If something is too good to be true, it usually is – here are 5 things to look out for when choosing an SEO company.
Shopping around for an SEO company? Search Engine Optimization or SEO is growing in importance as businesses realize the significance of online marketing. But how do you tell a reputable SEO agency from a fly-by-night SEO consultancy that may fold at any time?
Here are five red flags to look out for when weighing up which Search Engine Optimization company to select for your SEO campaign.
Guaranteed rankings
A sure-fire warning sign of dubious SEO companies is one that will guarantee search engine rankings within a specified time period. A search engine ranking is dynamic and relies on several variables such as your competitor’s online activities, algorithm changes and so forth. A new website or web page may take up to three months to rank for competitive keywords. An SEO company needs to give you realistic expectations of what they can achieve in a reasonable timeframe.
Low fees for SEO services
While this is not set in stone, generally an SEO firm that charges a suspiciously low fee (generally less than $1000 per month) can be a bad sign. Ask the SEO expert to explain the agency fee to you clearly – the charges may vary according to features such as how many keywords you are targeting, how many landing pages are being optimized and so forth. If a company has link-building packages such as offering to add 1000 links a week for $19.95, start running for the hills!
Lack of transparency
When evaluating SEO companies, it is important to find a company that is open, honest, and transparent. A reputable SEO consultancy will ideally have client testimonials and case studies readily available, and on request, you should be able to speak to clients about their SEO campaign results. A trustworthy company should also be able to explain their SEO methodologies, outline clearly what is included with each SEO package, give you an upfront quote and provide regular feedback and reports.
Lack of responsiveness
One of the easiest ways to evaluate an SEO company is by their responsiveness. If a company is taking a few days to respond to your emails and phone calls, it may be a sign that they are juggling too many clients, or they are not taking you seriously as a client. One important question to ask a prospective SEO company is how many clients each SEO expert is looking after. Ideally, you are looking for a company that has a healthy client base but also has enough time to dedicate to each one of their clients.
A one-size-fits-all SEO solution
Search Engine Optimization is not a one-size-fits-all online marketing solution. A professional SEO company will evaluate your website and recommend an SEO strategy for your particular website. Look for an SEO agency which offers a variety of SEO services and SEO packages and explains exactly what is included, all fees and charges and anticipated results, so you can choose what services and packages are best suited for your online business.
Commissioning a disreputable SEO consultancy that uses black-hat SEO techniques can not only potentially affect your rankings and get your website banned from Google, but it can also do irreparable harm to your online business and online reputation.
Read more about how to choose a reputable SEO company, find out more about SEO packages and SEO services we offer, or contact us if you are looking for an SEO company that uses ethical SEO strategies and has a proven track record in SEO results.
