Choosing the right SEO management company can be a game-changer for your online business. With so many options out there, how do you ensure you’re partnering with the best fit for your needs? Well, it all starts with asking the right questions.
In this article, I’ll share some important questions you should ask any SEO management company before signing on the dotted line. These questions will help you gauge their expertise, understand their approach, and ultimately make a more informed decision.
1. What is your experience in my industry?
When it comes to SEO, experience matters—a lot. Each industry has its unique challenges and opportunities, and an SEO company with a proven track record in your specific field can make a significant difference. Ask about their past projects and success stories similar to your business. Did they help a company like yours climb the ranks? How familiar are they with the competitive landscape of your industry?
You can also request case studies or examples of their past work. These examples should show how they’ve approached SEO for businesses like yours and the results they’ve achieved. Keep in mind, though, that confidentiality agreements might limit the specifics they can share.
For instance, if you're in the ecommerce sector, you want someone who knows how to navigate the complexities of product pages, shopping cart optimization, and consumer behavior online. On the other hand, a service-based business might require a different focus, like optimizing local search results and building credible backlinks.
2. How do you approach keyword research?
Keywords are the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. How an SEO company handles keyword research can tell you a lot about their expertise. A good company will use a mix of tools and strategies to identify high-opportunity keywords that align with your business goals.
Ask them about the tools they use for keyword research. Are they using industry-standard tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs? Do they rely on proprietary tools? While tools are important, it’s also crucial to understand their strategy. Do they focus solely on high-volume keywords, or do they take a more nuanced approach, balancing between short-tail and long-tail keywords?
Moreover, inquire about how they plan to align keyword strategies with your target audience. It's one thing to rank for a keyword; it's another to rank for a keyword that brings in the right traffic. You'll want to know how they plan to convert keyword research into actionable insights that drive real business results.
3. Can you explain your link-building strategy?
Link building is a critical component of SEO. The quality and quantity of backlinks can significantly influence your site’s authority and search engine rankings. However, not all links are created equal, and poor-quality links can even harm your site’s reputation.
Ask the SEO company about their link-building strategy. Are they focusing on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sources? Do they have a network of publishers or influencers they collaborate with? Understanding their approach will give you confidence that they're building a sustainable and effective link profile for your site.
Be wary of companies that promise a large number of links in a short time. This could be a sign of black-hat tactics, which can lead to penalties from search engines. Instead, look for a company that emphasizes quality over quantity and is transparent about how they plan to earn and maintain these valuable links.
4. What is your process for on-page and technical SEO?
On-page and technical SEO ensure that your site is optimized for both users and search engines. This includes everything from optimizing meta tags and headers to improving site speed and ensuring mobile-friendliness.
Ask the company to walk you through their process for on-page and technical SEO. Do they conduct thorough site audits? How do they prioritize issues and opportunities? Are they capable of implementing changes themselves, or will they provide a list of recommendations for your team to implement?
Understanding their approach to technical SEO is especially important. A well-optimized site can drastically impact your search rankings, user experience, and conversion rates. You want a company that’s proactive and meticulous in addressing any barriers that could affect your site’s performance.
5. How do you measure success?
Success in SEO can mean different things to different businesses, so it's vital to clarify what success looks like for you. Is it increased website traffic, higher search rankings, more leads or sales, or perhaps a combination of these?
Ask the SEO management company how they measure success. What metrics do they track, and how do they report on them? Most importantly, how do these metrics align with your business goals? A good SEO company will not only track rankings and traffic but also look at conversion rates, average time on page, and other engagement metrics.
Transparency is crucial here. You should receive regular reports that are easy to understand, highlighting progress and areas that need attention. This will help ensure that you’re on the same page and that the partnership is delivering the results you’re looking for.
6. What are your content strategies?
Content is king, as they say, and it plays a pivotal role in any SEO strategy. The quality and relevance of your content can significantly influence your search rankings and user engagement.
Inquire about their approach to content creation and optimization. Do they have a team of skilled writers, or do they outsource? How do they ensure that the content aligns with your brand voice and resonates with your target audience?
Additionally, ask about their strategies for updating and optimizing existing content. SEO is not a one-time effort, and keeping your content fresh and relevant is essential for maintaining and improving your search rankings. A company that prioritizes ongoing content optimization is likely to be more effective in the long run.
7. How do you handle mobile SEO?
With mobile traffic surpassing desktop traffic, mobile SEO is no longer optional. Search engines like Google prioritize mobile-friendly sites in their rankings, so it’s critical to ensure your site performs well on mobile devices.
Ask the SEO company how they handle mobile SEO. Do they conduct mobile site audits? How do they optimize for mobile speed and usability? Are they familiar with the latest mobile SEO best practices, such as Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) or responsive design?
Their approach should include optimizing for different screen sizes, ensuring fast load times, and making sure that all mobile elements are user-friendly. A site that's optimized for mobile not only ranks better but also provides a better user experience, which can lead to higher engagement and conversions.
8. What is your approach to local SEO?
For businesses with a physical presence, local SEO is crucial. It helps you reach nearby potential customers and drive foot traffic to your location. Local SEO involves optimizing your online presence for location-based searches.
Ask the company about their approach to local SEO. Do they assist with Google My Business optimization? How do they handle local citations and reviews? Are they experienced with local link-building strategies?
Understanding their local SEO strategy is vital, especially if your business relies heavily on local clientele. Effective local SEO can help your business stand out in local searches, making it easier for customers to find you.
9. What is your pricing structure?
Finally, let’s talk about money. SEO services can vary widely in cost, so it's important to understand what you're getting for your investment. Some companies charge a flat monthly fee, while others might offer tiered pricing based on the scope of work.
Discuss their pricing structure and what’s included in each package. Are there any additional fees for specific services or add-ons? How do they handle changes in the project scope? Make sure you have a clear understanding of their pricing model to avoid any surprises down the road.
While cost is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. The cheapest option isn't always the best, just as the most expensive doesn't guarantee the best results. Look for a company that offers value for money, with a clear and transparent pricing model.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right SEO management company can make all the difference in your online presence and growth. By asking these questions, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed choice, ensuring that your SEO efforts align with your business goals.
If you're looking for an SEO partner that truly understands ecommerce and focuses on driving results, Pattern could be a great fit. We specialize in crafting programmatic landing pages that capture hundreds of search terms, attracting ready-to-buy customers to your brand. Our content isn't just about attracting visitors; it's designed to convert them into paying customers. At Pattern, we see SEO as part of a broader growth strategy, ensuring every dollar you invest delivers real ROI. We don’t just make SEO a guessing game—we make it a growth channel that drives sales and lowers your acquisition costs.