How to get the best out of an SEO agency?
> SEO can seem like a mystical science.
A lot of that is attributed to the fact that Google have never officially released the best way to get top rankings on their search engine.
Back in the early days Matt Cutt’s blog was the closest Google got to instructing us to how to get top rankings.
Matt an employee for Google was allowed to debunk some myths and provide useful guidance. We’d listen to his every word.
In this article I give valuable insights to help you navigate this mystical science and make sure you are getting the best out of an SEO agency .
> The SEO area is full of cowboys – it is the wild west out there.
Even with Matt Cutt’s words of wisdom there were still a lot of grey areas, a lot of debate and all too often rogue SEO experts or SEO agencies, how shall we put it, ‘elaborated on the truth’ and made up a lot of nonsense and sold it.
Even today I speak to SEO “experts” and they tell me tips about SEO that are so far from being right, it’s incredible.
Just recently, and SEO expert told me that back links to a website was not important for SEO. I can confirm they are but in some cases where the competition is low for a keyword they are less important!
> Do a gut check
Performing a gut check is crucial when evaluating a potential business partner. If something seems too good to be true or if there are any red or yellow flags, it’s important to trust your instincts and investigate further. Validate your concerns by asking hard questions and don’t proceed if things don’t feel right. This is a warning sign and should prompt you to pause and dig deeper.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should immediately run away from the opportunity. Being the first client in your niche or industry for a new agency can be a great experience, provided that there is transparency, a thorough research approach, and a willingness to take risks. In some cases, going with someone fresh can be more beneficial than sticking with the cookie-cutter strategy that everyone else in the industry uses.
> Basically, here are a few of tips when buying SEO services:
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Check anything that doesn’t sound right on Semrush.com, Ahrefs.com or Backlinko.com. These are three credible sources. Steer clear of any provider who provides incorrect info.
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Don’t enter into any long-term contracts with SEO companies until you’ve at least seen them deliver some results
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If they promise results quickly, be very suspicious
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Make sure you have a clear list of inputs they are going to provide and outputs/targets. All too often they just provide shiny reports each month, that are worthless.
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White-hat SEO strategies will be used by genuine SEO agency. They will be happy to be 100% transparent in how they are optimising search terms on Google for your website.
> Why is SEO so important?
SEO, or search engine optimisation, is the practice of increasing both the quality and quantity of website traffic, as well as exposure to your brand, through non-paid (also known as “organic”) search engine results.
It’s about understanding what people are searching for online, the answers they are seeking, the words they’re using, and the type of content they wish to consume. Knowing the answers to these questions will allow you to connect to the people who are searching online for the solutions you offer.
Getting top rankings on Google is invaluable to a lot of businesses. It’s just the same as having property on a valuable plot of land. Getting a top ranking on Google can be worth millions to a business in terms of generating sales.
Also, the alternative option is to pay to get top on Google using Google Ads – this does work but in many cases is over the longer run a lot more expensive than getting a top ranking through SEO. By investing in SEO, you can improve your website’s visibility and attract more organic traffic, which can lead to more sales and revenue in the long run.
> How can I help with your SEO?
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I have worked on a large number of SEO projects and can SEO optimise your site for you.
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For some more challenging SEO jobs I may suggest getting an SEO specialist who I can work with to develop the right SEO strategy.
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I can review the SEO work done on your website and suggest improvements.
I can work with your SEO specialist to challenge and manage their SEO action plan to take it up a level or two and make sure you are getting the best results & improving your SERP rankings.
> What is my favourite example of how SEO helped a business?
Back in 2005, I met with the MD of Genesysro.com, a small but innovate business selling specialist chemicals mainly to water filtration plants right across the globe.
Up until this point, they’d never had a lead from their website, and this was the MD’s number priority – fixing the website and getting leads.
I worked with the MD to put together solution – and we designed, search engine optimised, and build the website in English and Spanish. Within 3 months they started to get leads, almost to the MDs surprise.
In the next 14 years they received over 10,000 business leads from around the globe, each one worth more than potentially a £100k.
The business sold for $18m in 2019, a big part thanks to the SEO results,.