Search engine results page (SERP) ranking is the ultimate indicator of your website's performance, and it’s largely driven by search engine optimization (SEO). If your site ranks low despite high traffic, it's time to consult an expert.
However, finding a reliable SEO consultant can be daunting due to the many options available, which may seem all the same to you. However, certain characteristics distinguish the best.
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Why Should You Hire SEO Experts for Your Business?
Regular search engine updates can impact your site's performance and revenue. SEO experts can help you navigate these changes, optimize your website, and increase your earnings.
Here are other reasons you should hire an SEO expert:
If You Don't Know What You're Doing
Many business owners think that they can do SEO by themselves. However, most can’t keep up with the changes in search engine ranking algorithms and Google’s updates. If you do feel up to the task, though, you might want to look into SEO automation.
But even if you've been doing everything right, there are still ways you can improve your rankings, bring in more customers, and increase your profits. Hiring a professional SEO consultant who will develop a custom strategy for your website is the best way to ensure it ranks well and brings the desired results.
If Your Competitors Are Doing It Better Than You
You may think other companies in your industry already implement all the best practices, but that's not necessarily true! An experienced consultant will help you identify what works for other companies in your field and how they do it. Knowing that experts will address SEO-related issues will also give you peace of mind.
If You Want To Attract More Potential Customers
Hiring a top-notch SEO company can help you get noticed by potential customers who previously didn’t know about your business. SEO consultants can get you started with a digital marketing campaign that increases traffic to your website. They also have experience working with small businesses and can offer advice on ensuring your website is ready for its big break!
What Does an SEO Expert Do?
SEO is the practice of optimizing your website to gain better search engine positioning. An SEO expert will help you increase your online visibility and attract more leads, customers, and, in turn, revenue. They may offer various services to improve your online presence, but here's what SEO experts typically do:
- SEO audits: Professionals conduct a comprehensive audit of your current website to identify strengths and weaknesses in your SEO strategy.
- Keyword research: They identify relevant keywords your target audience uses to search for products or services like yours.
- On-page optimization: They optimize elements on your website, such as meta descriptions, title tags, and content, to make it more search engine-friendly.
- Off-page optimization: SEO experts build quality backlinks from reputable websites to improve your site's authority and ranking.
- Performance monitoring: They use tools to monitor your site's performance, tracking metrics like traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rates to measure the effectiveness of the SEO strategy.
- Reporting and recommendations: They provide regular reports to show progress and suggest further actions for improvement.
By hiring an SEO expert, you're investing in a specialized skill set designed to boost your website's visibility in the SERPs, which ultimately leads to increased business opportunities.
Things to Look for When Hiring an SEO Specialist
When hiring an SEO specialist, you want to ensure they have the right skills and experience so your investment is worth it. Here are some of the most important traits to look for:
Experience With SEO
Make sure your chosen SEO consultant has experience with the following:
- Search engine you want to rank on, whether Google or Bing
- An industry similar to yours
- Content optimization
SEO specialists should explain how they will help your business grow through SEO and which techniques will work best for your specific needs.
Experience with businesses similar to yours is also a must, as a proven track record is the best way to gauge expertise. They should offer proof of past client successes and be able to discuss how their skills will meet your specific business needs.
Moreover, your consultant should have a relevant background, ideally in marketing or communications. They need to understand how to integrate various tools into a unified strategy for enhancing your online reputation without relying on external agencies.
Passion for SEO
An SEO consultant should be more than just experienced — they should be passionate about boosting your online presence. Whether through link building or content creation, their enthusiasm should make the hard work seem effortless. They should also clarify the kind of long-term commitment you can expect if you plan to work with them for an extended period.
3 Ways To Find a Good SEO Consultant
You must hire an experienced SEO consultant who knows what they’re doing and can improve your search engine rankings.
Here are three ways to do just that:
1. Ask For Recommendations From Your Connections
Leverage your professional network for recommendations, including co-workers, friends, and family. If they've used SEO consultant services and were satisfied with the results, they'll likely be happy to share that information. Even if they haven't, they might know someone who has. Just ask about their experience and satisfaction level.
2. Browse Through Credible Sites
If you're overwhelmed by the number of SEO consultants available, turn to reputable websites specializing in ranking SEO experts. These platforms often feature client reviews, giving you valuable insights into the consultants' performance.
Websites like DesignRush, Yelp, and Google offer reviews, while LinkedIn groups can also be a good resource for local recommendations.
3. Read Testimonials & Check the Portfolio
Pay attention to client testimonials and reviews to gauge the consultant's credibility and expertise. Make sure they're transparent about their capabilities. Additionally, review their portfolio to understand the scope of their experience and the types of projects they've handled.
7 Questions To Ask Your SEO Specialist
The more you know about SEO consultants and their work, the easier you'll be able to determine who's best for your business. So, here are seven important questions to ask your SEO expert to ensure they are the right fit.
- Experience and certifications: Ask about their experience level and any certifications, such as Google certification, to gauge their expertise.
- Specializations: Find out if they focus on specific areas like social media or email marketing or if they offer a comprehensive package.
- Track record: Inquire how long they've been in business and their experience with clients similar to you to estimate project timelines.
- Requirements: Ask what they'll need from you to carry out the job effectively.
- Payment options and flexibility: Discuss payment schedules and see if there's room for flexibility.
- Strategies: Find out what specific strategies they plan to implement for your website.
- Communication: Ask about their communication style, frequency, and availability for ongoing queries.
How to Hire SEO Experts: Final Thoughts
Finding a good SEO consultant can be tricky, but someone who can help you improve your website's ranking on search engines is worth investing in. After all, 70% of marketers believe that SEO is better than PPC when boosting sales.
