More and more companies are choosing to gain exposure and increase sales through SEO (Search Engine Optimization). There are quite a few benefits that can be found by using it, mainly because it is cost-efficient, leads to great online exposure, and increases website traffic and conversions.
That said, if you do decide to start using SEO, and begin looking around for a consultant to hire things can swiftly
become overwhelming. Many consultants will say what they know you are looking to hear, but how can you if they are telling you the truth? How can you know what SEO company is the right one for you to hire?
Well, the good news is that it’s not as difficult as it may at first seem, since there are a few things that anyone, including you, can do to take precautionary measures and find the right SEO company for them.
Three things you should look for when choosing an SEO company:
1. Research: the number one more important step to take is to really look into the company. Read about them, look at their reviews, and ask for stats. Makes sure that they deliver what they promise to.
Example: If they talk about increase site traffic, ask to see an example of previous work (see: digital agency case studies) that they’ve done in the past with another business. An excellent way to do this by is asking for two or three companies that they have worked with and contact them. Ask them for details such as what their site traffic was before and after, have they seen an increase in sales, and what benefits they've seen come from working with the SEO company.
2. Know your budget: before starting out make sure that you know your budget. By knowing what you want to spend on SEO you can narrow down your search field to companies that work within your price range. Without a budget, the sky is the limit, and while you may find an SEO company that you love, you may find that you can’t actually afford to pay what they are asking. That is a waste of your time, and can also be discouraging.
Read more: 6 Tips for Budgeting a Website Redesign and Retaining or Improving SEO
3. See if they practice what they preach: once you have narrowed down your search to a reliable company that has good reviews and fits your budget you have one last step to take. Have them do a search audit and a technical audit. That may be a bit disconcerting because you are giving them access to certain parts of your company, and you do have to pay for it. However, as long as you are only giving them restricted access, you will be fine. Allow them to pull all the data and then review it. After you hear back from the companies and see their audit results, you should know the best company for you. It’s the company that has the best plan of attack, that is in the price range that you need them to be, that has the most efficient timeframe, and, most importantly, the one that you feel the most comfortable with.
SEO is a great way to increase your sales and build your company. It’s also something that needs to be done correctly. Selecting an SEO company to work with can be a bit daunting, but it can also be fun and exciting! It’s a new step for your business, and a good one. If you take care to look into it properly and don’t rush, take your time and be thorough, you’ll be able to select the best SEO company for you, and your business.
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Ali Jaffar has been building dazzling websites and creating amazing online experiences for over a decade. His mastery of the latest innovations in web development results in world-class website experiences set apart by show-stopping style and seamless functionality. A Google Mobile Sites and Google Analytics qualified individual and award-winning web development guru, Ali lends his talents to build and bolster digital experiences for a wide array of clients. When Ali’s not helping his clients grow, you can find him doing yoga, walking his dog, and enjoying a nice bike ride around Philly.
