Is your website lost in the abyss of the World Wide Web? If you are floundering at the bottom of search engine results pages (and not even the first one), then the answer to this is an unfortunate “yes.”
The good news is, your website doesn’t have to drift into a black hole, never to be seen again. SEO is your lifeline–your tether–anchoring you to SERPs and ensuring you are FOUND by your target audience.
While most people have heard of SEO in the past, with Google’s constant search algorithm changes (about 500 to 600 per year), it can make it impossible for you to keep up.
But, have no fear!
A professional SEO agency can help you achieve the rank, visibility, and traffic you desire. The key to exceptional results is finding an exceptional agency to work with.
Follow these five tips when choosing an SEO agency.
1. Reject any Company Claiming Top Rankings Guaranteed
A simple fact you should understand is that Google (or any search engine, for that matter) isn’t relative to any SEO agency. As a result, there is no one who can guarantee that they can get your site to a top three ranking.
While professional SEO companies are going to give you a timeline, as well as assurance you will eventually reach the top, if they utter the word “guarantee,” stay away. Why?
There are two reasons a company may provide this so-called guarantee:
- They are lying.
- They are planning on using black hat SEO methods that may hurt you in the future.
Find a company that gives assurance–without making a guarantee.
2. Find a Company Willing to Educate You Along the Way
A great way to determine if the SEO professional you are hiring has the necessary expertise and knowledge is if they can educate you on the process. If you ask a question, the agency you hire should say much more than, “We’ll handle that.” You need to find someone who will outline exactly how it will be handled, and why it is being done that way.
3. Ask for the Company’s Portfolio
You need to see the work the company has done in the past. This is crucial when hiring an SEO agency. By taking a look at what they have achieved for other clients, you can determine if it is the right company to help you meet your SEO goals.
4. Check the Company’s Digital Profiles
If you are hiring someone to help you with SEO and ranking, then they should have a good ranking themselves. Be sure to check their online presence, including how their website ranks, as well as whether or not they are active in the “digital world” (i.e., blogging, forums, social media, etc.).
5. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Be sure to see what past clients have to say about the company. While not all reviews may be good, be sure to read several to get a thorough understanding of the company and the way they work.
Finding the Right SEO Agency for Your Needs
The SEO company you hire can actually make or break your marketing efforts. Take some time to find the right one by using the tips here.
You can also visit our blog to learn more SEO tips or contact us to speak with a pro.
