If you do a quick search on Google (e.g. SEO companies Chicago), I’m pretty sure that thousands – if not millions – of results will show up. If you don’t believe me, you can test it out yourself because I am not kidding here. This is simply how congested the world of SEO is. Since almost every modern company operates individual websites, the demand for real experts to look after these websites are also very high. I guess you can say that people who saw this as an opportunity to sell online services wound up on the same page. They each decided to put up their own agencies.
And this doesn’t just happen with SEO. Web development, WordPress development, graphics design, and other digital services are offered by a great number of agencies. More and more people may even be mastering such skills as we speak (read this). You see, the world has certainly gone digital and it has given professionals the privilege to work from home. With just a laptop or computer, you can have the world at your fingers. Skill-based work like this definitely has several advantages over a day job. It’s no wonder why the internet is now flooded with digital service agencies and skill-based freelancers.
But then again, today is not the right time to explore more about this topic. Instead, we are going to talk about how you should go about your decision-making process when faced with industries as thick and congested as these.
For sure, you have a website. Whether it’s an informative, business, or social website is unbeknownst to me. However, the fact that you’re here tells me that you’re having a hard time choosing which of the gazillion agencies and professionals you should be hiring to take care of your Search Engine Optimization needs. After all, whatever website you may have, you would want it to get noticed. Otherwise, what’s the point of putting up one right?
I can personally understand your confusion. I have been through similar situations in the past and I sure wish someone was there to help me during that time as well. Choosing the right company for the job can be terribly stressful. If possible, you would want to make the right call the first time after all. Choosing the wrong agency to contract with can mean losses for you – and we don’t want that. So instead of wandering around the internet with no clear direction, constructing a criterion for hiring should help you funnel down your choices.
Here’s what you should typically be looking for in SEO Companies:
Table of Contents
Good Authority
This one is actually fairly easy to determine, especially when you have the right tools. If you do a quick search on Google for “DA and PA checker,” many website tools will pop up (I recommend using trustworthy providers like Moz). A good company, like valarimseo.com for instance, should have substantial authority online. This will tell you that their website is recognized and respected by search engines and other websites.
Great Online Presence
SEO is about giving you exposure, right? Well, how can you trust experts who can’t even take care of their own presence online? You know what they say: If you’re going to talk the talk, you should walk the walk. I think this perfectly represents the situation we have here. If an agency or expert is going to help you rank, they should show that they have done it for themselves too.
Proof of Past Accomplishments
Asking for a good portfolio is a great start. Established SEO agencies have already worked with several businesses and websites in the past and you would want to know how all of their previous projects turned out. Validating this should be your top most priority. After all, if an agency is going to brag about having your website rank, they should first prove that they can do it.
Positive Feedback From Previous Clients
Lastly, a good agency should have positive reviews online. No company is perfect so you shouldn’t look for one that has zero negative reviews. Simply look for an agency that people are more positive about. Examine your options thoroughly!