Top 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an SEO Expert
Article by Mike Khorev
Luckily, there was a time when getting your site on Google and even the first page was not so troublesome. However, as the time is changed and everyone wants to feel high with Google rankings addiction, it has become tough like hell to achieve rankings.
At this time, it is crucial that you choose only trusted and reputable SEO experts and compare among them as getting your page on the number one position is not a piece of cake anymore.
Every time putting these questions in front of the firm would let you determine whether you should continue or hop on to another one. Let’s face these queries here-
1. Do You Have The Portfolio About The Past Clients?
Always start your journey with this question. A company should always show you something as proof that they have delivered the SEO service to someone in the past. A firm that does not offer the same surely does not deserve a place.
See how well they managed the rankings and how much time it took. Ask if they use all Google-friendly tactics or black hat is their way out. A company should always use white hat techniques and somewhat grey hats, but black hat sold be avoided.
2. How Do You Plan To Promote My Website?
This question will clear out many things in your mind. An expert will be able to demonstrate their actual proceeding for your platform. You would also observe their presentation skills and the way of communication, so this question is vital. You would get to know their strategy and how much they know about things in SEO.
You can always carry a mate along if you are a novice or do not know much about SEO tactics. Ask them if they provide a free analysis of your website and let you know where you lack.
Also, ask consultants if they provide “off page” SEO strategies to raise awareness of your content on other websites, often via blogs, social media platforms, and press releases.
3. Do You Guarantee To Take My Website On Number One?’
It is a fool-proof technique that makes you reject or instantly accept a company. Observe what they say on this question. Companies that only want the project would instantly say “yes’ with some weird explanation on how.
However, a genuine company won’t promise you anything like that. Instead, they would assure you that they can surely help you with increasing your rankings to a better place than now. And if this is the answer you can put that firm in your list for the next question else dump it.
4. Do You Provide Local SEO Optimization?
See there is a difference between the SEO and local SEO. When we talk about effective local SEO strategy, it means that you gain the rankings against the nearby competitors or who have been serving the same services in your area. It is essential to have local rankings if you want to grab more customers locally.
Always select a firm that has experience with both SEO and local SEO. You should always demand a portfolio as proof from the agencies you are considering to interview. See how well they performed with past clients’ sites locally.
5. Do You Believe In Transparency Or Deliver The Final Results?
A firm that does not give importance to transparency or does not consider it necessary is a red flag. Always hire a firm that provides you transparency or information at every step. They must inform you about all the changes regularly or as you ask. Transparency lets you know if they are periodically working and at which aspect currently.
They should have your permission to make changes to your platform, and this comes with transparency only. Get a complete list on the changes made so you can do cross check in case.
6. How Often Do You Interact and the Communication Methods?
Communication during the project is essential that lack of it can lead you both to delay the rankings. Whether it is a local or a global firm you rely on, communication should be regular. The method can be any such as direct calls or via any app like Skype, or Hangouts.
Well, whatever it is, make sure you both would be able to discuss things whenever a query pops. Having a firm locally or from the same country is recommended as there can be time zone issues with an international SEO firm.
7. What Are Your Fees and Payment Terms?
It is another important aspect and lacking in understand it leads you to fraud. Ask it before or have it written in the contract; a payment condition should be in a way you both find comfortable. Whether you are making a milestone as per the task or full payment, assure the firm a guaranteed pay and expect the same for the professional SEO services.
Also, budget fixing should be done which does not need to be too expensive or too cheap. Both cases can lead you to stress in the long term as ‘too expensive’ deal won’t be affordable and ‘too cheap’ comes with several flaws.
8. What about the After-Service Part?
The company should also confirm the after-sales service in the contract. It means that you have the rights on the content, website, and whatever changes are made. The firm will not modify or hurt the ranking. It comes useful in case you end the contract in between or prior before the mentioned period. It should be explicitly specified in the agreement that the experts’ side would make no harm to your platform.
The Verdict
These are some of the questions that you should not leave asking trusted and reputable SEO experts. See which one gets you right and which does not catch the idea well. Eventually, you would have an idea that which one to remove from the list, and it would be easier to finalize.
Author Bio
Mike Khorev is known for being an SEO expert; he specializes in all the digital marketing tactics. He handles all the social media campaigns by understanding the root why you lack in rankings allow him for providing you better support. In the leisure time, he believes blooming the backyard other than writing his blog.