Hiring an SEO company is very similar to hiring people to deliver a service. There are steps that you need to take to make sure you are getting the best deal for your money. It's important that you ask the right questions, as well as verify that the company is reputable. There are a few things you should keep in mind before actually go through the hiring process.
Audit Consultation
Before you work with a good SEO company, it's important to figure out why your website is not ranking well on the search engines. You can request an audit from a small company so that you can find out what may be holding you back from digital success. Find out who your competitors are so that you can find out what you will and won't rank for. An audit also helps you evaluate and track your progress when it comes to your current position.
Should Pre Plan Your Campaign
Hiring an SEO means building a relationship with someone who is going to handle your business on a daily basis. Having a work plan with a solid strategy should be given once the website analysis happens. Your SEO should discuss with you every step that was and will be taken. Any company you choose to work with should be open and willing to share every detail when it comes to their plans.
Should Be Aware Of Guidelines
There are many SEO agencies that tend to sell sloppy work. They use unprecedented methods to rank websites in the search engines. Fortunately for new and old customers, this is no longer a problem. Search engines are fighting to counter this problem; keeping back door marketers out of the limelight. Your consultant should always comply with search engine rules. If they don't you should avoid hiring them.
Offer Reliable Website Revamp
When a company begins your campaign, much of it will consist of changing up your website. Content, design, and navigations might be the first thing that needs attention. Be sure that the right person is going to make these changes, and also be made clear about the changes that are going to be made. The last thing you want to do is put your website in harm’s way by giving it to an amateur.
Not Traffic, But Strategy Based On Goals
Every marketing strategy should be built on improving sales and traffic, branding. If you get with an SEO that doesn't ask you about your goals, and or what are you focused on; then you should try another company. Don't get sold on the idea of increased traffic. Increased traffic should never be what an SEO works to deliver. Everything should be about focused goals.
Understand The Experience Of The User
Getting great rankings is amazing. But user experience is even better. If your customer visits your website and has no idea how to navigate it, then you will lose that customer. SEO companies should know the importance of UX for your website. They should focus their attention on everything from top to bottom. All of the traffic generated should be delivering high conversion rates.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your website is important. You want to work with an SEO that feels the same way as you. Avoid being over-hyped about service features, and more focused on the ability to deliver rock solid results without wasting your money during the process.