Did you know that over 90% of all online activities start with an online search? With that in mind, over 60% of marketers are prioritizing search engine optimization (SEO). SEO allows you to rank higher on search engines, which can help you boost your brand.
In time, you can generate more site traffic, brand recognition, and sales.
Without help, however, it might take a while before you see results. Researching SEO companies in the area can give you the edge you need. They’ll ensure you experience the many benefits of SEO firsthand.
Not sure where to start your search? Here are seven things to consider when looking for the best SEO company around. With these tips, you can find the expert you need to succeed.
Start your search for a search engine expert with these tips today.
1. A Strategy
It’s not enough to start posting blog posts and hoping for the best. As you research different SEO companies, look for one that knows how to strategize.
You can meet with each company to learn more about their abilities and services. During your meeting, take notice if they ask about your business. They can’t create a customized SEO marketing strategy for your company if they don’t know your brand.
What are your marketing goals? Who are your customers? What is the value consumers get by choosing your brand?
The best SEO company will learn as much as possible about your business. Then, they can choose the best tactics to help you accomplish your goals. Their research should include customer targeting, competitor research, and keyword research.
If they don’t ask about your business or help you develop an SEO marketing strategy, keep looking. Don’t work with someone who uses a cookie-cutter approach.
2. Past Experience
Many SEO companies will claim they’re the best in the area. Don’t take their word for it. Instead, ask for proof.
Look at their case studies. How did they help their previous clients? Have they worked with a client in your industry before?
What metrics did they track?
The SEO company should show you an increase in website traffic, dwell time, clicks/clickthrough rates, and conversions/conversion rates. If they don’t have proof of their success, keep searching.
Ask if you can speak with their previous clients, too. You can learn more about an SEO company by talking about a client who’s been in your shoes.
3. The Right Tools
What tools does the SEO company use? One of the benefits of working with an SEO company is you won’t have to pay to use expensive tools once. You won’t have to learn how to use those tools, either.
Ask different SEO companies how they use their tools to build your SEO strategy.
How do they research keywords? What about your website metrics? Do they analyze data regularly?
How do they determine your website has technical SEO issues? What is their link building strategy?
If they don’t have the tools you need for effective SEO marketing, keep searching.
4. A Range of Services
You’ll need multiple types of SEO to improve your ranking. These include on-page, off-page, and local SEO. Ask each company if they provide these services.
What other services do they provide? Can they help you update your website? Will they create content for you?
Do they offer additional marketing strategies, like PPC advertising (which could support your SEO efforts)?
Look for a full-service SEO company that can help you every step of the way. Otherwise, you might find gaps in your SEO marketing strategy.
5. Measured Success
Make sure to look for a company that’s transparent about its progress with your SEO strategy.
Do they regularly report their progress with your campaigns? Which pages and keywords are generating the most traffic? Which ones are falling flat?
Make sure their metrics align with your goals. For example, maybe you want to rank on the first page for a specific keyword. Are they creating content based on that keyword to help boost your ranking?
If they’re not measuring your progress, how do you know they’re helping?
6. Regular Updates
You can’t set up SEO and leave it running on its own. After all, Google looks for fresh, high-quality, unique content.
How will the SEO company help you in the long-term? How can you contact them if you need help? Will they provide the ongoing customer service and attention you need?
If they don’t have a plan to communicate with you throughout your campaigns, look for someone who will.
7. Up-To-Date Knowledge
It’s also important to make sure the SEO companies you research are up-to-date regarding the latest SEO algorithm. If they’re not, there’s a chance they’re using outdated or black hat SEO tactics. Black hat SEO can penalize your website and hurt your ranking.
An up-to-date SEO company will keep the latest algorithm update in mind when developing your strategy. They’ll also use the latest SEO trends to help you boost your ranking.
For example, Google’s algorithm update BERT relies on machine learning to determine rankings. Google now looks for EAT and content that focuses on search intent.
EAT stands for Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness. You can appeal to EAT by using high-quality external links and demonstrating your expertise. Social proof like reviews can encourage people to trust you, too.
The SEO company should make sure your website is mobile-optimized. After all, over 50% of all online traffic is generated through mobile phones.
Google also started using mobile-first indexing in 2018. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, it could hurt your ranking.
What about voice search? More people are using assistants like Alexa, Google, and Siri to search for answers online. These searches usually include long-tail keywords.
Using long-tail keywords in your content can help you appeal to the zero-click position and appear in featured snippets.
Ask your SEO company if they’re aware of these tactics. If they’re not, look for someone else.
Step Up Searching: Your Guide to Finding the Best SEO Companies
An effective SEO marketing strategy can help you get ahead of the competition and boost business. You don’t have to go it alone! With these tips for finding the best SEO companies in the area, you can find the expert help you need.
Ready to start getting the best SEO listings? Contact us today to start reaching your online marketing goals!
