Many brands don’t know where to start to improve their search performance. This is where an SEO agency can make all the difference. Not only will an SEO professional help to increase your traffic and conversion rates, but they’ll free up your time to focus on more important things — like managing your team and setting the marketing strategy for your company.
If you’re unsure how to find the right SEO agency for you, here are six tips to point you in the right direction.
In This Article:
1. Define Your Goals
2. Research SEO Agencies
3. Set Up an SEO Consultation
4. Ask The Right Questions
5. Get to Know the Team
6. Be Clear on the Agreement and Terms
SEO Agency Red Flags
Can I DIY My SEO?
The Search For Your Perfect SEO Agency is Over
When you’re choosing an SEO agency, you have to start by figuring out what your company actually needs. Consider what you’re trying to achieve with SEO — is it to improve rankings for certain keywords, increase website visitors, or enhance your online presence in a specific market? Are you seeing traffic, but missing conversions? How many leads or new users do you want to generate from organic search? What about revenue? Defining your goals not only provides a direction for your SEO efforts but also helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the agency's work.
There are plenty of SEO consulting services for you to choose from — and you’re going to want to do your research before you decide to partner with any of them. Start by exploring agencies that have a strong track record in your industry. Look for agencies with case studies, client testimonials, and a proven history of successful SEO performance. Consider these points while researching:
Once you have a shortlist, the next step is to arrange SEO consultations with these agencies. This is your opportunity to get a feel for their approach and expertise, as well as their rapport. During the consultation, pay attention to their understanding of your industry, the suggestions they offer, and their willingness to tailor strategies to your specific needs. Key points to consider:
You can never ask too many questions when you’re deciding on an SEO consulting service. Before hiring, be sure that they can meet your needs and that you have a clear understanding of how they’ll do so. Here are some questions you should ask before committing to a partnership:
Understanding who will be working on your SEO is as important as the agency itself. After all, a competent team with diverse skills can make a huge difference. Look for a team with a mix of skills, from technical SEO specialists to content strategists.
This is also a great opportunity to assess the communication skills of the team. Good communication is essential when choosing the right SEO consultant. Investing in an SEO strategy is a long-term commitment, and you need to know they’ll communicate with you effectively as the partnership grows.
Establish how often you’ll communicate and how you’ll communicate if you hire them. It should be easy to reach them even while you’re in the consideration process. If you find yourself waiting long periods to hear back, or even if you’re just not on the same page as the agency on a personal level, it could be time to move on.
Before finalizing your decision, you have to establish the rules of engagement. Clear and transparent agreement terms can prevent future misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for your partnership. Focus on:
Knowing the signs of sketchy SEO consulting is incredibly important when you’re trying to choose the right service for your brand. Here are some not-so-obvious red flags to keep an eye out for:
Staying alert to these signs will help you avoid problematic agencies and partner with one that truly supports your goals. Remember, if an agency seems too good to be true (i.e. very cheap for what they’re saying they’ll deliver), it probably is.
While DIY SEO might seem like a cost-saving option, it can put a drain on your resources faster than you might think.
SEO is more than just inserting keywords or tweaking your website's layout; it requires a deep understanding of various factors, including technical SEO, content strategy, user experience, and more. Here's why professional SEO agencies are worth the up-front cost:
While handling some SEO tasks yourself is doable, for a comprehensive strategy that delivers measurable results and a solid ROI, the value of an SEO agency is unmatched.
SEO is a fast-paced, high-stakes game that brands need to engage in if they want to compete. While many are tempted to tackle this on their own, there are plenty of reasons why working with a growth marketing agency may make sense for you.
The many benefits of an agency mean a better return on your investment in SEO. At First Page Strategy, our team of SEO experts lives up to the highest standards (and you'd better believe we meet all the criteria we listed above). With our help, you’ll keep up with your competition, qualified traffic to your site, and convert that traffic into customers — all at a fraction of the cost to hire an in-house SEO specialist.
Ready to elevate your SEO game? Explore our SEO services and discover how we can improve your organic search performance.