SEO Guides, Tips & More!

When it comes to website and search engine marketing efforts, the time comes when business owners and marketing managers realize they need the assistance of an outside. The catalyst for the search might be sagging metrics, lack of website conversions or feeling the website could and should be doing more for the company or firm. When the search for a SEO agency starts, the process can be overwhelming because there are dozens and dozens of companies that offer such services. The interesting part is that some agencies recommend and provide services that focus on organic SEO while others utilize paid optimization (pay-per-click PPC) as their main approach. While both methods have their value, it’s difficult for an inexperienced business owner or marketing manager to know where to start. While FlashPoint Marketing can’t tell you the right strategy for your company, we have provided helpful information including a list of questions to ask prospective agencies below.

What Does a SEO Agency Do?

Depending on the goals of your program, a SEO agency can offer a variety of services that span the spectrum from content review to technical SEO assessments. Most agencies are equipped to assist with a technical review of your content and site structure, provide recommendations on hosting packages, website errors and redirects, content development, keyword planning and research, specific niche expertise and in some cases basic SEO training. In other words, there is a lot they can offer so it’s important to gain a full understanding of what a prospective agency can bring to the table for your company.

Key Questions for Evaluating a SEO Agency

• How long have you been in business?
• Can you provide examples of your work?
• What type of results can I expect to see? What is a reasonable timeline?
• What are your most frequently used SEO techniques?
• Can you share a list of references?
• How can I expect to communicate with you? Will you share with me the changes you make to my website and strategy behind the changes?
• What other services does your firm provide that may help my company reach its goals?
• What is your fee for service? Are there various levels of services?
• Do you provide a complimentary SEO website audit?

Proceed with Caution

It’s important when evaluating SEO agencies to ensure they are using “Google-approved” (for lack of a better term) SEO tactics. There is a term called “black hat SEO” which refers to the use of tactics designed to trick and fool search engines into giving a higher ranking than would otherwise be provided. The Google Search Engine Starter Guide provides several examples of these including shadow domains, doorway pages and link schemes. It’s crucial to realize that using black hat SEO tactics and strategies can get your site banned from search engines. Also, be wary of the company that promises they can make your website rank number one on Google because this is false, and no one can guarantee a number one ranking.

Contact Us

The journey to selecting a SEO agency can be long, but once you find the right agency it will be worth the wait. There are many considerations that need to be made in the selection process and the questions listed above account for only some of the considerations when interviewing and making your choice. If you have questions about hiring a SEO agency or have other questions about SEO or SEM, please call us at 954-621-8080 or click here to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you soon.