When running a website, the ultimate goal (besides converting visitors into customers) is to attract a wide array of visitors to it. The best way to do this is through proper search engine optimization, also known as SEO. SEO is the act of preparing and optimizing a website in order to get favorability with a search engine (Google, for example). That way, when a person searches online for a particular term or service, your website will be towards the top of the results shown and would have a better opportunity to convert him or her into a customer. Today we are going to discuss 7 questions to ask a professional when seeking their SEO expert services.
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Can you get me to the #1 spot in Google?
This is always the first question you should ask a consultant. It is actually a trick question. If they say yes, absolutely, then it’s time to look somewhere else. SEO and obtaining the top position in search engine results is never a guarantee. This is because search engine algorithms are subjective to a large variety of factors, some of which you cannot manipulate simply with SEO strategies. For example, you may have all of your SEO “ducks in a row”, however if your website is only 3 months old, it will be difficult to rank above a 5 year old website, even if their website is poorly optimized.
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How long have you provided SEO services?
The longer, the better. Google, and other search engines, go through frequent algorithm updates. These updates will penalize websites that shamelessly use search engine optimization as a means to trick the algorithm and not follow standard website optimization policies just to get a site to the top of the rankings. Newer SEO companies are more likely to try black hat strategies while established SEO firms are more versed to how SEO works and implement white hat strategies.
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Are all of your services manually done, or do you use automated tools?
It is important that the SEO company does everything manually. The deployment of tools to artificially raise SEO factors are very often times the first methods that Google will penalize you for. Quality SEO can be costly because of the manual work involved so be wary of companies promising great search engine optimization results but only charging less than $500/mth.
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Are you HubSpot Inbound certified?
HubSpot Inbound certification is a stamp of approval from HubSpot that signifies a user’s proficiency in inbound marketing. It is not a deal breaker if the consultant does not have the certification, however it is a bonus if they do. The skills learned from inbound marketing go hand-in-hand with SEO strategies allowing for even better results in obtaining relevant traffic to one’s website.
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What do I get for your SEO services?
While some experts will be wary to tell you this, it is vital to understand the underlying processes that they will use to increase your website rankings and traffic. You can research these processes to see if they are the type that will cause you to be penalized by search engines like Google.
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How much do your services cost?
Now that you know what they will be doing for you, find out exactly how much it will cost. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Even if they say no, it is worth giving it a shot. Also, see if the SEO agency offers month-to-month contracts or only annual/semi-annual contracts. The less time you can commit to them, the more you cover yourself in case the company you hire doesn’t meet the quality of work they promised.
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Why should I hire you?
An open ended question is a great way to learn more about a company. Allow them to sell themselves and find out why they think they are the best team for the job. Usually, established search engine optimization companies have many case studies of past clients that they have achieved positive results for.
Conclusion
There are many factors that affect if a website is properly optimized for search engines and ranked on the first page of Google for relevant keywords. You want to hire the right SEO company that can get your website the quality traffic you need. The 7 questions above are a good starting point in doing your due diligence when seeking SEO expert services.
Located in Los Angeles, LAD Solutions, a Premier Google Partner, offers a team of SEO professionals ready to help get your website on the first page of Google. Call 888.523.2926 or contact us for a No Obligation Consultation today.
