We are only somewhat joking when we say that choosing an SEO company is just about as important as choosing your spouse. After all, like a husband or wife, your website will be around you pretty much 24/7. Like a spouse, it can help you accomplish your goals and dreams — or not.
So how do you go about finding the right SEO company for your needs? Below are some tips:
You’ll want to speak with several SEO companies before choosing one, of course. Don’t be afraid of looking at companies physically located hundreds or even thousands of miles away from your own location. Many SEO companies can and do create terrific sites and bring clients awesome traffic without ever having to meet face-to-face. If you prefer being able to see the people who are working on your site, that’s fine, too. However you feel most comfortable is the best way to go.
We do want to steer you clear of SEO companies who claim they can get your site search term “on the first page of Google in two weeks! For just $300!”
Yes, they may be able to do so. They very well could get your site to pop up first on Google. But these questions also pop up: Are people clicking on the top ranked link to your site? If so, are they staying or do they leave immediately? More importantly, do they buy from you?
You see, having your site rank first on Google is nice, but it does you no good if your appearance there doesn’t get you traffic and new business.
Frankly, a good SEO company charges at least $2K or $3K minimum to create/revamp and optimize your site. The costs can go higher depending on how much optimization the company performs and how well they create a site that gets you what is known as “sticky traffic” (people who click on the link and then stay on your site, exploring what you have to offer), and how well the site converts visitors into buyers.
In addition, done well, optimization actually usually can take a few months before you’ll see results. Steer clear of SEO firms that claim they can shoot you to the top Google in a matter of days (it is possible to do so, but usually must be accomplished using unethical SEO strategies).
So do your due diligence. Don’t’ go with the cheapest SEO company. Ask for references (and call those references). Ask tons of questions of the references. Do the same with the SEO companies.
After all, you want a website you can live with for a long, long, long time!
