Avoid Unscrupulous SEO Providers: Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a foundational element of digital marketing. It’s often the first step businesses take when entering the online space. Unfortunately, the industry is riddled with misconceptions—many fueled by fraudulent SEO companies promising unrealistic results, such as “#1 rankings on Google in just 15 days!”
If you’re not familiar with how SEO works, it’s easy to fall for these deceptive claims. To protect your business and ensure you’re partnering with a reputable SEO agency, it’s essential to educate yourself and ask the right questions.
Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing an SEO provider.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an SEO Company
1. How Do You Decide Which Keywords to Target?
A credible SEO agency will conduct in-depth research to identify the most effective keywords for your business. They’ll analyze factors like your target audience, industry trends, and search intent. Ask about their process for selecting keywords and how they plan to align them with your business goals.
2. Will You Assist with Website Design, Navigation, and Content?
While website design itself doesn’t directly impact SEO, factors like user experience, site speed, and mobile-friendliness do. A good SEO agency should address on-site elements such as coding, content quality, and internal linking to improve search rankings and user engagement.
3. Do You Analyze Competitors?
Competitor analysis is a cornerstone of effective SEO. By understanding your competitors’ strategies, strengths, and weaknesses, an SEO agency can identify opportunities to differentiate your business and outperform others in your niche.
4. What Is Your Link-Building Strategy?
Backlinks remain a critical ranking factor. A trustworthy SEO agency will use ethical link-building strategies, focusing on acquiring high-quality, relevant backlinks from diverse sources. Be cautious of agencies using black-hat techniques, as these can result in penalties from search engines.
5. What On-Page and Off-Page Tactics Will You Use?
Ask for specifics about their approach to both on-page (e.g., meta tags, headers, keyword optimization) and off-page SEO (e.g., backlinks, local SEO). A knowledgeable agency will have a clear and well-researched plan tailored to your business.
Things to Consider Before Choosing an SEO Company
- References and Reviews: Verify testimonials and check reviews on Google and third-party platforms like Yelp.
- Experience: Inquire about the company’s industry experience and expertise.
- Scope of Work: Ask about the number of pages they’ll optimize and their approach to ongoing SEO tasks.
- Reporting: Ensure the agency provides regular progress reports so you can track your website’s performance.
- Local SEO: If you need Google My Business optimization, confirm whether this is part of their services.
- Additional Services: Check if they offer conversion rate optimization (CRO) to help turn traffic into leads and sales.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an SEO Company
- Believing “Guaranteed” Rankings: No agency can guarantee a #1 spot on Google—avoid companies making such promises.
- Relying on Outdated Techniques: Be wary of agencies still using outdated tactics like meta keywords or keyword stuffing.
- Ignoring Site Architecture: Avoid agencies that develop websites using frames or Flash, as these hinder search engine crawling.
- Accepting Spammy Tactics: Companies employing hidden links or irrelevant backlinks are likely to harm your website’s credibility.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right SEO agency is a critical decision that can significantly impact your online success. By asking the right questions, conducting thorough research, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be better equipped to find a partner who can deliver sustainable, long-term results for your business.
Need help with SEO? Contact WiseCrowd Design for expert guidance and tailored solutions to elevate your digital presence.