In a relatively short period of time, SEO has become part and parcel of every business development strategy. Professional search engine optimisation is now widely regarded a worthwhile investment, since a well-implemented SEO strategy has been proven to boost web traffic and conversions. However, SEO techniques are constantly evolving, so some business owners find it difficult to navigate their way around the latest strategies in this field. If you are considering using the services of an SEO expert, you will want to ask the right questions to ensure the best results. Here's a selection of the top questions to ask when choosing an SEO firm.
Although there are established standards, SEO techniques are far from generic. A good SEO consultant should assess your website and its performance, identify areas for improvement, and suggest specific techniques as well as an overall action plan. Beware of blanket statements like "I will improve your site's ranking".
An established SEO company will employ experienced copywriters who can optimise your site's content to improve search engine crawling, indexing and ultimately achieve better rankings. However, you should be made aware of any content or code changes needed, and the rationale behind those changes should be clearly outlined.
Experienced SEO consultants know the value of off-site techniques, such as creating and maintaining a social media presence, high-quality link building, blog creation, social bookmarking, and business reviews.
Industry-specific experience matters when it comes to digital marketing, and similarly, businesses should not underestimate the importance of ranking well in local searches. For instance, if your target market is in the capital, then it makes sense to look for an SEO expert with London based case studies, which outline quantitative results and includes clients' testimonials.
Check the testimonials page of an SEO agency and don't hesitate to ask for references that can be cross-checked.
Make sure you are presented with solid short and long-term plans that include regular monitoring and evaluation as per the best SEO practices. It is also key to check that your chosen SEO company has expertise in the Analytics tool your company uses. This will ensure that SEO objectives and results can be included within your overall financial statistics.
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I am a digital marketing professional with over 25 years’ experience in the sector and a passion for the internet industry. I build and implement online marketing strategies and campaigns to achieve my clients’ goals across a wide variety of sectors. As a marketing leader, I use my expertise in search, content, social and lead generation strategies to consistently improve and shape commercial success that drive growth, engagement and business development.
