Grab your cup of tea and tuck your tie in, because it’s time to talk about the thrilling choices available to you in the land of SEO agency selection. The choice can be as daunting as deciding whether to dunk a Digestive or a Hobnob into your cuppa – both delightful, but oh, so different! So, strap in, as we strut through the SEO agency selection process, sprinkling some top tips like sugar granules in your morning brew.
- Deliverables: Every SEO agency will promise you the moon, stars and a front-page Google ranking. But it’s crucial to pin them down on specifics. What exactly will they do to improve your website’s SEO? Will they be tweaking your website’s design, producing content, building backlinks or all of the above? If their deliverables sound as vague as a politician’s promises, it’s time to raise an eyebrow.
- Tangible Timelines: SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Anyone promising instant results is blowing more hot air than a balloon festival. Ask for a clear timeline of activities, from an initial audit to the implementation of strategies. If they’re reluctant to commit, they may be as reliable as a chocolate teapot.
- Buyer Personas: A good SEO agency should be as interested in your target audience as a cat is in an open can of tuna. They should ask about your typical customer, their needs, their online behaviour and what makes them tick. If they don’t, it might be a red flag bigger than the one on the top of Blackpool Tower.
- Reporting Routine: Regular updates are as essential as the kettle in a British household. It’s how you’ll know what’s working, what’s not and what needs a tweak. If their reporting schedule is as infrequent as sunshine in Manchester, it’s time to rethink.
- Ingenious Industry Insight: Your SEO agency should understand your industry, almost as well as you do. If they’re as clueless as a goldfish at a memory contest, they may not be the right fit. They should know the industry’s quirks, the competition and what it’ll take to stand out.
- Content Creation: Content, they say, is king. Ask if they’ll help create content that’s as engaging as a royal wedding. If they’re only interested in keywords and not quality, they might be about as useful as a chocolate fireguard.
- Pricing: The cost can vary from a few quid to the price of a small castle. It’s important to understand what you’re getting for your money. If they’re charging premium prices but offering a budget service, you might feel as cheated as finding your favourite biscuit tin empty.
- SEO Strategy: A good SEO agency should have a strategy that’s as clear as a bell. They should be able to explain it to you in terms you understand. If their plans are as clear as mud, it’s probably best to move along.
- Communication Cadence: How often will they get in touch? Will it be regular updates, or will they be harder to contact than the elusive Loch Ness Monster? Good communication is key to a successful partnership.
- Prior Performance: Lastly, always ask for examples of their work. If they’re more secretive than the Crown Jewels’ security details, you may want to reconsider. Successful SEO agencies should have a track record as impressive as a peacock’s plumage.
So there you have it. Ten tantalisingly tasty tidbits to tick off before you take the plunge with an SEO agency. Take this list and go forth, my friend. Be like a dog with a bone, or rather, an SEO agency seeker with a top 10 checklist!
