You are here because you need help in finding the pros and cons of hiring a SEO agency to take care of your marketing plan. But why do we need to find a good agency?
With an exponential demand for online products and services, every business is in a quest to find the best SEO agency. However, there is no ‘best’ agency.
It is simply a matter of finding the agency which suits your requirements the best. Different agencies have different areas of expertise, and each one has a strategy of their own.
If you think that only 37% of online business have already claimed their local listing on Google, and if you act now, you will have a big chance to be seen by your customers in local places. Of course you can beat the competition by improving your ranking in local search.
In such a scenario, how can one determine if a SEO agency is right for their business?
How can you ensure that you have entrusted the responsibility of driving quality in the right hands?
Let us understand the prerequisites of choosing a SEO agency in brief.
Some of the important factors involved in selecting an agency are as follows:
1. Area of Expertise
Some SEO companies work in a particular line of business, for instance, restaurants.
This lends them an added advantage when dealing with similar clients.
If not, you can look at all the services that they offer and what kind of work they’ve undertaken.
You can get these details primarily from their website, or else simply ask them for their portfolio. Awards and certifications in particular areas are good indicators that their work is commendable.
An internet marketing agency might also offer you more than just successful SEO services. It is always a good practice to know your company well for a symbiotic relationship.
2. Reviews and References
Every company tends to highlight only their achievements and positives. However, reading reviews by clients can help you get a fair idea regarding their work.
You can find these reviews on popular websites such as Google and Facebook, or websites like DesignRush, Clutch, Up City which are more specifically into digital marketing.
Alternatively, you can also ask your contacts for references if they’ve witnessed positive results after engaging with a particular agency.
3. The Team and Ethics
The top SEO agency always excels because of professionals with strong technical expertise and ethics.
The SEO companies which has the best team onboard will always make it a point to highlight the efforts of their team members.
You can also do a small background check on these team members by reading their profiles on websites like LinkedIn.
The structure of a company plays a key role in determining how your ideas will be communicated and the level of attention they pay to each client.
A team that focuses on ethical integrity will always work towards achieving results that are beneficial to both parties and aligns with a client’s business goals.
4. Their Online Presence
You can follow the agency on social media platforms to understand their tone and the quality of their work.
Social media also dishes out a platform where clients and businesses can interact.
You can understand their knowledge and ethics through such interaction.
Generally, agencies provide a short glimpse of their upcoming work or accomplishments which can help you review their work and skillset.
You can also check the work that they’re up to and the areas they are addressing with high priority.
5. Pricing Plan
A top agency will always breakdown the entire cost for you and justify each segment adequately. In the digital marketing industry, creativity is the key essence of success.
A team which builds its own strategies and invests in building ideas might quote you a higher price but provide definite returns.
You can always ask questions if you’re not satisfied with the justifications before you sign the final contract and are under obligations to pay.
One must put in sincere efforts when it comes to selecting the best SEO agency as these initial efforts will reap continual benefits over time.
