In this guide, you'll learn the 7 key things you need to know when learning how to choose the right SEO agency for your business. Discover how to find the perfect SEO partner that educates you along the way and guides you to the top of Google.
1. First Impression – Are They Doing What’s Best for You?
First impressions are everything when it comes to connections, business partners, and contractors. You want to make sure your SEO agency is a cultural fit, believes in your goals, and produces results that ultimately helps your business grow. You also want to ensure the agency isn’t secretive, educates you along the way, is transparent, has knowledge of user experience, and keeps you in the loop at all times. This article outlines what to look for in an SEO expert to help you feel at ease.
2. Your Company’s Goals First
You are an expert at what you do and SEO should always meet you business needs. If you are looking for an SEO agency to step in and make the necessary changes to boost your business online, it is crucial they believe in your ideas as well. An ideal SEO expert listens to your concerns and makes recommendations to solve your issues, while also educating you on potential strategies that could streamline your business. 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, about 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. If you’ve chosen a company that puts your needs first, is honest throughout the process, and helps your business grow, you are in good hands.
Transparency, honesty, and great communication skills are top priority. Not only does this build trust between businesses, but it also 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 Key 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 & content flows 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 & 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 helps not only your SEO, but design, content, and UX combined.
6. A Mixture of Technical & Personal Skills
While technical skills are crucial to successful SEO strategies, personal skills are just as important. If you have an easy time talking to, understanding, and problem-solving with an SEO expert, you may have found the perfect fit. The SEO expert should be able to backup 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
Conclusion - How to Choose the Right SEO Agency
Consistency is key. 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 takeover your online presence shouldn’t cause you more stress.
Find an agency that puts your needs first and won’t stop until you are satisfied with your SEO strategy. Through monthly reporting, data-driven strategies, and communication as top priority, they should help you truly stand out online and streamline your business to new heights.
Learn how a data-driven SEO campaign can help increase transparency in your numbers, and help you achieve better rankings and return on investment. For more information on SEO, or if you want additional help choosing the right partner, contact the SEO experts at Peaks Digital Marketing by calling (720) 432-7115. Reserve a free 15-minute SEO strategy session today by visiting our contact page here.
