An SEO Company can improve your company’s online presence by increasing its ranking in search engines like Google. Since SEO is intimately entwined with content marketing, you can expect to receive a few additional benefits beyond ranking. For example, high-quality content can help you secure more leads from your website traffic and assert yourself as an authority in your industry. However, hiring just any company won’t provide the results you’re looking for… instead, hiring the right SEO company is crucial.
How can you accurately determine if a marketing company you hope to hire is a good choice? By looking for the five crucial things discussed below before signing any contracts.
Before we discuss those five things, please click the button below to learn more about Frontier Marketing’s SEO services. Our SEO company provides valuable marketing services to small businesses in Fox Lake, IL, the surrounding region and across the nation.
Why Hire an SEO Company?
The whole point of search engine optimization is to rank higher on Google. In turn, this helps your company receive more exposure and, usually, more leads – which often means more business. However, ranking on Google is more challenging than posting content online.
Did you know that Google updates its search algorithms an average of thirteen times daily? The average small business owner can’t keep up with this information. However, an SEO company has a team of dedicated experts whose job is to stay on top of these trends. With an average of 30 to 40 hours per week dedicated to the task, SEO experts can continually research and adapt to changes.
An investment in an SEO company is an investment in your future success and growth. But it’s essential to ensure that the services you decide to hire meet a few crucial criteria…
1. An SEO Company Should Have a Positive Reputation
One of the most critical factors when hiring an SEO company is its reputation. A company with a positive reputation often indicates successful past performance, satisfied clients and ethical practices. Start by exploring online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Websites like Google My Business, Yelp, and industry-specific forums can provide insights into the company’s reliability and effectiveness. A testimonials section on the company’s website can also be an excellent resource.
Remember that one bad review (or even a few) doesn’t necessarily disqualify a company. After all, even the best company might not be suitable for every person or business. You should look at the overall average ratings across two or three sites. The best companies will consistently have a 3.5 rating or higher – even better if you can find one rated four stars or above.
Lastly, make a point to at least scan the written reviews. This will give you insight into a company’s strengths and weaknesses. Plus, the written reviews might shed light on any red flags, like poor communication or overpromising results without delivering.
2. Ask For Evidence of Past Results
Ranking in search engines can be challenging, especially for an SEO company that is new or doesn’t know what it’s doing. While most companies have the best intentions, some false SEO and marketing companies prey on small business owners. They’ll sing their own praises but don’t plan to deliver real results in exchange for your hard-earned money.
What is the best way to avoid digital marketing scams while ensuring you hire a reputable, results-oriented SEO company? Ask for evidence of past results via case studies and a portfolio. Finding an SEO company that displays these publicly on its website is an excellent sign of transparency, communication and honesty.
3. Look For Transparent, Upfront Pricing
Finding an SEO company that offers transparent, upfront pricing is essential for establishing a trusting and effective partnership. The digital marketing landscape can often feel overwhelming, with various service providers presenting different pricing models, making it crucial to understand precisely what you’re paying for.
Plus, you can’t budget effectively if an SEO company hits you with hidden fees and unexpected costs at every turn. When an SEO company clearly outlines its pricing structure, you gain insight into what services are included. This clarity enables you to make informed decisions and compare offerings from different companies without ambiguity.
Moreover, upfront pricing often reflects the company’s confidence in its services. A reputable SEO company will be transparent about its costs, indicating they are committed to delivering value rather than relying on upselling or surprise charges. This builds trust, as you know exactly what to expect throughout your engagement.
Additionally, transparent pricing fosters accountability. When you understand what you’re paying for, assessing the return on investment (ROI) of the services rendered is easier. Regular, detailed reports can then be aligned with the agreed-upon pricing, allowing you to measure performance and outcomes more effectively.
4. Unrivaled Customer Service
Unrivaled customer support is crucial when selecting an SEO company, as effective communication and assistance can significantly impact your digital marketing success. SEO is a complex, ever-evolving field, and having a partner who provides exceptional customer service ensures that you stay informed and supported throughout your campaign.
Excellent customer service from an SEO company begins with proactive communication. This means regular updates on progress, strategies and any changes in search engine algorithms that could affect your website’s performance. A responsive team that promptly answers questions fosters a collaborative environment, allowing you to easily voice concerns or seek clarification.
Moreover, an exemplary SEO firm should offer personalized support tailored to your specific needs and goals. This involves understanding your business objectives, target audience and industry nuances, ensuring strategies align with your overall marketing plan. They should provide detailed reports that are not only transparent but easy to understand, highlighting key performance indicators and actionable insights.
Additionally, excellent customer service includes ongoing education. An effective SEO partner will help you understand the intricacies of their methods, empowering you to make informed decisions about your marketing strategies.
5. Look For a Full Suite of Marketing Services
When looking for an SEO company, you’ll most benefit from one that offers a full suite of digital marketing services. Why? We’re glad you asked.
SEO services are integral to a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, seamlessly complementing other services such as PPC, social media, and email marketing. Each component plays a unique role, but when combined, they create a synergistic effect that enhances overall effectiveness.
For instance, SEO focuses on organic search visibility, driving traffic to your website without direct costs per click. Conversely, PPC provides immediate visibility through paid ads, targeting specific keywords and demographics. When both strategies are aligned—using SEO insights to inform PPC keyword selection—you can optimize your budget and maximize your reach.
Social media marketing also benefits from SEO. Sharing SEO-optimized content on social platforms can increase brand awareness and drive traffic back to your site. Additionally, social signals can enhance your SEO efforts by driving user engagement and improving your site’s authority.
Email marketing complements these strategies by nurturing leads and driving conversions. By incorporating SEO best practices into your email campaigns, such as using targeted keywords and optimizing subject lines, you can improve open rates and drive traffic to relevant landing pages.
Given these services’ interconnected nature, hiring a digital marketing company that can seamlessly integrate SEO with PPC, social media, and email marketing is essential. A unified approach ensures consistent messaging, cohesive strategies and maximized ROI. By working with a full-service agency, you can benefit from a holistic marketing plan that leverages the strengths of each channel, ultimately driving better results for your business.
Frontier Marketing Meets All These Crucial Criteria!
If you’re looking for a reputable, results-oriented SEO company, you’ll be thrilled to know that Frontier Marketing meets all these crucial criteria! We have numerous positive reviews on Google and video testimonials from our clients on our website. Another thing you’ll find on our website? A publicly available portfolio and upfront, transparent pricing!
We’re proud to offer our clients unrivaled customer support, ensuring they feel like team members at every step. We listen to our clients and quickly adjust our marketing strategies to align with their current business goals. Some of our clients have even been with us for over a decade!
Best of all, we’re much more than just an SEO company—we offer a full suite of digital marketing services, allowing us to best serve our clients’ needs. Our offerings include web design, email marketing, PPC management, social media marketing and graphic design, in addition to our SEO and content marketing services.
Ready to Hire a Fox Lake SEO Company?
Hiring an SEO company means investing in your business’s future. Thankfully, ensuring a company meets the five crucial criteria above can help you receive maximum results and feel confident in your purchasing decision.
If you’re looking for an SEO company in Fox Lake, IL, or anywhere in the nation, Frontier Marketing is ready to help. Fill out the form below or call (847) 254-0837 for a free, no-obligation consultation today. We look forward to helping your company navigate the digital frontier!