A strong web presence is vital if you want to do business in the modern world. Whether a customer is looking for shoes, a new car, or even a new healthcare provider, more people are using the vast resources available online. But this resource is a double-edged sword: while the online world offers consumers more options than ever before, it can also be a challenge for a business to stand out from the pack.
This is where SEO comes in. SEO, or search engine optimization, helps your website climb the search engine ladder. Through backlinks, keywords, content development, and web design, an SEO agency can improve your Google ranking and make your business more accessible and visible to potential customers than ever before. But how do you hire an SEO agency? What do you look for in an SEO agency?
Whether you're looking for business SEO, Medical SEO, or Enterprise SEO, an experienced SEO agency can tailor-fit their skills to meet the needs and goals of your business. Some businesses may only need backlinks, while others may require a more comprehensive web development project.
Here at Peaks Digital Marketing, we've assembled a team of SEO experts who are dedicated to helping your business climb the search engine ladder and achieve your goals. However, we understand you have options for picking an SEO agency, and it can be challenging to determine who is best for your business needs. Here, we’ll explore seven things to look for when choosing an SEO agency.
1: FIRST IMPRESSION: ARE THEY DOING WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU?
When it comes to connections, business partners, and contractors, first impressions are everything. When choosing an SEO agency, you want to first make sure that they're a good cultural fit, believe in your goals and can produce results that ultimately help your business grow. You also want to ensure that the agency isn't secretive — transparency and open communication are essential for any quality SEO agency. They should keep you in the loop at all times, and you should always understand how your resources are being utilized.
2: YOUR COMPANY'S GOALS FIRST BEFORE YOU HIRE AN SEO AGENCY
While an SEO agency can bring a lot to the table, you're still the expert in your field, and any digital marketing company is there to meet your business needs. If you're looking for an SEO agency to step in and make adjustments to boost your business online, they must share your vision and believe in your ideas. An ideal SEO expert first listens to your concerns and goals and then makes recommendations to solve your issues and help you achieve those goals. The agency should always keep your goals at the forefront to help your brand, sales, traffic, and leads.
3: EDUCATES CLIENTS ALONG THE WAY
Have you worked with SEO companies that have “secret” strategies? Not only does this create an automatic disconnect, but it can also damage your company’s reputation online. Top SEO agencies keep clients in the loop with progress reports, interactive meetings, and proof of what has and hasn’t worked. There is nothing worse than a company keeping secrets or making you feel uncomfortable about where your money is truly going in terms of traffic, leads, and goals. An SEO company that is true to their business model, and teaches you basic SEO tricks along the way, is one you should keep an eye out for when hiring.
4: PRIORITIZES TRANSPARENCY
According to a study conducted by Label Insight, roughly 94 percent of users said they are more likely to be loyal to brands that are transparent. Trusting an SEO agency with your website can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. You are in good hands if you've chosen a company that puts your needs first, is honest throughout the process, and helps your business grow.
Transparency, honesty, and great communication skills are top priorities. This builds trust between businesses and creates a solid foundation for active brainstorming, SEO campaign creation, and the successful production of high-quality content your company will love. Hiring an SEO company that is transparent when it comes to discussing what is and isn't possible will also give you peace of mind in ensuring everyone is on the same page. To read more about why transparency in SEO is important and the qualities to look for in a truly transparent SEO agency, read the article “6 Important Reasons to Hire a Transparent SEO Agency.”
5: KNOWLEDGE OF USER EXPERIENCE
A well-rounded SEO company offers more than just SEO services. It is important to find an agency that has first-hand knowledge of user experience (UX) best practices, knows how design and content flow on a page, and focuses on what is best for your business goals. Understanding how users explore a website, staying on top of trends, and creating a user flow that leads to more conversions should always be part of an SEO strategy.
When working with an SEO expert, they should be able to carry out everything from beginning to end, including data and goal-oriented traffic that leads to more sales. When reviewing your website, the expert should be able to come up with recommendations or even possible solutions on the spot that help not only your SEO but also your design, content, and UX combined.
6: A MIXTURE OF TECHNICAL AND PERSONAL DETAILS
While technical skills are crucial to successful SEO strategies, personal skills are just as important. You may have found the perfect fit if you have an easy time talking to, understanding, and problem-solving with an SEO expert. The SEO expert should be able to back up their strategies with data, research, and examples.
Not only will this help you better understand how SEO works, but you’ll also get to see progress from start to finish without feeling blindsided. Your go-to SEO agency should fit into your company culture just like any other employee, put your needs first, and be able to execute strategies quickly.
7: PRODUCES CONSISTENT RESULTS
Consistency is key, so you want to check the company's portfolio and success stories. Even though everyone makes mistakes and hits roadblocks from time to time, your SEO expert should always be reliable. As long as there is clear communication, you receive monthly reports on time, and are constantly kept in the loop about website progress; there is nothing to worry about. Hiring an SEO agency to take over your online presence shouldn't cause you more stress.
CONCLUSION – 7 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN AN SEO AGENCY
Finding the right SEO agency for your business won’t be easy, but doing due diligence, maybe even putting out an RFP, increases the likelihood you’ll get the best possible services. Today’s SEO is much different than a decade ago, and your search should include an agency that is utilizing current SEO strategies and not relying on outdated practices.
Current, effective SEO practices require deep knowledge of algorithms, smart keyword targeting, and a focus on lasting results. Peaks Digital Marketing prioritizes sustainable SEO strategy and content optimization and offers seamless management for long-term visibility and growth. Visit our website or call (720) 432-7115 to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation.
