Yorkshire-based Web Design and SEO agency Bluehoop Digital provide an insight to help you ensure you don’t get burned when choosing an SEO agency.
For over 10 years, Bluehoop Digital has been helping businesses in Yorkshire and beyond improve their visibility and rankings in Google through customised SEO strategies. Their team of experts focuses on truly understanding each client’s goals and then developing data-driven solutions tailored to their specific needs.
To help businesses avoid choosing the wrong SEO agency, Bluehoop Digital recommends doing thorough research on any potential firm. Look at their track record of results, vet their processes, check client references, and beware of unrealistic guarantees. Bluehoop Digital prides itself on being fully transparent about its SEO methodology and providing each client with a customised roadmap to fit their objectives.
We’ve been contacted in the past by clients who have had problems with less scrupulous digital marketing agencies. Many businesses end up wasting significant time and money on agencies that make big promises but fail to deliver results. One client told us they felt burned after wasting time and money on an incompetent SEO agency that clearly didn’t understand proper optimisation techniques.
Unfortunately, stories like this are all too common in the SEO industry today. With SEO exploding in popularity, many agencies are popping up trying to capitalise on the demand. But not all of them truly understand effective SEO methodology or have the skills to properly optimise a website. So how can you avoid choosing the wrong agency and getting burned? Here are some tips:
Do Your Research
Don’t just take an agency’s word that they know what they’re doing. Thoroughly research them online to gauge their real knowledge and track record. Look for in-depth articles and videos they’ve created that demonstrate SEO expertise. See if their own website ranks well organically for relevant keywords. And find out what existing clients are saying about their services. Beware of agencies that can’t back up claims with actual proof.
Vet Their SEO Process
A quality SEO agency should be able to clearly explain its optimisation process and strategies. Ask detailed questions about the specific tactics they use for activities like keyword research, technical SEO, content optimisation, link building, and site speed. If they can’t provide satisfactory answers or talk in vague generalities, that’s a red flag.
Check Client References
Don’t sign on with an agency until you’ve spoken with some of their clients. Ask for references and case studies showing real ranking improvements and ROI from SEO. Contact the references to confirm they’re legitimate. Be cautious of agencies reluctant to provide referrals or who only give references from many years ago.
Beware Unrealistic Promises
Quality SEO takes time. Be very wary of agencies promising first-page Google rankings within weeks or “guaranteeing” #1 positions. While rankings can improve quickly with the right strategies, it’s simply not realistic for most sites in competitive industries. An ethical agency will be upfront about what’s achievable.
Avoid Long Contracts
We recommend starting with a 6-month contract at first when engaging with a new SEO agency. This gives you adequate time to evaluate the agency’s work and see tangible results before having to commit to a longer term. Some agencies push 12-month contracts from day one which can lock you in if they under-deliver.
Starting with a 6 month trial period lets you exit quickly if you find the agency’s skills or strategies don’t line up with your expectations. You can request metrics reports each month to closely track progress. If rankings and traffic metrics aren’t moving in the right direction, it may be time to part ways.
Beginning with a 6-month contract gives you the flexibility to change course if needed, while still giving the agency enough time to kickstart your SEO results. After seeing positive outcomes from the initial engagement, you can then confidently sign a longer contract to continue growing your organic presence.
Focus on Value, Not Price
Cheaper isn’t necessarily better when it comes to choosing an SEO agency. Paying rock-bottom rates often means you’ll get cookie-cutter services unlikely to help you beat competitors. Make sure the agency customises its approach and you’ll receive a worthwhile ROI relative to what you invest.
By thoroughly vetting agencies, you can feel satisfied that you’ve chosen a true SEO expert. This helps avoid the unfortunately common experience of wasting time and money on incompetent agencies making empty promises. Do your homework and seek out real proof of expertise, transparency on process, and satisfied clients. Taking these steps will go a long way towards landing an agency that can deliver tangible results and organic business growth.
