f you want to boost your website’s ranking, you may want to enlist the help of a great SEO agency. However, it can be difficult to find a company with the skills and experience you need. Many of them make promises they simply can’t keep while others are complete scams. Before signing on with an SEO agency, it’s always better to do some research. Here are eight signs of a great SEO agency.
Transparency
Look for an agency willing to give you the hard truths. For example, if you have an ineffective optimisation strategy in mind, your SEO agency should be willing to guide you in the right direction. They should also be able to give you detailed information about the strategies they’re using on your behalf. If they’re reticent about sharing their methods, be cautious.
SEO should not be shrouded in mystery. More often than not, if they refuse to show you exactly what they’re doing and are unwilling to give you reports, they’re either using methods that are obsolete or simply sketchy. This is not something to be taken lightly since bad SEO could ultimately hurt your rankings or even have you completely deindexed.
High-Quality Client List
You may not be able to find your SEO agency’s client list with a simple Google search. Many companies prefer to keep this information private. If you ask a potential agency, however, they should be willing to give you references. A good SEO agency builds strong business partnerships, which results in stellar recommendations. If you can’t find anyone willing to endorse an SEO agency, steer clear. But if they’re willing to give recommendations and have tons of positive reviews, then that’s a definite good sign.
The Google Search Test
When you choose an SEO agency, you should avoid agencies that have low Google rankings. If they can’t even get their own business to rank highly on search engines, they won’t be of much use to you. To find the best agencies in your area, simply Google, “SEO Agency + Your Location.” Investigate the first pages, and if the firm you’re thinking about is not there, that should send a red flag. For example, “SEO agency London” will bring you to pages such as https://www.lexel.co.uk/seo-services-london.html. Upon visiting the website, you can then explore their case work and reviews to evaluate whether they’re the right company for you.
Be Realistic
You don’t want an SEO agency that leaves you with inflated expectations. If they oversell their abilities, you may end up spending too much on inadequate SEO strategies. Instead, search for SEO agencies willing to give you a realistic timeline and set realistic goals. Choosing a responsible agency will give you better results in the long run and it’s often more affordable. Be suspicious of SEO agencies who promise too much too fast, and look for agencies who don’t sell you on untenable prospects and timelines. It’s better to find an agency that offers you facts and figures than one who only offers you tempting promises.
Contracts
Some SEO agencies use long-term contracts to lock clients into deals that won’t benefit them. These types of contracts aren’t always a deal breaker, but if an agency tries to sign you on for 24 months right off the bat, something might be amiss. If you end up signing a contract for a year or more, make sure you’re comfortable with every last detail. If you aren’t satisfied with your SEO service, you don’t want to be tied to them for years.
Previous Campaigns
A great SEO agency will be able to give you plenty of information about their previous campaigns. Ask for hard data that shows they can elevate their clients to top rankings, even in competitive niches. If an SEO agency has only run successful campaigns with obscure terms, they may not be of great help to you.
Industry Plaudits
If an SEO agency has the respect of its peers, you can usually count on it to deliver solid results. Before choosing an agency, do some Internet sleuthing. If an agency receives positive attention from industry bloggers, they’re probably a safe bet.
Be Wary of Great Sales
When an SEO agency is offering you a heavily discounted price for their services, it can be tempting to say yes. Sales aren’t usually a great sign, however. They often mean that an SEO company doesn’t offer professional calibre work. Top agencies know their value and charge accordingly. This doesn’t mean you have to choose the priciest agency in your area. When you go into a meeting with a potential SEO agency, however, come armed with information. Research the standard local rates. If an agency deviates too far from the norm, it’s probably because they offer substandard services.
Don’t choose the first SEO agency you find. Instead, look for one that has built a respectable reputation due to its great customer service, SEO skills, and successful campaigns. With a little research, you should be able to find the right SEO firm for your needs.
