How to Choose an SEO Agency
Why iNET Web is the Best Choice for Wisconsin Businesses
Here’s a common scenario: A business gets a website and figures "Whew, got that done!" They do nothing more with the site. Over time, they notice they're not getting any leads from their site and they start wondering why they even bothered with a website in the first place.
What’s missing in this picture is a strategic SEO (Search Engine Optimization) campaign. An SEO-focused approach tailors all the work you do on your site to rank higher in search engine results pages. Delivering the best experience for searchers ACROSS THE BOARD equips your website to remain profitable long-term..
It’s easy to get stuck with an SEO agency that doesn’t deliver the results they promised or, even worse, one that uses black hat SEO tactics and ends up tanking your search rankings. To avoid these pitfalls, here are a few important points to consider:
Is the SEO Agency a Legitimate Business?
This may sound like a ridiculous question, but there are many “companies” passing themselves off as SEO agencies when, in reality, it’s just a guy working out of his basement. Worse yet are the shady groups operating out of foreign countries. If you want a legitimate SEO agency, you want a local, brick and mortar business you can actually visit.
iNET Web’s office is open 6 days a week and you will always get an answer if you have a question or concern about your website. Since we are more than just a web development firm, we have the resources to handle any other marketing needs you may have. A few of our popular marketing services include:
- Brochures
- Print ads
- Videos
- Radio Advertising
Does the SEO Agency Have a Record of Delivering Results?
Many SEO agencies talk a big game, but come up short when asked to show tangible numbers. iNET Web is all about results—measurable results.
iNET clients receive scheduled reports showing how their website is performing. We look at these reports as our own personal report card, so we’re very motivated to do work that brings more visits to your site and more customers for your business. If you’re not succeeding, we’re not succeeding.
Don’t be timid about asking for references. Any good SEO company will be happy to provide them. iNET has a growing list of client testimonials, and we can also put you in touch with some of our clients if you want more detailed information.
Beware the SEO Hucksters
It’s unfortunate, but there are a lot of unscrupulous SEO outfits out there preying on small business owners. One common scam SEO con-artists pull is sending out an email in which they claim your site is not ranking well on Google, but with their special SEO mojo your site will be propelled to the top of Google search engine results.
Don’t fall for it!
In these instances, unsavory operations are notorious for using black hat SEO tactics—the kind Google and other large search engines not only frown upon, but also penalize you for using. If you hire these clowns (most of whom cannot even compose a grammatically correct email), your website will be the recipient of a righteous smackdown from Google.
There are no effective, quick tricks to get a website to rank at the top of search engine results pages. SEO takes time to implement and show substantial results, but it WILL deliver outcomes that are superior to any other form of online marketing.
How long does it take for legitimate SEO work to have an effect? According to Google, it takes from four months to a year to see results. However, iNET Web often beats this timeline handily.
Is the SEO Agency Trying to Sell You on PPC and Social Media?
A lot of web development firms recommend Pay Per Click (PPC) and social media marketing. The pitch they give sounds appealing: an instant page one position in Google search results and lots of “visibility” on Facebook, twitter and other social media platforms. Yippee!
Once again, don’t fall for it.
Here’s the problem: When you sign on for PPC, your website listing is visibly branded with a notorious green “ad” label. So, everyone knows you paid for your top spot on Google in an attempt to cheat the system. As jaded as consumers are about advertising, they’re less likely to click your website if they think it is an advertisement.
You should also know Pay per Click can quickly end up costing you a small fortune, and when you come to your senses and cancel your contract, your website suddenly becomes invisible to Google searchers. All the money you pumped into PPC…down the drain.
As for social media, “likes” and thumbs ups may make you feel good, but they don’t translate to sales. People on Facebook aren’t looking to hire your business or buy your product, they’re looking for funny cat videos or posting selfies. When they’re actually ready to buy, they’re doing long-tail online searches.
If your SEO firm has focused its efforts on your organic search marketing, like iNET does, those potential customers WILL find you.
Is the SEO Agency a Provider or a Partner?
When you meet with an SEO agency for the first time, you can learn a lot about them by the questions they ask. If they’re more interested in how much you can spend on their services than in learning what sets your business apart from the competition, they’re probably not going to do a good job for you.
Knowing how to position a business in a crowded marketplace is just as important as identifying keywords to integrate into a website. A good SEO agency is also a good marketing partner—and as passionate about your success as you are.
Is iNET Web a Good Fit for Your Business?
Why not find out for yourself? Come in and meet with us. We offer a free initial consultation for prospective clients, with no obligation whatsoever.
