If you have chosen to invest in search engine optimisation then you already understand how it can help to grow your business, but what should you expect from an SEO agency?
While each agency is different and the services offered will vary, it’s important to understand what you should expect as an industry standard. Choosing the right SEO agency can be tricky, so here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind as you evaluate different agencies and make your decision.
Time set aside to learn about your company and its goals
Effective search engine optimisation requires a thorough understanding of a client’s business, their target audience, and their goals. Prior to initiating any campaign, it is crucial for an SEO agency to gather this information through meetings and discussions with the client. Without a comprehensive understanding of these key elements, it is impossible to develop a targeted and effective SEO strategy that will deliver a strong return on investment. Any professional and knowledgeable SEO agency will prioritise gathering this information and use it to craft a strategy that aligns with your objectives.
Good research and website audits
Research forms the basis for a strong SEO campaign. Before planning a route forward, it’s important to properly understand the client’s current position so you can map out an effective strategy to achieve their goals.
A logical place to start is the website itself. An SEO audit (which we provide for free) will assess a website against known rankings factors but also looks at current positions in search engines, analyses competitor activities and assesses audience and market trends. By carrying this out, an SEO agency is able to quickly build a picture of the website’s strengths and weaknesses and what’s needed to meet objectives.
Audits and research reports come in many shapes and sizes but our approach is research heavy. As SEO is a long-term strategy, it’s important to get the early stages correct. Audits can consist of basic checks for barriers that might stop your website from indexing. However, there are multiple things that can hinder rankings or prevent indexing, such as content structure or technical issues.
Competitor analysis is essential during the research stage because, ultimately, you only need to be better than the competition to achieve good rankings. In some industries the competition levels are very high whereas in others it’s not as fierce, so easier and faster to gain rankings. Competition levels vary across specific keywords too. In essence, SEO has a lot to do with how well you compare to competitors as a search engine wants to deliver its users the best information, content and experience possible for a given search.
Transparency
Effective communication with your SEO agency is essential for the success of your campaign. It is important to work with a team that is transparent and upfront about their approach, and that keeps you informed about the tasks they are performing and any changes to the strategy that may be necessary. As with any marketing effort, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to SEO, and it is important to be proactive in adjusting the strategy as needed to achieve the best possible results.
In contrast, many people look at SEO with suspicion and some even refer to it as the “dark arts”! Over the years, bad actors within the SEO industry have given the practice a bad reputation. Whether it’s through using black hat techniques or cowboy agencies ripping people off, there’s plenty of reasons to be worried about an agency that isn’t being transparent.
Reporting and site monitoring
Effective SEO campaigns require constant monitoring and analysis to track progress and identify areas for improvement. This includes monitoring site traffic and key metrics such as sales and leads, using tools such as Google Analytics. Regular reporting and analysis of these metrics allows both the client and the SEO team to understand the effectiveness of the campaign and make informed decisions about future direction.
We believe in the importance of providing clients with clear, comprehensive monthly reports that outline the results of the campaign and offer insights and explanations for any changes. It is also essential to maintain open communication with the client, allowing them to share any relevant insights or feedback that may impact the campaign. By fostering a collaborative approach and staying attuned to the client’s needs and goals, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for the campaign.
Good results!
Most likely, your reasons for hiring an SEO agency are to improve your website’s traffic, leads, or sales. While SEO can be highly effective in achieving these goals, it is important to understand that it is a long-term strategy and that results may not be immediate. Any reputable SEO agency will be upfront about this and will never promise instant results. Be wary of agencies that make such claims, as they may be using spammy or unethical tactics that could ultimately harm your website’s ranking in the long run. When making your assessment, it is also important to note that it is difficult to guarantee specific results due to the many variables at play, including changes to search algorithms and the competitive landscape. However, if your agency has a proven track record and you are consistently seeing positive improvements, then you’re definitely on the right track.
How much does good SEO cost?
The cost of SEO can vary based on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your website, the competitiveness of your industry, and your desired timeline for results. It is important to understand that SEO is a long-term strategy and it may take several months before you see a significant increase in traffic and conversions. It is also helpful to keep in mind that the benefits of SEO are compounded over time, meaning that as you improve your ranking, your traffic and conversions should continue to increase. When considering the cost of SEO, it is always a good idea to speak with multiple agencies and get quotes to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best, so be sure to thoroughly understand what is included in the price.
We like to be completely transparent with our pricing which is available in our downloadable brochure.
Are you trying to find a great SEO Agency?
If you are seeking a reputable and effective SEO agency to help improve your online visibility, leads or sales, we encourage you to consider our team at Herdl. Our experienced professionals have a track record of success in helping businesses like yours achieve their SEO goals and rank for important keywords. We are confident in our ability to deliver results and would be happy to discuss how we can assist your business. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email to learn more.