Wondering how to find an SEO company to help your business grow? Search engine optimization is a valuable strategy that delivers long-term results. No matter how the economy changes, investing in SEO ensures a steady stream of website traffic that you can convert into paying customers.

The important thing to remember is that not all SEO companies are created equal. You want to invest your money, time, and resources working with a company that will maximize your potential visibility in search results.

With that in mind, here’s how to find an SEO company that’s right for your business.

Understanding SEO and Its Benefits

Search engine optimization, commonly known as SEO, is a set of techniques aimed at enhancing the visibility of a website in search engines. A well-executed SEO strategy can lead to increased website traffic, brand awareness, and, ultimately, higher sales and revenue.

The objective of SEO is to position your website more prominently in organic search results. When potential customers search for products or services relevant to your business, your website stands a better chance of appearing at the top of those search results, boosting your online visibility.

Identifying Your SEO Goals

To find the right SEO agency, start by setting clear SEO goals that align with your small business objectives. For instance, if you are looking to increase online sales, then your SEO goal might be to improve e-commerce traffic and conversion rates. 

This clarity will not only help in communicating your expectations to the SEO agency but also ensure that they strategize accordingly to meet those specific business goals. With well-defined goals, you’ll have measurable benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of your SEO investments.

Qualities of a Reputable SEO Company

Anyone can set up a website and call themselves an “SEO expert.” But only some have the skills, expertise, and experience to really help your business grow through SEO.

Focus your search on SEO companies that can actually drive results. Here are a few key things to look out for when evaluating SEO company websites:

Proven Track Record and Case Studies

To determine whether an agency is “proven,” look for case studies published on their website that showcase their success stories. These narratives should detail how the company’s actions have led to tangible improvements in traffic, rankings, and conversions. 

A good SEO company will be proud to display their results and will use analytics to demonstrate the effective strategies they’ve employed. Review these case studies critically, checking for statistical evidence and client companies you may recognize as leaders in their respective industries.

Industry Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

Specialized knowledge in SEO can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your campaign. It’s crucial to choose an SEO company that also understands the nuances of your industry and has a track record of delivering results in your specific niche. Whether it’s Bing optimization, local SEO, e-commerce, or B2B lead generation, the right company should bring deep expertise and deliver strategies tailored to your unique market demands.

Many SEO companies claim they can handle any kind of task. But in reality, most will specialize in offering certain types of SEO services. You need to know how to find an SEO company that has expertise in the areas that matter most to your business.

For example, some businesses are interested in targeting Bing search. It could be a lucrative strategy: Bing holds over 15% of the search engine market share for US-based desktop devices.

Most SEO companies don’t offer Bing optimization as a specific service. So if Bing is important to your strategy, work with a company that specializes in this SEO approach.

Other examples of specialties that might be important to your business include local SEO and voice search optimization (for location-based businesses). Or if you’re planning to use SEO and PPC in unison, you should work with an SEO company that can help you manage both.

Ethical SEO Practices and White-Hat Techniques

When exploring how to find an SEO company, consider their ethical stance and the techniques they rely on. Ethical SEO practices, also known as white-hat techniques, adhere to search engine guidelines and focus on creating a positive user experience while building organic search engine rankings. 

Unethical or black-hat SEO can lead to penalties and damage your site’s reputation. The company you choose should be transparent about its practices and use above-board strategies to help you achieve your goals.

Effective search engine optimization involves a lot of interrelated tasks, such as improving your website, content, and keyword strategy. Site speed and mobile optimization have a huge impact on search rank. Your SEO company can help you make these adjustments. The same goes for targeting other rank factors, like backlinks. A reputable SEO agency will assist you with all aspects of SEO, on-page, and off-page.

You might be interested in: Master Off-Page SEO Strategies for Unrivalled Online Success 

Transparency in Reporting and Communication

A reliable SEO company should demonstrate their commitment to transparency by plainly explaining their strategies and providing comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand, reports. Regular updates and the ability to translate technical SEO jargon into business insights are imperative for a productive partnership.

Clear Understanding of SEO Metrics and KPIs

The SEO company you work with will rely on their analytics to make important strategic decisions for your business. If their metrics don’t paint a complete picture of performance, their strategy will be less than optimal.

Make sure you engage with your prospective SEO company about what kind of key performance indicators (KPIs) they use to evaluate your program’s performance. Some important metrics include traffic volume, CTR, impression share, and more.

Also, ask them if they follow any other performance metrics besides the most basic options. This will help illustrate their understanding of the complexities of ranking in Google search results. For example, you can now track performance in Discover, an AI-driven recommendation engine that ranks content without keywords.

Paying attention to all relevant metrics can help your SEO company find unique opportunities to improve your strategy.

Ongoing Learning and Adaptability

SEO is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, with search engines like Google frequently updating their algorithms. A company that demonstrates ongoing learning and adaptability is better poised to adjust strategies in response to these changes, ensuring that your website remains competitive. 

