We live in a day and age, where you simply can’t turn a deaf ear to the World Wide Web. Its potential in helping a business grow is immense. And, at the base of it all is Search Engine Optimization better known as SEO. It’s what makes your small business visible among the crowd.
Now if you know the ropes, SEO is a cakewalk. However, if you don’t, you will need some professional help. This is where an SEO company steps in. A good firm will manage all your online marketing practices while you invest your time, money and effort in other core tasks.
The main question is what makes the best SEO company. We’ve discussed 6 characteristics to look for.
References –
Are people recommending the firm you have on your list? An SEO company that has past customers vouching for its services is a sure sign that have delivered to expectation. Besides, a reliable company wouldn’t hesitate to show previously completed projects.
Past work also serves as a great way to get an idea of how the company plans its strategies and executes it to achieve the desired results.
Business needs –
SEO is an umbrella term for a range of services. It includes link building, monitoring and removal, content creation and marketing, online PR, reputation management, PPC management, web development and design, keyword research, SEO audit and analysis etc.
Not all SEO companies offer all these services. The services you need depend on your goal. Do you want to generate more traffic, higher rankings, or more sales or more leads? To add, will a generalist firm do or do you prefer one that associates exclusively with your industry?
Experience and upgradation –
The number of years in the industry does speak for a lot of things. It simply tells you that this company has been able to deal with a range of clients successfully.
But as much as experience matters, being up-to-date is also important. With Google changing its algorithms constantly, getting your SEO techniques right can often get tough.
Don’t settle for the first one –
If you look for SEO companies on Google, you will find a dozen. The first thing you can do is filter your search locally.
Consult a number of SEO firms to check if they offer the services you are looking for; to judge if they understand your unique needs and are able to come up with a suitable solution. You will get to know the attitude of the people you will be working with. It is also an opportunity to get different price points particularly if you are looking at a long term SEO relationship and not just a one-time audit.
Scalability
The best SEO company is one that expands as your business grows to accommodate its growing needs. The package offered to you should not be a standard plan applied to every second business; it should be tailored to your needs and budget.
Budget
You want the best. But it does not make sense if it will burn a hole in your pocket. Choose a quality, comprehensive plan at an affordable budget. The best measure is to weigh the cost against the value of the service. Is it worth it?
Finally, choose a company that really values its customers and delivers on its promises. Make sure you are not paying for fraudulent SEO techniques; you want it to be 100% legitimate.
