Choosing An Seo Company
Something a lot of businesses struggle with is choosing an SEO company. Usually they have little-to-no idea of how search engines rank websites and may even have a underlying belief that SEO is a scam. However, once they notice that their site is not ranking in Google, but their competitor’s sites are, they know they need to do something about it.
But how do you choose an SEO company? Especially when it seems like everyday there’s a new one popping up, often run by one person from a home office. Do you really think a one man show can run a business, stay up to date with SEO and service a number of clients effectively?
Some businesses turn to their Web Developer, in the mistaken belief that web developers do everything internet related. This is further exacerbated when Web Design Firms notice how many clients are seeking SEO Services, so overnight they decide to offer SEO as a service, even though they have no real experience or expertise. Those dollar signs can be too tempting for them to resist. Unfortunately they often just provide a basic SEO once-over job, neglecting the real in-depth optimisation that makes the difference between results and another person thinking SEO is a scam.
One method a lot of businesses use when selecting an SEO company is to base their decision solely on price. They might ask as many as SEO companies as possible for a quote then simply select the cheapest. Using price as the only factor in your decision is flawed for any purchasing decision, remember, you get what you pay for. Sure you might save a few hundred dollars, but will you get the same level of service, expertise or results? No. Definitely not.
So what are some good ways to help find an SEO company that will have a real effect on your business?
The best referral is probably by word of mouth. If someone is so impressed with the service they are receiving that they are willing to recommend that company, that really says a lot. People will only recommend a company if they are extremely happy with the service – because to some degree, the success or failure of that referral will come back to them. So try asking other successful business owners you know who they use, what kind of results they have had, and if they would recommend their SEO company.
Another way to gauge how successful an SEO company is, is by reviewing their client base. If the SEO company has clients they are proud of, and have had impressive results with, they will likely showcase these clients on their website. Have a browse of the company’s website and checkout who they are servicing.
Want proof of their SEO and marketing prowess? Look for Case Studies. If they aren’t any on their website, ask for some. A good case study can give you an idea of what impact the SEO company can have on a clients business, detailing challenges and how they were overcome.
Want to know exactly what to expect? Want to know who you’re dealing with? Simply call them and have a chat. Are they confident and able to explain the benefits of their services clearly and in plain English? Most people get a feeling one way or the other after speaking to an employee of the company.
In closing I would suggest going with a specialist SEO Company over a one man show or web developer. The reasons are obvious. For one they live and breathe Search Engine Optimisation and Internet Marketing, all day every day, with no interruptions. A Specialist firm stays up to date with the latest search engine algorithm changes and are best placed to advise you on an overall strategy for success online.
