Everyone relies so heavily on technology in this fast-paced tech-centric world. If you want your business to survive in these modern times, you have to evolve and ensure you have a striking online presence. If you want to see visible results, need the right team working on your website to drive legitimate leads and to implement a targeted marketing plan.
This is what an SEO company can do for you because they are an extension of your team. There are many companies out there from small ones offering SEO services in Tampa Florida to the big ones in major cities like NYC, LA, or Chicago. The team you hire must be a good fit for your company because they will be in charge of a critical aspect of your expanding your business’ reach. Here are some elements you must consider before hiring your SEO company:
Examine the SEO Company’s Services and Specialties
When you hire an SEO company, you have to look at their official website and check if they are skilled in a certain industry, location, or line of service. If you are a local business in the Sunshine State, then you may consider SEO services in Tampa Florida because proximity helps since they have a pulse on what’s popular in your area.
Remember, not all SEO companies are created equal, so you have to do your research and find out what they offer. Ask them about their past clients and let them show you their results. If you need other services, ask if they do more than just SEO. Typically, these types of companies handle other related tasks. Most importantly, a reputable company will be glad to show you their certifications and awards as a proof of their expertise.
Ask for References
If you know of other businesses that have successfully used an SEO company, then you must ask them for a referral. The nice thing about doing this is you get an honest assessment and feedback regarding a company from your own peer. This is a very important step in the research process when you’re looking for an SEO company.
However, if you don’t know of any business who has gone this route, then you can ask the SEO company you are considering to provide you with a list of clients they have worked for in the past. Make a note of these references, so you can call them and ask questions to verify the real status of the SEO company.
Read Testimonials and Reviews
Hiring an SEO company is a great investment, but you have to make sure that you look at the previous concrete work they have done. Do your due diligence by checking reviews and testimonials online to find out what past clients or existing clients are saying about them. Sometimes, all it takes is typing a few keywords on Google or Facebook search to give you the results you are looking for.
By doing these critical steps, you can rest assured that you will have peace of mind when hiring an SEO team to collaborate with your business. An added bonus of doing this: you may end up reading nice reviews of another potential SEO company that you did not think of using before.
Ask To See Portfolios and Cases
When you are in the process of hiring your SEO team, you must see what they have concretely and specifically done for their past clients. Ask to see their portfolios and case studies, so you can get a glimpse of their conclusive results. Most of the time, in reputable agencies, these are readily available on their own site.
Checking these will also give you an idea of their style in handling specific tasks. By checking an SEO company’s past work, you can see a real and authentic example of what they offer and what they can do. This will give you an idea if this company can deliver the SEO campaign you need. On top of that, you will be able to find out if they do an integration of services with SEO like PPC or pay per click, social media management, or even web design.
Research the SEO Company’s Code of Ethics
This is a vital criteria when you’re looking for an SEO company because you want to see what their leadership and team structures are like. Maybe you’ll know someone or someone close to you will know a staff member working in the SEO company who can tell you the real pulse in their office.
You have to make sure that you pick an SEO company that abides by a good code of ethics because those who do shady things to get your website to rank well is just putting your own company’s reputation on the line. Honesty and integrity are critical factors when selecting your SEO team. You have to make sure that the employees, who are the front liners you will be dealing with, have a good grasp of the company’s core values. If there is a disconnect with their own company’s mission and vision, then there is a big chance that they cannot offer you exemplary client service. Those who take shortcuts are more prone to confusion and faulty communication.
You may also want to align yourself with SEO companies that are actively giving back to the community or you may prefer those that encourage a good work-life balance for their staff. By examining those things, you can see if the SEO’s company cultures is a perfect fit for your own business.
Scope Their Social Media and Blog
The best way to see and gauge their results is to scope the SEO company’s own social media accounts and blogs. Doing this will give you a sense of their company’s thrust. You can also see how they directly interact with their clients and their peers. You can get a good grasp of what they know about industry trends based on the content they churn out. You can also examine these materials to see the quality of their work.
Be Upfront About Service Fees
SEO companies have different structures because some work on an hourly basis, while others may opt to lock-in your business into a six month contract. You have to discuss this upfront, so you won’t be surprised by any unexpected bills down the line. Discuss the numbers and ask what specific deliverables they will be able to give you .
Do this for all the SEO companies you are considering so you can compare and contrast services and prices. It is within your right as a client to shop around for the best deals that won’t break your budget. You have to be upfront about money, so you will not be shocked or become disappointed when you get a billing for their services.
This is actually one of the first questions you must ask of any SEO company you are considering to work with. Find out the specific fees, when billing due dates are, and if there are fees levied for canceling services. Get this all written into a contract for your protection.
Schedule a Consultation
Before you ink any kind of deal, it is crucial to meet with the SEO team, first and foremost. You may even want to meet the core person you will be dealing with on a regular basis. You may be surprised if some SEO companies will even offer to do a free initial website audit or do an initial keyword research for your before you establish your partnership to show you their company’s strengths.
There are many things that you must consider before you hire your SEO company. You can’t rush this because you will be investing hard earned money to get their services. If you don’t want to get disappointed, then you must do your part by conducting research, so you can make an informed choice that you will not regret.
