How to choose an SEO agency? Questions to ask before starting cooperation

If you have already chosen an SEO agency, then you understand the importance of quality SEO for your website. You are looking for a reliable partner who will help your project reach the top of search results, increase the number of applications and sales. If you have not yet decided, we advise you to understand the main aspects of choosing an SEO contractor.

How to choose a reliable agency? We have prepared for you an algorithm of actions that will help you competently approach the selection and evaluation of SEO companies.

Set goals

Understanding what problems an SEO contractor needs to solve is the first step to successful search engine optimization.

Goals and KPIs can range from improving search rankings to increasing traffic and conversions. Let's look at the main indicators that you can set for your project:

Positions: Suitable for small sites. It is important to choose the right queries to ensure traffic growth. Payment may be fixed or dependent on achieving high positions.

Traffic: Suitable for all sites where there is demand. Traffic growth depends on positions in search results. Payment can be either for traffic or fixed.

Applications: Suitable for all sites. It is important to consider the cost of the application, as well as conversion and optimize it.

Sales: Suitable only for businesses with clear control of indicators. Payment may be based on a percentage of sales.

Now look for a contractor

Finding a suitable SEO contractor and understanding the terms of cooperation is the key to successful work. Let's look at where and how to look for suitable specialists.

Where to look?

There are several options for finding contractors: recommendations from friends, search engines, ratings, thematic conferences and seminars, expert materials on popular portals and social networks, reviews, freelance exchanges.

However, none of these methods gives 100% confidence that the contractor will offer you an individual approach and ensure an increase in performance.

What's the best way to proceed?

Here's the checklist:

1) Check the presence of the agency in the ratings of the TOP 100 companies.

2) Make sure that the agency's own website has positions in the search engine.

3) Analyze the agency’s contextual advertising.

4) Check their expertise - look for their performances at specialized events.

5) Make sure the agency is present in professional circles, look at their materials on popular platforms and social networks.

How to determine expertise?

Determining the expertise of an SEO contractor is critical to the success of your project. At the same time, high or low cost of services does not always guarantee high-quality results. Let's consider the key aspects of choosing a performer.

Ratings:

Presence in ratings can serve as an indicator of quality, but each rating uses its own assessment methodology, so you should not rely on them alone.

Reviews:

Some reviews may be fake. However, formal letters from clients or recommendations can be a positive sign. The absence of negative reviews may mean that the agency is inexperienced or just starting out.

Positions of the contractor's website in the TOP:

High positions in search results are not always an indicator of quality. Some sites may use prohibited SEO methods, which may result in penalties.

Contextual advertising:

If an agency actively uses contextual advertising, this may indicate working with multiple channels, but is not always a guarantee of success in SEO.

Expertise and fame in professional circles:

Experience and recognition in the industry are positive signs, but it is important to understand that different specialists may be involved in the process of working on a project.

Contractor guarantees:

An SEO contractor cannot guarantee specific results as search engines constantly change their algorithms. However, he can guarantee the quality of work and the clarity of his actions.

Now choose a contractor

Steps for selection:

1) Make a list of 5-10 suitable agencies or freelancers.

2) Request a quote and basic audit.

3) Request an example of a contract indicating the responsibilities of the parties.

4) Hold a meeting to discuss all the details.

5) Check customer reviews and agency reputation through available sources.

Good contractor:

  • Provides a forecast for the growth of positions or traffic by month.
  • Will conduct an audit and offer an individual promotion strategy.
  • Explain his position on guarantees.
  • Will require a meeting to discuss the project in detail.

What else you need to do before choosing an agency:

Use ranking. Rate each agency for each item on the checklist and make your final choice based on the total score.

Don't forget about control - the SEO process takes time, and the first tangible results are usually visible after several months of work.

Now let's talk more about deadlines and tasks. What is usually done in months 1-5?

1 month:

  • Access request.
  • Clarification of work priorities.
  • Drawing up a strategy.
  • Coordination of a work plan for 1, 3, 6 months.
  • Access to the monitoring system.

2-4 and subsequent months:

  • Missing deadlines (possibly).
  • Receiving recommendations.
  • Implementation of changes to the site.
  • Transparency of work.
  • First results.

Starting from 4 months growth:

  • Positions.
  • Visibility (control through analysis tools).
  • Traffic.
  • Business indicators.

Conclusions

Choosing an SEO contractor is a responsible process that requires care and a systematic approach. It is important to set goals correctly, select appropriate KPIs and carefully evaluate the company’s expertise. By following our recommendations, you can choose a reliable partner for the successful promotion of your website.

For advice or questions, please contact the SEO studio "SEO COMPUTER" by email: info@seo.computer

ID 5050

Send a request and we will provide a consultation on SEO promotion of your website