An SEO campaign has the potential to make or break the reputation of your brand, so choosing the right agency for the job is vital.
While opting for those that rank highly in Google search may seem like the most logical step, taking the time to seek out an agency that shares the same passions and values as your business is vital. Here are our top tips for finding the right SEO agency for you.
Identify your own needs
The first step is identifying exactly what it is that your business needs from an SEO agency. Search engine optimisation covers a broad range of topics, from making sites more user friendly to building links, researching keywords and monitoring success over a long period of time. Understanding the limitations posed by your existing practises is crucial when finding someone that is qualified to offer exactly what you need.
Do your research
Actively seeking out reviews from those who have worked in close proximity with agencies in the past will give you the upper hand when choosing someone that you can trust. Don’t be afraid to shop around for quotes and speak to as many people with experience of SEO within your chosen industry as possible.
Manage expectations
Unsubstantiated claims that an agency can soar you to the top of the search rankings or earn you a set number of links each month should be avoided. Instead, lean in favour of those that set attainable targets that are tailored specifically to your industry. While they may not have the same level of appeal initially, managing expectations from the beginning is a smart move that helps to keep everybody on the same page.
Choose substance over style
It’s easy to get drawn in by flashy websites and sleek graphics, but the trick is to look past the shop front and discover exactly what each individual agency can offer you. Case studies and examples of previous work are crucial at this stage and will really help to determine just how effective the services offered are, rather than how effective the agency claims them to be.
Go with your gut instinct
You should expect to be working closely with your chosen agency over a long period of time, so the potential to build a positive working relationship needs to be there right from the beginning. Finding out how the agency plans to collaborate with your existing team is vital, as is ensuring that they have the ability to work well alongside web developers in your field.
Key questions
There are a few simple questions that you should always bear in mind when dealing with potential SEO agencies, including:
- How will you communicate with me and keep me updated on your progress?
- Do you always follow the best practices set out by Google?
- How do you plan on adapting your strategy to suit my industry?
- How do you define success in SEO?
Before committing, you should also ask to see the following:
- Case studies, alongside evidence of past successes
- Information on the strategies employed by the agency
- References, especially from individuals relevant to your industry
- Examples of report layouts, as well as a brief outline of the kind of information that will be included
- Clarity on exactly what you will be getting for your money, including how much time will be invested by the agency and how many pages they plan to optimise
Being assertive and clearly defining exactly what you expect from an SEO agency needn’t come across as pushy. You’re likely to be investing a lot of your own time and money into working with your chosen agency, so full disclosure and transparency shouldn’t be too much to expect. Take a look at the range of SEO services that we offer, or get in touch to find out more.