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Top 7 Questions to Ask When Hiring an SEO Expert
Key Takeaways
- Outsourcing SEO lets your business grow other areas while a technical partner boosts your brand's search visibility.
- Ask for case studies and past client results to confirm an agency is credible and has delivered successful campaigns.
- A good agency researches your company first and recommends specific KPIs rather than giving a generic, one-size-fits-all strategy.
- Prioritize agencies that stay current with evolving tools like SEMRush and Google Search Console and take a holistic keyword approach.
- Clarify team size, individual roles, and communication frequency upfront so your working relationship feels personal and prioritized.
Top 6 Questions to Ask an SEO Company
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1. What are your case studies or examples of previous clients they have worked with
The proof is in the pudding, right? Before you begin working with an SEO agency, you should ensure that they are credible and have previously executed successful campaigns for clients. Furthermore, it is critical to understand whether they have combined SEO tactics with other channel tactics, such as Paid Search or Email Marketing. If you’re a local business, for example, in Montreal, Quebec, and looking for a local SEO company, ask directly for a local project they have helped dominate in search rankings. Or you can begin by hiring a local Montreal SEO company to get targeted services and local experts with experience and knowledge about the local markets and trends. Many experienced agencies will be able to provide case studies of their work, outlining the strategies they used for the client and why, as well as the end results. This information will help you feel more confident about hiring an SEO expert.2. What is your go-to SEO strategy for improving search rankings?
Of course, each client has unique needs. Make sure the SEO agency does not provide you with a blanket answer to this question. If they are a credible agency, they will have already researched your company and industry and will be able to recommend specific KPIs (key performance indicators) to assess the success of your marketing campaign.3. How does your team keep up with the latest SEO trends/tools?
SEO tools and trends, like so many other aspects of the digital marketing industry, are constantly evolving and expanding. It is critical that the SEO agency you are interviewing prioritizes internal growth so that its team can consistently provide you with the most up-to-date solutions and efficient processes. Professional SEO teams enjoy delving into various platforms and tools (for example, SEMRush and Google Search Console, among many others), as well as staying up to date on news and technology developments.4. What recommendations/growth opportunities do you suggest based on your review of our current site?
How to find a good SEO consultant is determined by how much time and effort they put into researching your business and industry. If the agency wants your business, it must make several specific recommendations that address your needs. It would be beneficial if the SEO agency has experience in your industry and appears to have a personal connection with your brand. If you want to validate a specific business idea with an SEO agency, consider some of our recommendations.5. How does your team conduct keyword research?
Another useful question to ask an SEO company is, "How does your team conduct keyword research?" This process is essential for SEO, and the outcome will be a good indication of the company's priorities, organizational skills, and thoroughness. You can also be more specific with this question by asking which tools the agency uses to compile keyword lists, how the list is organized, and what the review process is. A successful SEO consultant should have a tried-and-true strategy for each step of the process. Due to the nature of keyword research and the evolution of SEO, professional agencies value and focus on the client and their target audience. Where are website users in the marketing funnel, and how do the keywords chosen through keyword research affect not only the organization, but also the users and the result? When hiring an SEO expert, look for someone who takes a holistic approach.6. How many SEO team members will we work directly with?
Clients want to feel like they are the top priority at their SEO agency. Understanding each team member's role and getting to know them before beginning a working relationship can help you and your team feel more at ease moving forward. Putting a face to a name is just one personal touch that an SEO agency can provide.7. How do you best communicate with clients, and how frequently?
The SEO agency you choose may not be local to your business. It is critical to discuss the best days and times for check-in meetings, as well as the most effective methods of conducting them. Since the pandemic hit in 2020, all businesses have had to transition to a virtual model, so there is no excuse for a lack of communication!Conclusion
In the end, all that matters is the success of your business. Note down these questions, and whoever you’re going to hire, ask them directly and discuss your goals and requirements upfront to have a clean, transparent, and healthy communication with your SEO company. We hope these questions helped you understand the challenges of hiring the right SEO partner. With all set, we wish you a happy partnership ahead.Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire an SEO expert instead of handling it in-house?
Running a successful business demands expertise across marketing, finance, design, and more. Many companies outsource SEO so they can concentrate on growing other aspects of their operations. Whether you need to raise brand awareness or set up basic SEO for a new site, a technical partner brings the right skill set to boost your brand.
What is the most important question to ask an SEO agency first?
Ask for their case studies or examples of previous clients. The proof is in the pudding, so confirm the agency is credible and has executed successful campaigns. Understand whether they combined SEO with tactics like Paid Search or Email Marketing, and if you're local, ask directly about a local project they helped dominate in search rankings.
How can I tell if an SEO agency's strategy is right for my business?
A credible agency won't give a blanket answer about its go-to strategy. Instead, it will have already researched your company and industry, recommend specific KPIs to measure campaign success, and make several concrete recommendations after reviewing your current site. Personal connection to your brand and relevant industry experience are strong signals of a good fit.
How should a good agency approach keyword research?
A successful SEO consultant should have a tried-and-true strategy for each step. Ask which tools they use to compile keyword lists, how the list is organized, and what the review process is. Professional agencies focus on the client and target audience, considering where users sit in the marketing funnel and taking a holistic approach to results.
What should I clarify about team and communication before signing on?
Ask how many team members you'll work with directly and understand each person's role, since putting a face to a name adds a valuable personal touch. Also discuss how the agency communicates and how frequently, especially since your chosen SEO agency may not be local to your business.
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