Choosing the right SEO agency can be a daunting task for first timers and new companies. After all, search engine optimization has changed so much with the advent of social and mobile media marketing. Still, the core essentials of selecting the right SEO agency remain the same. That is, of course, investing in a company that can help your brands establish a strong presence on the web and social media platforms. The agency must be able to put your ideas into fruition with time-sensitive deliverables and cost-effective strategies.
We spoke to Jason Boyd from Evolve Digital to get some vital tips for choosing a genuine SEO agency:
Avoid SEO Guarantees and Look for Realistic Offerings
With the plethora of never-ending SEO and digital marketing companies, you often hear and see guarantees of higher page rankings and conversion rates. Most brands in this growing sector also promise clients the world when it comes to securing recurring web traffic to their sites, online stores, and social media pages. According to SEO experts, avoid companies that promise you guarantees and empty promises. Instead, look for agencies that offer realistic expectations with measurable results. These include but are not limited to:
- Ongoing SEO that adapts to the ever-changing trends and updates.
- Timely but realistic results for your brands based on market share, size, industry, and current online presence.
- SEO audits, keyword generation, content marketing, video advertising, and especially social-mobile media integration are vital in getting your business noticed across the web.
- Local grassroots marketing to get your brands in touch with geo-specific audiences and clients.
- Target-audience advertising, and contemporary White Hat SEO techniques that are search-engine friendly and designed to build your company’s growth and presence on Google and affiliated engines.
- Online reputation monitoring — ensuring negative reviews or concerns are handled most professionally. Get your business on Google Maps with Q&A sections, contact information, and give your brands a competitive advantage in any respective industry, sector, or niche.
Agency Experience is a Must
An SEO Agency should have good industry ratings and client reviews. They should also have years of extensive industry experience in search engine marketing and related services. Similarly, they must be reputable, honest, and dedicated to achieving your desired SEO results within time and budget. While word-of-mouth advertising and referrals are important, you should conduct your own research on the web when looking for the right SEO team to handle your needs.
Check how long the company has been in business and which notable clients or companies have provided advertising campaigns or services. How long has the business been up and running? Usually, agencies with a lot of clients across a myriad of industries tend to have more experience — and the expertise you are looking for in search engine optimization.
Ask the agency for Case-Studies
Ask any SEO agency for case studies that highlight their work and accolades over the years. Good, honest companies should have these handy or be able to show them to you upon request. Ask to see examples of their work, along with performance and especially client testimonials. These will help you make a worthwhile and informed hiring decision. By validating their experience and skills, the company is showing true professionalism and eagerness to earn your business. Case studies serve as concrete testaments to any company’s ability to provide timely, affordable, and positive SEO results for new and existing customers.
Ask the agency for Certifications
Another important facet when reviewing SEO agencies is certifications. While there is not an actual ‘SEO certification’, genuine agencies should have certifications in Google Analytics and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. They should also possess certifications in Yahoo, Bing, and both search engine and social media advertising platforms. These too are pivotal in showcasing their skills, while reassuring new and existing clients that their marketing needs and aspirations will be fully met across the board.
White-Hat SEO Practices
White-Hat SEO practices are still important in this day and age of social media marketing. Ask the agency which types of strategies they utilize — and have them explain these to you in great detail. Look for unethical strategies like keyword stuffing or spamming, which can get your brands removed from Google and other search engines altogether. If you believe an SEO agency is using suspicious or questionable services and practices, simply move on to another company.
While finding the right SEO company requires legwork and research, it should not be too hard to choose the best company for your needs. However, it is essential to perform adequate research and familiarize yourself with some of the SEO services currently available on the market. This will help you make the best decision, one that produces results and does not leave you out of pocket.
Today’s SEO is also geared around social media advertising and a strong return to promotional videos. Long gone are the days of lengthy content that usually results in higher bounce rates. Keep your content streamlined, centralized, and professional to attract and engage new clients and customers. Speak to your SEO expert about current trends and how they can help you build greater brand awareness on all available platforms.
Interesting Related Article: “9 Reasons Small Businesses Should Outsource SEO“