Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most effective digital marketing strategies to generate additional organic traffic online. In fact, when implemented correctly, it is likely the most important strategy to generate higher organic traffic, which is better qualified and more likely to result in higher sales.
The thing is that choosing a partner is not easy. There are dozens and dozens of agencies and other organizations that make big promises about being the most experienced SEO specialists in the industry. Add in the fact that many online entrepreneurs are somewhat in the dark about what goes into the SEO campaign, choosing one can be pretty dicey.
Then you have the matter of choosing an SEO provider with respect to the locality, and make no mistake about it: local SEO is a real thing.
But, say your business is in Philadelphia, or services that local market. How can you find one? This quick, step-by-step process should help you out.
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Check the local results – this is one of the most important preliminary actions!
The first step is, understandably, one of the most important. An ecommerce SEO company needs to be able to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. An SEO company is going to promise to increase your organic rankings for competitive keywords at the local level and potentially at the local level.
If you type something as simple as “ecommerce SEO agency” into the search bar, you need to take the results seriously. This isn’t an umbrella or a car dealer you’re searching for. A Philadelphia SEO agency’s first and primary job is to prove their abilities, and if they show up in the search results for their own keywords, they’re much more likely to help your business rank for yours. Just imagine what it says about a local SEO company that doesn’t even show up at the top of its own local searches?
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Next, check reviews – and look for disinterested sources
Once you’ve found a SEO company in Philadelphia that ranks for its own keywords, you should see what past clients have had to say. You can check sources like Clutch, but remember that these are paid and not always impartial. See if you can find real reviews and testimonials on other forums and through other sources.
Check basic sources like Google reviews to see what past clients have said. A lack of reviews is potentially a red flag, so the more reviews you can sift through, the better. Approach good feedback and bad feedback with an open mind.
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Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few, read up on the company and make sure they serve your industry
Once you’ve narrowed down your SEO company pool to a few applicants, based on search results and reviews, it’s time to get into the actual research of the company. Visit their website and read up on the services they offer and any areas of special interest they can provide. It’s also important to look for an SEO company that expressly serves your industry. For example, some SEO specialists focus on local SEO, others focus on service-based industries, and some focus on special niche industries such as those that are PPC-restricted. Try to find one that most closely matches the needs of your organization.
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Look for real-life examples of client success, preferably in your corner of the market
While you’re researching your potential partner pool and auditing each digital marketing services provider on an individual basis, it’s time for you to see if you can find a partner who can back up their claims about their SEO services with real-life stories.
Look for testimonials regarding the work of full-service digital marketing companies. See if you can find dedicated case studies on their websites that detail the nature of a customer account, the plight of the business, and the actual optimizations that were performed to expand their online presence pursuant to the SEO strategy. True tales are the most convincing, and if you can find real stories of customer success, they should bolster your confidence in your potential choice.
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Call them up and get a feel for their level of customer service
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to one or a few SEO companies in Philadelphia, you can get serious about making a choice. The last step is to reach out to them and get a feel for their team. Speak to their customer service managers, sales staff, or SEO professionals and ask them questions about their process, reporting, and communications. A partner for SEO and digital marketing should feel like just that, a partner. You should feel welcoming, almost as though you are a part of the team.
If they make you feel like you are just another account, move on. How can you seriously expect an SEO consultant to help you grow your business if they aren’t invested in it?
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