). Understanding their approach can help determine if they align with your business goals.
Look for a good SEO company that emphasizes the importance of high-quality content creation for on-page optimization. Effective on-page strategies involve optimizing meta tags, headings, and content structure to enhance visibility on search engines. Similarly, off-page techniques should focus on building authoritative backlinks to improve domain authority.
Assess Familiarity with Technical SEO Aspects
Technical SEO plays a vital role in improving a website’s visibility and user experience. Inquire about the SEO company’s familiarity with technical aspects such as site speed optimization and mobile responsiveness. A reputable SEO provider should prioritize technical optimizations to enhance overall website performance.
Ensure the SEO firm understands the significance of mobile optimization for user engagement and search engine rankings. Mobile-friendly websites are favored by search engines, leading to higher visibility in mobile search results. Site speed optimization is crucial for reducing bounce rates and improving user experience.
Identify Target Markets and Competitors
Target Markets
When considering an SEO company, inquire about how they identify target markets for businesses. They typically conduct thorough research to pinpoint the specific demographics and interests of potential clients. This involves analyzing data such as age, location, preferences, and online behavior.
Ask for examples of competitor analysis methods they utilize to understand the strategies employed by other businesses in your industry. A reliable SEO company will conduct a competitive analysis to identify direct competitors and assess their strengths and weaknesses. This information helps in developing a tailored SEO strategy.
Market Trends and Consumer Behavior
Discuss with the SEO company their strategies for adapting to market trends and changes in consumer behavior. In the ever-evolving digital landscape, it is crucial for businesses to stay ahead by adjusting their tactics accordingly. A reputable SEO company should have mechanisms in place to monitor shifts in the market and consumer preferences.
One way they may do this is by regularly updating keyword strategies based on trending topics or changes in search algorithms. By staying abreast of these developments, they can ensure that your business remains visible and relevant to potential clients.
Measure SEO Success Effectively
Key Performance Indicators
Ask about the key performance indicators (KPIs) they track for SEO campaigns. Ensure they focus on metrics like organic traffic growth, keyword rankings, and conversion rates.
Understanding how they measure success will give you insight into their strategies and effectiveness in delivering results.
Reporting Frequency
Understand their reporting frequency and the metrics included in their reports. Regular reporting is crucial for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Look for transparency in their reports, with detailed insights into SEO performance and actionable recommendations for further optimization.
Strategy Adjustment
Explore how they adjust strategies based on performance data and insights. A successful SEO campaign requires continuous monitoring and adaptation to stay ahead of competitors.
An experienced SEO company should be proactive in analyzing data, identifying trends, and making strategic adjustments to maximize results.
Integrate SEO with Marketing Strategy
Aligning SEO with Marketing Goals
Ask the SEO company how they align SEO efforts with your overall marketing goals. It’s crucial for a successful SEO strategy to be integrated seamlessly into your broader digital marketing strategies. Ensure the agency understands your marketing efforts and can tailor their SEO approach accordingly.
Experience in Content Marketing Integration
Enquire about the SEO company’s experience in integrating SEO with content marketing and social media. A professional SEO marketing agency should have a deep understanding of how SEO complements content strategies to drive organic traffic and enhance online visibility. Look for concrete examples of their past work in this area.
Cross-Channel Marketing Approach
Discuss the agency’s approach to cross-channel marketing and its impact on SEO. A reputable SEO marketing company will emphasize the importance of leveraging multiple channels to maximize visibility and engagement. Understand how their strategies encompass various platforms to boost your overall online presence.
Collaborate with Other Agencies
Coordinate with Multiple Agencies
SEO companies often collaborate with multiple agencies to provide comprehensive services to clients. They may partner with marketing agencies, web development teams, or design firms to deliver holistic solutions. This collaboration ensures a cohesive campaign execution.
By working alongside various agencies, SEO companies can tap into diverse expertise and resources. For example, partnering with a marketing agency allows them to align SEO strategies with broader marketing goals. This synergy enhances the overall effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns.
Experience in Working with Web Developers and Designers
Assessing an SEO company’s experience in working alongside web developers and designers is crucial. Understanding how they collaborate with these teams can provide insights into their technical proficiency and ability to implement SEO recommendations effectively.
Effective communication between SEO experts, web developers, and designers is essential for seamless website optimization. An SEO company that has a proven track record of collaborating with these teams demonstrates their ability to navigate technical aspects while aligning with design best practices for user experience.
Communication Strategies for Campaign Execution
Evaluate an SEO company’s communication strategies to ensure smooth campaign execution. Clear and open communication channels are vital for coordinating efforts across different teams and ensuring that everyone is aligned on campaign objectives.
