Happy 2019! The new year often means an increased effort toward defining and achieving your goals. And for many small business owners, that means a focus on ramping up your marketing efforts. One avenue that you may choose to invest in is Search Engine Optimization. If you are looking to grow your small business and want to hire the right SEO expert to help you reach your goals, you should be aware that not all SEO experts are created equal.
After doing SEO work for over 15 years, I’ve seen all kinds of promises and scams and I’ve met many business owners who have felt taken advantage of by a company who couldn’t deliver. If this sounds familiar, take a quick look at the tips below for finding the right SEO expert for your business. SEO can be a big investment, so it’s vital that you choose an SEO consultant that is reliable and trustworthy.
Four Tips for Finding the Right SEO Expert
So, what does SEO success look like for you? For most small business owners, it means organic traffic to your website, increased contacts by the right customers and increased sales. It’s important to have a good understanding of your goals and budget before contacting any SEO firm. Then, follow these tips to help you make the best decision for your business.
Do Your Research
Just like you would for hiring an employee, buying a car or choosing a restaurant for dinner, you need to do your research. A quick Google search can give you a lot of information about the reliability of any SEO company. You can also search BBB to make sure they’re in good standing. Ask other small business owners in your network if they have recommendations based on their own experiences. Lastly, it is always best to contact an SEO consultant on your own rather than doing business with one that has contacted you unsolicited.
Areas of Expertise
SEO is just one part of the game. You may want to find a web consultant that specializes in more than just search engine optimization. Depending on your goals, you may need a consultant who offers copy writing, web design and development or other online marketing services. You may want to find someone who specializes in local SEO. Again, knowing your goals will help you to identify the areas of expertise that will be most beneficial to your business.
Company Values
When you are giving your hard-earned money to any service provider, you want to be sure that their values and business practices match your own. Reliability and trustworthiness are important in an SEO consultant as well as communication and transparency. Beware of falling for the cheapest option or the flashiest presentation. Choose the SEO consultant that gives you honest advice, clear expectations and an easy-to-understand pricing structure.
Get a Consultation
One of the best ways to get to know an SEO expert is in the initial consultation. Here, you can interview them and get the answers to the questions you need to make an informed decision. Create a list of questions based on your goals and ask for case studies and testimonials from past clients. The more prepared you are going in to your consultation, the more confidently you will be able to make decisions and avoid feeling pressured.
ACA Web Consulting and SEO Experts
At ACA Web Consulting, we take pride in our ability to get results for clients while being completely transparent in our pricing and upfront with client expectations. We achieve amazing results for clients with our integrity and willingness to do the hard work. No empty promises here! If you need a reliable, trustworthy SEO consultant to help you reach your business goals this year, contact us today for your consultation. Let us help you get the exposure your business needs online!
