How to Choose an SEO Agency

Choosing an SEO agency can sometimes feel like you are on a wild goose chase. There is so much to choose from and in most cases, we have no idea what to look for. So, you might end up doing what most businesses do, that is, look for “best SEO agency near me” or similar and go with the first one that pops up on your screen. But that’s not the best approach to finding a strategic partner who’s going to be responsible for such a crucial part of your business. Here’s what you should be choosing your SEO company instead. 

Your SEO agency should be

Reliable

A good SEO company will be a partner in helping you achieve success. That's why the most important aspect to consider when evaluating an SEO company is reliability. You want someone who will be there for you when problems arise, who will offer sound advice and help you navigate the complexities of search engine optimisation.

Skillfull

SEO is as much about the people as it is about the tools that are being used. For the simple reason that if the people you are working with don’t know how to use their SEO tools, you won’t be able to achieve good results regardless of how expensive the tools are. That’s why it is so important to find an SEO company that employs skilled SEO experts to work on your project. 

Creative

Your business is unique, so your SEO company should be creative enough to tailor strategies that would work for your specific niche.

They should also be able to adjust their strategies as needed. You don't want to hire an SEO firm that will use the same strategies for all of their projects. They should have the flexibility to change or modify their strategy based on the needs of your business.

Informed

Search engine optimisation is a fast-moving field; new developments are made all the time. You want a company that is committed to staying up to date with the latest trends and news in the industry, and one that can provide advice on how to respond appropriately if those trends affect your business.

In other words, an SEO company that simply focuses on keywords and link building won't be able to help your business reach its full potential. You need to find an agency that provides excellent customer service and stays informed of industry changes so that they can help you stay ahead of the competition.

4 tips for choosing your next SEO company

Be specific with your goals.

There's a reason why nearly every agency on the planet offers search engine optimisation: Because it works. But not every campaign is alike. Some businesses have very specific goals in mind when they hire an SEO firm — they may want to increase traffic from London-based users or have a website that needs a complete overhaul before any real progress can be made with search engines.

Before approaching any SEO firm, you should know what you want. Do you want to focus on the local market or go global? What is your main objective with SEO? Do you want more brand exposure or conversions? Once you know the answers, communicate it to the SEO firm and see if they can provide what you want.

Evaluate on the basis of numbers, not emotions

Your hiring process must be driven by solid results, not hollow promises of delivery. Don't be fooled by their claims of high rankings — get proof.

Ask for case studies. You should be able to see what successful campaigns they have run for other companies like yours. This is a good way to get an idea of how well they know their job and whether or not they can help you.  Also, insist on reports that go beyond the standard monthly report of ranking positions and traffic increases. If they are unwilling to share this information with you, you will have dodged a bullet.

Rely on social proof

One of the last things to do is check for your potential SEO company's references, testimonials, and reviews. These are all important because they will help you verify what other people have said about this company and whether or not they can deliver on their promises.

Do they have testimonials on their website? Who are they from and are they legitimate? Do they have case studies? How long have they been in business? Do they have referrals? These are just some of the questions that need answers if you are going to invest your hard-earned money into SEO services.

Work with an SEO company whose vision aligns with yours

Finding the right SEO company is kind of like finding a new doctor. You can't just trust the first one who comes along — that's not how this stuff works. You have to do your research, talk about what you want, and make sure your visions align before settling on anyone.

Your partner should be a trusted adviser that provides guidance and support to help your business succeed. So, it is critical that the SEO company you hire understands your industry, business goals, and target audience, so they can develop the right strategy for you.

Choosing the right SEO firm for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when so many of the SEO experts are not even trained in all aspects of search engine optimisation. Fortunately, the SEO experts at Lionheart Marketing are different. Whether you need to improve your site’s domain authority or need a solid position on the SERPs, we are equipped to do it all for you. Not sure what you need? That’s fine, too. We can help you. Get in touch with our team to start optimising your web presence today.