Establishing regular check-ins, utilizing project management tools, and maintaining transparent reporting practices are key components of effective communication strategies. These practices help in tracking progress, addressing issues promptly, and making adjustments as needed throughout the campaign duration.
Access and Reporting Requirements
Website Access
SEO companies typically require access to your website to make necessary optimizations. This includes accessing backend settings and making changes to improve rankings.
They may also need access to your analytics tools like Google Analytics to analyze metrics and track the effectiveness of their strategies.
Types of Reports
You can expect reports detailing the performance of your website before and after implementing SEO strategies. These reports should include benefits derived from their efforts.
Look for detailed reports that showcase improvements in revenue generation, organic traffic growth, keyword rankings, and other key performance indicators.
Additional Tools
Ask about any additional tools or platforms they use for reporting purposes. Some SEO companies utilize third-party software to provide comprehensive insights into your website’s performance.
Inquire about the frequency of these updates and how they align with your business goals and objectives.
Communication and Account Management
Preferred Channels
When engaging with an SEO company, it’s crucial to establish their preferred communication channels. This ensures efficient and effective correspondence. Whether it’s through email, phone calls, or in-person meetings, understanding their preferences is key.
It’s essential to inquire about their response times as well. Knowing how quickly they typically get back to clients can help manage expectations and ensure timely resolutions to any issues that may arise.
Account Management Structure
Discussing the structure of account management within the SEO company is vital. Understanding who your main contact person will be can streamline communication and prevent any confusion regarding responsibilities.
Knowing the chain of command within the company allows for a smoother process in case you need to escalate any concerns or require immediate assistance. Clear lines of communication contribute to a more productive partnership.
Handling Feedback and Adjustments
Another crucial aspect to explore is how the SEO company handles feedback and adjustments during the optimization process. Effective communication regarding changes or revisions is key to achieving desired results.
Understanding their approach to feedback demonstrates their willingness to collaborate with clients for continuous improvement. A company that values client input and adapts accordingly shows dedication to providing top-notch service.
Time and Resource Commitment
Estimated Timeline
Ask the SEO company about the estimated timeline for seeing measurable results. Understand when you can expect improvements in your website’s performance. It is crucial to have a clear idea of how long it will take to see changes in traffic and keyword rankings.
Resource Allocation
Clarify the resources you need to allocate for successful collaboration. Understand the level of involvement required from your end. Discuss the budget that needs to be set aside for various SEO activities such as content building, platform optimization, and site enhancements.
Ongoing Involvement
Discuss their expectations regarding ongoing involvement from your team. Understand the level of efforts and time commitment needed from your side. Clarify if they prefer a high level of involvement where you work closely with them on a regular basis or if they require minimal input.
Review Pricing and Contract Terms
Examine Pricing
When reviewing pricing with an SEO company, it’s crucial to understand the structure. Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. Ensure clarity on what services are included in each package. Compare prices with other providers to gauge competitiveness.
Inquire About Contracts
When engaging with an SEO company, inquire about contract terms. Understand the length of the contract – whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or annually. Clarify the cancellation policies in case you need to terminate the agreement prematurely.
Additional Fees
Be sure to discuss any additional fees that may arise during your engagement. Inquire about charges for services that fall outside the agreed scope of work. Understand how these fees are calculated and when they might be applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some important considerations when choosing an SEO company?
When selecting an SEO company, consider their expertise in SEO tools, target market analysis, success measurement methods, marketing strategy integration, collaboration with other agencies, reporting capabilities, effective communication, time commitment, and transparent pricing.
How can I ensure the success of my SEO campaign?
To ensure SEO success, work closely with your chosen agency to set clear goals, regularly monitor progress, provide necessary resources, maintain open communication, and be prepared to make adjustments based on performance data and market changes.
How do I know if an SEO company is the right fit for my business?
Evaluate an SEO company based on their experience in your industry, proven track record of success, alignment with your business goals, transparency in communication and reporting, ability to adapt to your needs, and a collaborative approach to achieving results.
What should I expect in terms of communication from an SEO company?
Expect regular updates on campaign progress, detailed reports on key metrics, proactive suggestions for improvement, responsive communication for any queries or concerns, and a dedicated account manager who understands your business needs and provides personalized support.
How can I measure the effectiveness of the SEO services provided by a company?
Measure the effectiveness of SEO services through key performance indicators like organic traffic growth, keyword rankings improvement, conversion rate increase, ROI tracking, and overall impact on your website’s visibility and online presence. Regular monitoring and analysis are crucial for evaluating success.
