Whether you're just getting started with SEO for your business or you've been at it for a while and are looking for a helping hand, hiring an SEO agency can give your business the boost it needs to appear in more search results.
But not all SEO agencies are equally as effective or professional, and there are plenty of people out there claiming to be "SEO experts" who deliver lackluster results. So make sure you know what to look for when hiring an SEO agency to ensure you choose the right partner who can get you the results you need, especially when it comes to local SEO.
Benefits of Hiring an SEO Agency
Hiring an SEO agency brings with it a host of benefits that can significantly impact your business's online presence, traffic (both online and in person), and overall success.
One of the primary benefits of hiring an SEO agency is having access to a team of experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience in various aspects of search engine optimization, including local SEO. These professionals stay updated on the latest trends, algorithm changes, and best practices, ensuring that your business remains competitive in all relevant search engine results pages (SERPs).
SEO agencies can also offer a fresh perspective on your website design and broader digital marketing strategies. They can identify areas for improvement that you may have overlooked, helping you implement effective tactics to increase organic traffic, streamline user experience, and improve conversion rates.
Another key benefit of hiring SEO agency experts is time savings. Any way you slice it, SEO is a time-consuming process that requires consistent effort and attention. By outsourcing this responsibility to an agency, you free up valuable time to focus on other aspects of your business, such as product or service development, operations, and customer service.
Additionally, SEO agencies often have access to premium tools and resources that may be costly for an individual business to purchase. These tools enable them to conduct in-depth keyword research, analyze competitors, track performance, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your online assets effectively.
Ultimately, hiring an SEO agency can provide measurable results, such as higher search engine rankings, increased visibility, and more qualified leads. When you hire the right SEO agency, the optimizations the agency's team makes can translate into substantial, ongoing growth for your business.
Hiring an SEO Agency vs Hiring In-House SEOs
When considering your SEO options, you might be torn between hiring an SEO agency and building an in-house team. Both approaches have their pros and cons, but in many cases hiring an agency offers more advantages, especially for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs).
One of the main benefits of hiring an SEO agency is cost efficiency. Building an in-house SEO team requires hiring multiple specialists, which can be expensive. Additionally, there are costs associated with training, benefits, and tools. In contrast, an SEO agency provides a team of experts at a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house staff.
Agencies also tend to bring a broader range of expertise than individuals. While an in-house team may consist of a few people with specific skill sets, an agency typically has specialists in various fields, including technical SEO, content marketing, link building, and local SEO. This diversity of skills allows agencies to tackle complex SEO challenges and implement comprehensive strategies that cover all aspects of search engine optimization.
Another advantage of hiring an SEO agency is scalability. As your business grows, your SEO needs may change. An agency can easily adjust its services to meet your evolving requirements, whether that involves expanding your target audience, entering new markets, or optimizing for new keywords. Scaling an in-house team, on the other hand, can be more challenging and costly.
That said, an in-house team might be beneficial if you have a large, complex website that requires constant attention or if you prefer having direct control over your SEO efforts. However, for most businesses, the flexibility, expertise, and cost savings offered by an SEO agency make it the better choice.
Is Hiring an SEO Agency Worth It?
The short answer is yes; hiring an SEO agency is worth it, but only if you hire the right one.
An effective SEO agency can drive significant improvements in your website and listing performance, resulting in higher search engine rankings, more organic traffic, and better visibility for your brand. However, not all agencies deliver on their promises, and choosing the wrong one can lead to wasted time and money.
To ensure that hiring an SEO agency is a worthwhile investment, thoroughly vet potential partners before making a decision. Look for agencies with a proven track record of success, transparent pricing and communication, and a deep understanding of your industry and target audience.
Doing your due diligence ahead of time will help you avoid the pitfalls of working with an underperforming agency and reap the benefits of hiring an SEO agency that knows what it's doing.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring an SEO Agency
Asking the right questions during the hiring process can help you find an SEO agency that aligns with your business goals and can deliver the results you need. Here are some essential questions to consider:
1. What is your experience in my industry?
Understanding an agency's experience in your specific industry is crucial. SEO strategies can vary significantly between industries, and an agency familiar with your niche will be better equipped to develop and implement effective tactics tailored to your business needs.
2. Can you provide case studies or references?
Reputable SEO agencies should be able to provide case studies or references from previous clients. This information will give you insight into their ability to deliver results and help you assess whether they are a good fit for your business.
3. How do you approach keyword research?
Keyword research is a fundamental aspect of SEO. Ask the agency about their approach to keyword research and how they plan to target the most relevant and high-traffic keywords for your business. Understanding their process will help you gauge their expertise and ensure they can effectively optimize your website and other digital marketing assets.
4. What is your strategy for local SEO?
For brick-and-mortar businesses and service-area companies that rely on attracting nearby customers, local SEO expertise is essential. Inquire about the agency's experience with local SEO and how they plan to optimize your Google Business Profile, build local citations, and improve your website's visibility for searches with local intent.
5. How do you measure success?
Ask the agency how they measure success and what key performance indicators (KPIs) they track. They should be able to provide clear metrics, such as search engine rankings, organic traffic, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI). This will help you evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts and ensure they are aligned with your business objectives.
6. What is your link building strategy?
Link building is a critical component of SEO, but it's important to approach it carefully. Ask the agency about their link building strategy and how they plan to acquire high-quality, relevant backlinks. Be wary of agencies that rely on outdated or unethical practices, such as buying links, as this can harm your website's reputation.
7. How do you keep up with search engine algorithm changes?
SEO is constantly evolving, and staying updated with search engine algorithm changes is crucial for maintaining and improving rankings. Inquire about how the agency stays informed about industry updates and how they adapt their strategies to remain effective.
8. What are your communication practices?
Clear and consistent communication is key to a successful partnership. Ask the agency how often they provide updates, what reporting tools they use, and who your main point of contact will be. Understanding their communication practices will help you set expectations and ensure a smooth working relationship.
9. What tools do you use?
The tools an SEO agency uses can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of their work. Ask the agency about the specific tools they use for tasks like keyword research, site audits, rank tracking, local SEO, and link building. Understanding the tools they use will give you confidence that they have the right resources to deliver accurate insights and results.
By asking the questions above and carefully evaluating the responses, you can ensure you hire an SEO agency that is well-equipped to help your business succeed online, no matter what industry you're in. Whether you're focusing on local SEO or broader search optimization efforts, the right agency can make all the difference in achieving your long-term digital marketing goals!