The best SEO firms invest in training and remain at the forefront of industry research, so they’re always equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and tools to handle new challenges.

Researching Potential SEO Companies

When you’re ready to start researching potential SEO companies, strategies such as analysis of their online presence, market reputation, and case study examination can help you create a shortlist of strong candidates. It’s a good idea to use a mix of online research, peer referrals, and professional networks to compile a list of potential partners.

Starting Your Search Online

For an effective online search for potential SEO companies, start by using search engines to identify high-ranking agencies with strong domain authority. You can also explore professional networks such as LinkedIn to see endorsements and affiliations, which can provide insight into the reputation and credibility of the company.

Checking Online Reviews and Testimonials

To assess the credibility of SEO agencies, it’s important to read through online reviews and testimonials. Client feedback available on platforms such as Google My Business, industry forums, and social media can provide valuable insights into the experiences other businesses have had with the agency.

Examining Agency Portfolios and Client Lists

Reviewing an agency’s portfolio and its client list is a pivotal step in the selection process. An impressive portfolio demonstrates the breadth of their experience and provides tangible evidence of their capability to deliver results. By looking at their past projects, you’ll get a peek into their creativity, strategy, and success in their past campaigns.

Also, if the agency has worked with a variety of clients (make sure the list includes businesses similar to yours), it’s proof of their versatility, showing that they have the relevant industry experience to understand and meet your specific needs.

Looking at Agency Certifications and Partnerships

Certifications and partnerships are marks of legitimacy in the SEO world. They show that an agency has met certain standards of knowledge and practice deemed essential by reputable industry authorities. 

Certifications from platforms like Google Analytics, Bing Ads, or HubSpot reveal that an agency is updated with platform-specific best practices. Partnerships, such as being a Google Partner, imply that the agency has a direct line to the latest tools and support from search engines, which can give you an advantage with your SEO strategy.

Utilizing Referrals and Professional Recommendations

Referrals and professional recommendations are some of the most credible sources of information when searching for a reputable SEO company. Getting firsthand accounts from peer businesses, friends, or colleagues can narrow down your search with trustworthy options that provide more peace of mind than relying on online reviews alone. Ask the professionals in your network if they can recommend an SEO agency that they’ve had a positive experience with. 

Social Media Presence and Thought Leadership

An SEO company’s social media presence and thought leadership activities often reflect its expertise and authority in the field. Companies that are active on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry blogs, and participate in webinars or conferences, are usually well-informed and influential. 

Content that demonstrates thought leadership, such as insightful articles, case studies, and research reports can also show an agency’s depth of knowledge and commitment to advancing SEO practices. When an SEO company is recognized as a thought leader, it’s a strong indication that they are respected by peers and clients, and they stay at the cutting edge of industry trends and changes.

Vetting SEO Agencies

Finding an SEO company that fits your business involves a critical assessment of services, reputation, and credibility. A comprehensive consultation should enable the company to explain why they are the right fit for your needs and what specific SEO strategies they will deploy. It’s also the right time to ask crucial questions about their team, communication style, reporting protocols, and case studies of successful projects that align with your goals.

Questions to Ask an SEO Company

When meeting with prospective SEO companies, it’s important to ask specific questions that will provide you with insight into their expertise and alignment with your business goals. Here are 10 questions to ask during the consultation phase.

1. How do you perform keyword research and select the best keywords for my industry?
2. Can you describe your approach to building high-quality backlinks?
3. Do you have experience with businesses in my field, and can you provide case studies?
4. How do you stay updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes?
5. What metrics and KPIs do you use to track and report SEO performance?
6. What is your content development strategy, and how does it support SEO?
7. How do you incorporate local SEO into your overall strategy, if applicable?
8. Can you outline your strategy for technical SEO and on-page optimizations?
9. What communication methods do you use, and who will be my main point of contact?
10. What are your terms of service, including payment structure and contract obligations?

Making Your Decision

When choosing an SEO agency, carefully consider if they can provide value that matches your budget and goals. Ensure they demonstrate a clear understanding of your industry, have a track record of success, and commit to transparent and regular communication.

Partnership with an SEO Company: The Next Steps

Once you have selected an SEO partner, it’s crucial to engage in clear communication regarding your goals and expectations. Set up some initial meetings to get on the same page about strategies and timelines, and be prepared for an in-depth analysis of your current SEO performance. 

As you start your SEO work, you’ll build a collaborative relationship with your chosen company, providing them with necessary information and insights about your business while regularly reviewing progress against your goals.

Embark on Your SEO Journey

Digital marketing doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the tips shared here, you can easily find an SEO company that’ll handle the complexities of search engine optimization for you. Take the next step towards amplifying your business’s online footprint! 

Get more out of your marketing investments by selecting a good SEO agency that’s the perfect fit for your needs. Book a free, no-obligation call with us!

Suggested Reads: 

• Understanding the Role SEO Plays in the Sales Funnel
• Optimize Your Website for SEO Using a Professional Agency
• What is Technical SEO & What Should You Know About It?