93% of online experiences begin with a search in Google or other popular search engines. Implementing the latest and most effective of search engine optimization strategies is the key to popping up in those listings, and in turn, generating traffic and a new potential revenue stream online. Unfortunately, not every business owner knows how to implement smart SEO strategies for themselves. That’s where a professional SEO company comes in.
That being said, choosing a professional SEO company is a lot easier said than done. As the most recent statistics from IBIS World show, there are nearly 5,000 SEO companies throughout the United States. How can you possibly hope to tell the bad SEO firms from the good? These tips are a great place to start.
How to Choose the Best Professional SEO Company for Your Business
- Educate Yourself on What Makes Good SEO Services
- Treat SEO Company Services Like Any Other Prospective Employee
- Pay Attention to Online Reviews
- Look at the Payment Structure
As Local U, an online school that teaches local SEO strategies, writes, the first step to finding a great service is education. You need to read up on the type of services your SEO company should offer to bring you success. Likewise, you need to brush up on “Black Hat SEO,” unethical techniques some services use that can get you banned from search engines if you’re found out.
Too many people make the mistake of jumping into bed with the first SEO service they find, regardless of whether or not they’ve seen proof of ability yet. As Forbes suggests, you first need to interview multiple companies and get their references. From that point, you can compare and contrast, enabling yourself to make the most informed decision possible.
One of the best things about the internet is that it acts as a wealth of opinion on everything from the latest movies to the best businesses. While it’s true that reading through review sites and taking everything you read as gospel can skew an otherwise informed decision making process, with an eye for scrutiny you can tell legitimate, honest reviews from web trolls. Doing that, you can find a company that is known for quality of service offered and outstanding customer service.
Lastly, you should take a look at how much you’re going to pay for a professional SEO company and what every last cent is going to get you. As Inc. points out, many of the best SEO companies will charge you only a percentage of the revenue you earn as a result of their work. Looking for a company with this payment structure ensures they always give their best. After all, their financial well-being is tied to yours.
How did you find the professional SEO company you work with? Share your stories in the comments below!
