4 Tips on Choosing an SEO Firm for Small Businesses
SEO is a $40 billion industry.
Why are savvy business owners willing to spend so much on search engine optimization? Simply put, they understand that no one will find their products or services without it.
What about your company? Are you in need of SEO services but you feel overwhelmed by the thought of choosing an SEO firm? Here are four factors that will help you narrow your options for SEO firms.
1. Know Your Business Goals
It’s not enough to say you want to “increase your organic traffic.” Every business wants that, and every SEO firm promises that.
Instead, get specific about your goals. Do you want to rank for a certain keyword and increase sales on a particular product? Do you want to reduce your bounce rate or increase engagement on social media?
Look for an SEO firm that specializes in what you need. For example, this service can help you with your Shopify e-commerce efforts. Other SEO firms may specialize in building new WordPress websites or brand reputation management.
2. Read Customer Reviews
As you consider different firms, consider what current and past customers have to say. Go beyond the testimonials on the company’s website and read reviews on Google, Yelp, or other third-party sites.
Was the firm professional, reliable, and easy to work with? Did they deliver on their promised results? Or do you see red flags such as poor communication, insufficient results, or shady SEO tactics?
3. Ensure They Know How SEO Works
Many people talk about SEO in abstract terms, as if it’s a magical unicorn everyone’s trying to chase. In the real world, SEO is a specific science that involves complicated algorithms and a lot of time and attention to detail.
Beware of any SEO firm that promises instant results or claim to have “special” knowledge of how SEO works. They could be using black hat SEO techniques that will ultimately harm your website, not help it.
4. Ask to See Case Studies
Any reputable SEO firm will be able to provide examples and case studies that prove the value of their services. You probably won’t be able to see the specific name of the company or the website, but you should be able to see tangible results that align with your needs and goals.
For example, if you want to generate more leads, ask to see case studies of similar lead generation sites. If you want to boost your e-commerce business, ask to see examples of clients with a product catalog similar in size to yours.
Remember, traffic and rankings are important, but conversions in the form of leads and sales are the ultimate goal.
Need More Help Choosing an SEO Firm?
Whether you have a lot or a little experience with SEO, choosing an SEO firm can be a challenge. Use the tips outlined above to find a reputable company that will help you reach your SEO goals!
Are you ready to learn more about SEO, technology, business, and other important topics? Stay right here and keep browsing our site!
