If you’re looking to get started with online marketing but don’t know where to begin, this post is for you. We’re going to walk you through the process of selecting an SEO company that fits your needs and then teach you everything you need to know to successfully manage your campaigns.

The Difference Between Experts And Do-It-Yourselfers

An SEO expert will help you develop a plan for gaining more organic traffic to your website. They will work with you to determine the best SEO strategy for your particular industry and goals. Then, they will implement that strategy to drive more business to your door.

A do-it-yourselfer may suggest a strategy and get you off to a good start, but they can’t help you expand your business. In other words, they may be able to get you to the top of the pile, but if you want to stay there, you’re going to have to do more work yourself.

How To Choose an SEO Agency

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all of your online marketing needs, you may want to consider seeking out an SEO agency. These organizations typically have specialists in various industries, so if you don’t fit their demographic, they may not be the right fit for you anyway. 

The best SEO agencies will have seasoned professionals who have seen it all and can offer advice on which strategies to use and when. They should also be equipped with the right tools for the job, which means that you will need to consider investing in software or hiring people to perform the tasks manually. 

Features To Look For In An SEO Agency

The following are some of the things to keep in mind when comparing various SEO agencies. These are all important factors that you need to consider before making a decision. 

• Experience
• Quality Of Work
• Support
• Portfolio of Previously Completed Projects
• Signed Prototypes Of Various Marketing Materials (e.g., Press Releases, Brochures, Website Content, Etc.)
• Track Record Of Meeting Deadlines And Budget
• Training
• Additional Services (e.g., Analytics, Content Management, etc.)

The Importance Of Testing The Waters

Once you’ve found an agency that you think is qualified and can provide the services you need at a good price, it’s important to test the water to see how they perform. 

Doing business with new companies is risky, especially when it comes to digital marketing and SEO. While you might feel confident going in blind, it’s always best to do business with companies you know and trust. This way, you can be sure they’re going to live up to your expectations. 

Sober-Curious Or Alcoholic?

One of the most important things to consider when selecting an SEO agency is whether they are a “sober-curious” organization or one that promotes and accepts alcohol. 

Since search engines can’t “see” alcohol, it is against the rules to promote it via paid or unpaid advertisements. While this doesn’t mean your agency has to be 100% dry, it does mean that they can’t actively participate in activities promoted by alcohol. So, if you’re planning to do any networking events or attend parties, you may want to reconsider choosing this agency.

Choosing The Right Agency For Your Business

If you’re still deciding which SEO company to go with after reading all of this, don’t worry. Just keep in mind everything you learned and you’re sure to make the right decision.

Before making a decision, contact the company you identified earlier for references and read online reviews to get a general idea of how others feel about the service. Then, contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints registered against the agency. In the end, you should only choose an agency that you feel confident will be able to support your objectives and meet your deadlines.