Are you struggling to reach customers online? Nearly 70% of activities online start with a search. Unfortunately, 75% of people don’t look beyond the first page of results.
If your website doesn’t appear on the first page of a relevant Google search, you need search engine optimization (SEO). Developing a strong SEO digital marketing strategy can take time and expertise, though.
Don’t handle it alone. Instead, use these tips to learn how to pick SEO firms that can boost your rankings.
The best SEO firm will set your business up for long-term success.
Start searching for a search engine expert with these tips today.
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Consider Your Goals
Before rushing to pick SEO firms from a list of options, take a moment to consider your needs and goals. Think about how SEO will benefit your entire digital marketing strategy. For example, perhaps you want to:
- Generate more brand awareness and recognition
- Position yourself as an industry thought leader
- Generate more website traffic
- Boost brand trust and loyalty
- Generate more backlinks
- Increase leads and sales
- Create more blog content
Understanding your goals can help you determine which SEO services you need.
For example, perhaps you want to generate more backlinks. Backlinks send readers from one blog to your website content. Without SEO backlinks, your search engine rankings might not improve.
In fact, backlinks are one of Google’s top ranking factors.
In that case, look for an SEO firm that offers backlink-building services.
Creating high-quality blog content can encourage other websites to create natural backlinks on your behalf, too.
If you’re unable to create content on your own, make sure the SEO firm you choose offers content creation services.
Perhaps problems with your website are impacting your search engine rankings. Look for companies that offer web design and development services instead. Google will consider the user experience on your site before improving your rankings.
Outlining your goals can help you choose the right firm with your digital marketing strategy in mind.
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Look for Experience
Once you understand what you need, pick SEO firms that have the experience and expertise you’re looking for.
First, determine how long each SEO firm has run and operated within the industry. Consider how many clients they’ve helped within that time, too.
If you can, find SEO firms that have worked with businesses like yours in the past. Their experience within your industry might strengthen your SEO strategy.
Make sure they have plenty of experience offering the specific services you need as well.
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Understand Their Expertise
Before choosing an SEO firm, it’s important they have a full understanding of SEO. There are actually different types of SEO you’ll need to improve your rankings.
Ask each firm how SEO works. They should mention:
- On-page SEO
- Off-page SEO
- Local SEO
- Technical SEO
On-page optimization involves optimizing your content for specific keywords. When a consumer searches that keyword, your content might appear as a result.
Off-page SEO elements are more difficult to control. For example, generating backlinks is an off-page SEO tactic.
Local SEO will help you reach consumers in your area. Ask the company if they’ll update your Google Business profile. Make sure they’ll focus on location-based keywords, too.
Technical SEO involves the backend of your website. For example, you’ll need to make sure your site is fast and mobile-optimized.
Choose an agency that understands how SEO works to ensure they’re capable of improving your rankings.
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Read Reviews
Take the time to read online client reviews for each SEO firm on your list.
Reading reviews will help you find a trustworthy, experienced agency. Make sure the company has a Google Business profile that features reviews, too.
If they don’t, they’re not utilizing their own services.
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Explore Their Services
Before you pick SEO firms, determine what services each company provides.
For example, you need services that align with the four different types of SEO.
You might also need content creation, web design and development, and link-building services. Try to find a single agency that offers all the services you need.
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Look for Training
Determine who will work on your SEO strategy. Then, ask for proof the SEO expert is trained and experienced. Reviewing their credentials can help you feel more confident in their abilities.
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Ensure
Accountability
Ask each company how they intend on keeping you up-to-date. Will they send emails about their progress? Will you receive a weekly or monthly report?
It’s important to find an agency that will remain accountable. If they won’t keep you informed, you might not realize they’re failing until it’s too late.
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Discuss Their Process
Ask each SEO firm about their process, too.
They should start by researching your business and target audience. Otherwise, they won’t make content that aligns with the user’s search intent. Google won’t display your content on search engine result pages if that’s the case.
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Look into Their Tools
Determine what tools each agency uses as part of their process, too.
For example, how do they intend on gathering keyword research? Ask how they’ll generate your backlinks, too.
Ask about the tools the SEO company will give you access to as well. For example, perhaps the company offers new clients access to an SEO audit tool. You can click to learn more here.
A team that has access to the proper tools can set your SEO and digital marketing strategy up for success.
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Consider Pricing
Ask at least three different firms on your list for an itemized list of their prices. Make sure you know what’s included with their charges. Consider any add-on services you might need, too.
Don’t choose the cheapest firm you find online. Instead, determine which company will ensure you experience the benefits of SEO.
Their services can help your business experience lasting success.
How to Pick SEO Firms: 10 Tips for Finding Experienced Pros
Don’t rush to pick SEO firms based on price or personal recommendations. Instead, make sure to use these tips when vetting your options.
Finding an experienced agency could prove crucial to your entire digital marketing strategy.
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