Since many companies have no idea how SEO marketing actually works and how to go about it, an SEO consulting expert can play a critical role in their business success.
The right SEO consultant can help small business owners grow by making the most of their advertising budgets.
Using these 5 tips, any business owner can find the best SEO consultant to help them achieve their digital marketing goals.
- Proof of Performance - Ask any prospective SEO consultant to provide examples of their work for past clients. What did they do for those clients and what were the results? Look for a consultant with a track record of positive results and a good understanding of various marketing techniques.
- Seek References - Ask other business owners for references of SEO consultants they have had good experiences with. Also, read business reviews from different SEO firms to see what their customers are saying and the successes they have had.
- Ask The Right Questions - When vetting an SEO consulting firm, there are many questions that new clients should ask to determine the firm’s expertise and marketing methods. Inquire about fees and how they charge, when results can be expected, and what the consultant requires of the client to assist with the process. Also, confirm cancelation policies and who owns the website if services are canceled.
- Good Communication - Since business owners will work closely with their SEO consultants for months or longer, make sure the company is easy to communicate with. Establish preferred communication methods and schedules up front and gauge the consultant’s responsiveness according to those decided methods.
- Avoid The Warning Signs - Know the warning signs of a bad SEO consultant in addition to the positive signs of a good one. Avoid consultants that use black hat methods like buying leads and links, keyword stuffing, poor-quality content, and grandiose promises. SEO takes time as well as effort and can no longer be mastered using any of these ineffective techniques that get penalized by search algorithms.
Finding an SEO consultant who is a good fit for a small business starts with exploring a firm’s experience and performance but goes much further than that.
Beyond these basic questions, look for an SEO consulting firm that will take the time to understand how the business works as well as what its vision is and can effectively convey great ideas for achieving marketing success.
When partnering with the right SEO consulting company, small businesses can gain positive results and grow through valuable expertise and marketing leadership!