5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Search Engine Optimization Company
Have you filled your website with high-quality content, but you’re still nowhere to be found on the first page of Google? This can prove to be a frustrating experience. Your target customers may not even know about your products or services if you don’t have a solid online presence. Your goal should be to increase your search visibility to get your share of your target market. This is where a search engine optimization comes in handy. But before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to ask these five important questions:
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How will you boost my organic rankings?
You should have a clear understanding of what strategies the search engine optimization company plans to use for your website. During your search, you may find plenty of companies that aren’t willing to divulge the full details to you. Take this as a red flag. As their client, it’s your right to know exactly what they’ll do to your website. This is the only way you’ll know whether they’re using techniques that follow Google’s guidelines. The last thing you want is for the company to use shady tactics that might cause your site to get penalized.
When looking for a search engine optimization company, consider whether they specialize as a local SEO company. Local SEO is essential if your business relies on customers within a specific area, as it focuses on strategies tailored to increase visibility within local search results. A skilled local SEO company can help you rank in local search packs, optimize for ‘near me’ searches, and enhance your presence on Google Maps. Before choosing a company, ask how experienced they are with local SEO tactics and whether they can show examples of how they’ve helped similar businesses succeed in local search.
Do you specialize in a particular aspect of SEO?
It’s not unusual for business owners to think that SEO companies can do everything for them—from website creation and content marketing to building links and implementing responsive design. But sometimes, you’d want to hire a company that specializes in a particular area of SEO. If you’re already satisfied with the content you have, for example, then all you may need is to acquire high-quality links. Look for a company that’s known for its link-building services. This gives you a better chance of getting your money’s worth.
How do you measure success?
Different SEO companies have their own definitions of success. Some may call a campaign successful if they get your web page to rank for a certain keyword. Others might use other metrics such as number of visitors or sales as a measure of success. Be crystal clear when discussing this point. You’d want your goals to align with their definition of success so you won’t be disappointed with the results.
What data will I see in monthly reports?
Tracking your progress is often overlooked. You should be aware of any ranking improvements so you know whether the SEO strategy is working or not. If a company doesn’t provide any kind of reporting, remove them from your shortlist. Also, don’t hesitate to tell them any particular metric you want to see in your weekly or monthly reports.
How often will you communicate with me?
Communication forms the foundation of a harmonious relationship between you and a search engine optimization company. This is precisely why you should choose one that communicates well and takes the time to answer all your questions in a timely manner. No matter how silly your questions appear to be, the company should be able to give an easy-to-understand explanation so you understand everything that’s going on with your website.
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