How to know if a SEO agency knows what they’re doing

In the current year 2022, everyone whose livelihood depends on the internet wishes to be among the first results of Google. Which means that the competition is fierce, as thousands fight to get that place.
As a result, SEO agencies have become more valuable and popular than ever before.
But not every one of them are as trustworthy and expert to guarantee the results you’re looking for. If you’re not an expert on SEO, you will be wondering how to identify the agencies that are effective. Luckily, you will find the answer on this article.
Table of content:
- What is a SEO agency?
- Important aspects to select an effective SEO agency
- The SEO requires capable and trustworthy agencies
WHAT IS A SEO AGENCY?
Before concretely defining what a SEO agency is, we must first define SEO and its functions.
In the simplest terms, SEO means Search Engine Optimization. The goal of this marketing branch is to assure visualization and position of a brand, product, or business’ website in Google searches.
To achieve that, we must use many techniques and strategies. If done well, your website will be placed among the first results of searching your segment on Google or any other browser.
Therefore, a SEO agency takes care of planning, developing, and executing actions and strategies required to achieve your goals. These agencies can be specialized exclusively on SEO, or it could be part of the services provided by an integral marketing agency.
Important aspects to select an effective SEO agency
We now defined what a SEO agency is, we have to understand that not every “SEO agency” is effective. As in every business segment, some stand out among the rest, while others are not even worth considering.
If you want to get real results, these are some of the aspects you must pay attention to before selecting an agency:
- Their website
A SEO agency must be able to develop websites optimized to generate a pleasing browsing experience and that look aesthetically pleasing. If you notice that their website is slow, outdated, and lacking certain quality standards, it means they are definitely not a good option.
Can you imagine leaving your car with a mechanic whose car doesn’t work? That would be exactly like hiring a SEO agency that can’t create a good website for themselves.
- Visible and testable results
Just like a graphic designer shows off their greatest designs, a SEO agency will show their most prominent works. Success cases help you verify an agency and their team’s viability.
But it is important that these references are testable, as some “Pirate” agencies add nonexistent achievements to their profiles. Do not hesitate on asking for references to those alleged clients and verify the work fulfilled their purpose.
- The professionals that make it up
SEO is not a one-person job; it is a marketing area that requires joined efforts from many departments. For example: programmers, analysts, designers, writers, etc.
As a result, it is important that a SEO agency has the departments and professionals required to develop a high-level SEO campaign.
Something that could show you that, would be to ask to meet all the people that make up the agency; if you don’t receive a clear answer or you get ignored, it is time to find another agency.
- Constant communication
Even though the agency is the one responsible for applying the strategies, you must also be part of the process, staying up to date with every advancement.
Generally, the account manager or the person in charge of your project, must stay in touch with you and inform you of advancements, successes, or mistakes.
- Legality
This is a very important point. SEO agencies and independent professionals (freelancers) are two very different entities. The former must be legally set up and qualified to make a contract as a legal entity. On the other hand, an independent professional can work and answer to a professional degree.
Therefore, a SEO agency that is not registered and set up legal has a very low guarantee of responding to a fraud scenario or something similar. Verify their address, fiscal ID number, or any other elements that identify a real company.
- The budget
This is a topic for debate; while it is true that SEO is not exactly cheap, you must have a budget in accordance with your business’ requirements. In other words, the SEO is not a combo that can be applied to all websites equally, each one has distinctive actions and strategies required.
Therefore, your budget must coincide with your project, while being on a competitive price range. To do that, you could ask for quotations from several agencies and look for market prices.
The SEO requires capable and trustworthy agencies
The current importance of SEO is evident. Without a doubt, this is something not everyone can do. Investing to position your website among the first places must be backed by greater sales and rentability.
Which means, selecting a SEO agency can’t be done randomly, the position of your business is at risk, so you deserve the best help possible. Remember that a SEO agency will be part of your digital marketing and will have access to the confidential parts of your business.
A reputable SEO agency is one of the best options, but that doesn’t mean that new agencies are not effective. But following the advice from this article, you will be able to identify agencies that really know what they are doing.
Good luck!
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