Choosing an SEO company to partner with can feel a bit like dating. You want to find someone who understands your needs, aligns with your goals, and is capable of delivering what they promise. But unlike dating, where a few bad dates can make for good stories, partnering with the wrong SEO company can cost you time, money, and potentially your online reputation.
In this post, I'll walk you through some crucial questions to ask any SEO company before signing on the dotted line. These questions will help ensure you're investing in a partnership that will truly benefit your business. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive in!
What is Your Experience in My Industry?
Not all industries are created equal, especially when it comes to SEO. The strategies that work for a tech startup might not fly for a local bakery. So, it's essential to find out if the SEO company has experience in your specific industry.
Ask them about past and current clients in your field. Have they worked with businesses similar to yours? What were the outcomes? An SEO company that's familiar with the nuances of your industry is more likely to understand the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. They might also have established relationships with key players and influencers within your niche, which can be a bonus.
Don't hesitate to request case studies or examples of previous work. This not only shows their ability to adapt to different industries but also helps you to gauge the results they've achieved. Remember, their past success can be a good indicator of what they might accomplish for you.
Can You Provide Examples of Successful Campaigns?
Speaking of success, let’s talk about results. You should ask for specific examples of campaigns they've managed that had a positive outcome. This gives you concrete evidence of their capabilities.
Look for metrics like increased organic traffic, improved rankings for competitive keywords, or enhanced conversion rates. If they can show you tangible results, it’s a good sign they know what they’re doing.
But numbers alone aren’t enough. Ask them to explain the strategies they used to achieve those results. This will give you insight into their SEO methodology and whether it aligns with your own business philosophy. Also, make sure those examples are recent. SEO is an ever-changing field, and a strategy that worked five years ago might not be effective today.
What SEO Techniques Do You Use?
SEO techniques can be broadly categorized into white hat, black hat, and, sometimes, gray hat. White hat techniques are ethical and adhere to search engine guidelines, while black hat techniques are risky and can lead to penalties from search engines.
It’s critical to ensure that the SEO company uses ethical, white hat techniques. Ask them to detail their approach to on-page and off-page SEO. This includes their strategy for keyword research, link building, content creation, and technical SEO. You want to make sure their methods are transparent and aimed at building long-term success.
Beware of companies that promise quick results. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Quick fixes often involve risky techniques that might yield short-term benefits but can have serious long-term consequences.
How Do You Measure Success?
Success in SEO can be measured in various ways. Before signing a contract, you need to know how the company measures success and whether those metrics align with your business goals.
Some common metrics include:
- Increased organic traffic
- Higher keyword rankings
- Improved conversion rates
- Lower bounce rates
- Enhanced user engagement
Make sure they’re focused on outcomes that matter to you. For example, if your primary goal is to increase sales, then higher conversion rates should be a key metric. On the other hand, if you’re aiming to boost brand awareness, then traffic and engagement might be more relevant.
Ask how often they’ll report progress and what tools they use to track these metrics. Regular, transparent reporting is crucial in keeping you informed and involved in the process.
How Will You Customize Your Strategy for My Business?
No two businesses are the same, and your SEO strategy should reflect that. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, so it’s important to find out how the company plans to tailor their strategy to suit your specific needs.
Ask them to provide a high-level overview of how they would approach your SEO campaign. What unique strategies would they implement for your business? How would they address your specific challenges and objectives?
Personalization is key in SEO. Companies that are willing to take the time to understand your business, industry, and target audience are more likely to create a strategy that drives real results.
What is Your Pricing Model?
Understanding the pricing structure is crucial before entering any business partnership. SEO companies can charge in several ways, such as hourly rates, monthly retainers, or project-based fees.
It’s important to understand what you’re getting for your money. Ask for a breakdown of the services included in each pricing tier. Are there any additional costs you should be aware of? Transparency is key here. You don’t want to be hit with unexpected charges down the line.
Also, be cautious of pricing that seems too good to be true. High-quality SEO requires significant time and resources, so extremely low prices might indicate subpar service or unethical practices.
How Do You Stay Updated with SEO Trends?
SEO is a dynamic field, with algorithms and best practices constantly evolving. An SEO company that doesn’t stay updated is unlikely to deliver the best results.
Ask how they keep their team informed about the latest developments in SEO. Do they attend industry conferences? Participate in webinars? Follow leading SEO blogs and publications? A company that prioritizes continuous learning is more likely to adapt to changes quickly and maintain a competitive edge.
You might also want to ask about their approach to testing and innovation. Are they willing to experiment with new strategies and tools, or do they stick to tried-and-true methods?
Who Will Be Working on My Account?
When you sign with an SEO company, you’re not just hiring a brand; you’re hiring people. It’s important to know who will be handling your account and their level of expertise.
Ask to meet the team members who will be working on your campaign. What are their backgrounds and areas of expertise? How experienced are they in SEO? You want to ensure that knowledgeable and skilled professionals are managing your account.
Additionally, inquire about their workload. Do they have enough time and resources to dedicate to your campaign? A team that’s stretched too thin might not be able to give your business the attention it deserves.
Can You Guarantee Specific Results?
This question is somewhat of a trick, as no legitimate SEO company should guarantee specific results. Search engines are unpredictable, and factors beyond anyone’s control can influence rankings and traffic.
Be wary of companies that promise to get you to the number one spot on Google. SEO should be about consistent growth and improving your online presence, not chasing unattainable guarantees.
Instead of looking for guarantees, focus on the company’s ability to set realistic goals and their track record of achieving them. An honest SEO company will be upfront about the challenges and uncertainties involved in the process.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right SEO partner is a crucial decision that can significantly influence your business's online presence. By asking the right questions, you can better gauge whether a potential partner is a good fit for your needs and goals.
Speaking from personal experience, Pattern can make a real difference in achieving your SEO goals. Unlike many agencies that focus solely on rankings, we care about tangible results — turning traffic into paying customers. Our approach involves creating programmatic landing pages that target a wide array of search terms, ensuring your brand is found by more people ready to buy. We also specialize in crafting conversion-focused content that doesn't just attract visitors but converts them into customers. As former in-house growth leaders, we view SEO through a performance marketing lens, ensuring every dollar invested delivers real ROI. SEO doesn't have to be a guessing game; with Pattern, it becomes a strategic growth channel that drives sales and lowers customer acquisition costs.