A study claims that over 25% of Google users click the first search result, while the second search result received a little more than 15%. Moreover, 90% of users don’t go beyond the first page of Google search results. Given this, companies compete to be one of the top search results in the search engine, and the practice of improving your rank on search engines is known as search engine optimization (SEO).
In a world where digital marketing is aggressively on the rise, businesses that don’t adapt and invest in the right resources run the risk of sinking under the sea of competition. This increased demand for specialists that can help improve a business’ visibility has created a whole new industry – SEO companies.
SEO companies partner up with businesses to boost their rankings in search engines. A higher rank means more site traffic, which could potentially lead to more revenue. Choosing the right SEO company has major repercussions on a business, and if you’re looking to find the right partner, here are a few key questions that you must first consider.
Do you really need to hire an SEO company?
Nowadays, when a customer isn’t sure where to acquire certain goods or services, their first instinct is to do an internet search. Going by this, any company that doesn’t invest in SEO will find themselves at a disadvantage. Think of the price you pay for SEO as the digital equivalent of the slotting fee a manufacturer pays to supermarkets to get the best shelf space. The end goal is to make your business more visible. Customers won’t patronize your business if they don’t even know it exists.
Some businesses may assume that there is no need to outsource, but SEO isn’t simply a one-time process. Search engine algorithms are constantly changing, and thus SEO requires constant modification and a deep understanding of how different search engines work and evolve. To be done effectively, it requires a full-time specialist. Partnering with someone like Kansas City SEO Company allows you to focus on running your business and gives you access to experts who can lead you in the right direction.
How is their track record?
Like any other service, a good way to tell if they’re doing their job right is to check feedback from previous clients. Get in touch with their current and former clients and glean as much information as possible regarding their business practices and work ethic. Note any negative feedback, no matter how minor, so you can have a complete picture of how the company works with their clients.
Besides checking the company’s reputation, it is also wise to do a background check on the employees and the people running the company. Do they have the right educational background? What are their other relevant experiences? While these aren’t the most important, having employees and executives with the right credentials can lend credibility to the company.
What methods do they utilize?
Make sure the company is using legitimate SEO methods. Some companies may be using tactics such as content automation, spamdexing, doorway pages, then they’re not to be trusted. These techniques, known as Black Hat SEO, violate search engine rules and will lead to the demotion of a site’s rankings or a complete blacklisting of the site if discovered.
Research on Black Hat SEO techniques and immediately cross out a business if they mention using any of these methods.
Do their promises seem too good to be true?
To someone unfamiliar with SEO, it’s easy to get carried away when a company makes lofty, abstract promises and uses buzzwords such as increased organic traffic and reduced bounce rate. It is best to familiarize yourself with terms used in SEO and what they mean. This way, you don’t get lost in all the jargon and get tricked into spending your money on a company that can’t deliver.
Are they easy to communicate with?
A good SEO company should be easy to contact. They should be giving you clear and truthful updates, as well as access to the tools they use to measure your Key Performance Index (KPI). Remember that this is a long-term commitment. You’ll need a company that you can trust and is open to communication. If they are difficult to contact and respond late from the get-go, then that’s a red flag.
What are your needs?
Be clear with your desired outcome and what services you require. There are many different ways to do SEO, so make sure you understand the current problems you’re facing with your website and ask them what concrete services they offer in response to these problems. Do you want to boost your rankings on search engines? Do you want to increase your conversion rate? Do you require assistance in building a social media presence or creating content? Companies like Kansas City SEO Company offers more comprehensive services than others, and it is best to know your needs exactly, so you know if they can provide it.
What’s your budget?
You know how competitive the top spot in a search engine is, so expect that services like this don’t come cheap. Do your research on the price range of these services. Non-competitive local service campaigns charge a couple of hundred dollars a month, while more competitive national-level services go up to the thousands. Secure the funds first before beginning your search.
Moving forward
There is no shortage of SEO companies to choose from, especially now where the demand for such services is at an all-time high. Remember that no two SEO companies are the same, but the running theme here is research, research, research. Make sure you’re not going into this completely ignorant of SEO. Be aware of the myths and misconceptions, as well as what services and outcomes are attainable for your budget and time frame. As long as you don’t rush the process and thoroughly assess your options, you’re sure to find the one that will help your business reach its highest potential.
