It is estimated that 82% of shoppers with a smartphone run a ‘near me’ search. Imagine the sheer volume of potential business that’s originating close to you. The question is, how much of that business is coming to you?
If you are not ranking on Page one of Google, you are losing out on 90% of that business.
So if someone tells you that you’ve got to rank on page one of Google for search terms related to your business, they aren’t kidding. But if someone also tells you, that they can help your business get ranked for those keywords, you’ve got to think twice.
SEO or Search engine optimization is an incredibly effective form of marketing. However, it has gotten progressively difficult in the last 8-10 years. Unlike the early 2000s, you cannot buy SEO packages without doing your due diligence, and expect to rank your website anymore.
In fact, most businesses must be wary of inexperienced and unscrupulous SEO providers who can do more harm than good to your business.
To that end, here’s a 5 point checklist that you should consider before you buy SEO packages from unknown SEO companies.
#1 – How experienced are they?
The SEO landscape has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Any SEO company that has set up shop recently, might not be aware of most of those changes. Don’t get us wrong. Not being aware of the changes that occurred 10-years ago in a search engine algorithm does not make a company a less skilled one.
However, it does assure you that they are not going to use an outdated, rehashed SEO strategy that they read on a messaging board. The takeaway is this. Look for companies that have at least a decade of experience. Not only does this ensure that you are dealing with someone who’s weathered many a search-engine storm, it also means that they will have ample client case studies to show you.
#2 – Do they have case studies to back up their claims with?
Tall claims are one thing. Backing it up with validated proof is another. Any SEO company that asks you to buy SEO packages must back up their claims with case studies.
Even better if the studies are from your exact same industry, although that may not always be possible. Either way, look for the following data from the case studies that they share with you.
- KPIs or Key Performance Indicators – KPIs are an infallible method to verify the SEO claims that any company makes. Demand to see case studies with a wide range of KPIs.
- Rankings and organic traffic – These are hands down, the most important data to verify. But it may not be the only ones you might be interested in checking. If you are a local business, then there are additional details you must verify as well.
- Google My business data – Verify data from Google My business. Is there an improvement in search visibility, visibility on Google maps, the number of clicks to the business website, the number of clicks to call a business? Look for goal conversions.
Any SEO company worth their salt will be able to generate a bare minimum of 50% increase in most of these KPIs. If you are looking for buy SEO packages, we recommend dealing with companies who have managed to generate a 100% increase or more.
#3 – How updated is their information?
You’d be surprised at the number of SEO companies out there who are not updated about the most recent developments in search marketing. They are still practicing old, outdated SEO techniques that may be ineffective. In a worst case scenario, these techniques might even harm your website’s reputation.
Speak to the company before you buy SEO packages.
- Does the company have an in-depth understanding of Google’s guidelines for optimizing websites?
- Do they use Google analytics?
- Do they use professional SEO tools for keyword optimization? How informed are they about keyword research? This is critical and will determine how successful your SEO efforts are.
- Are they aware of on-page SEO?
- What is their link building strategy? Google has constantly reworked their algorithms to detect gray and black hat link building. The penalties have gotten more severe as well. If you are looking to rank a business website, it goes without saying that you need a company that only uses Whitehat link building methods such as outreach programs, advertorials, social media and more.
#4 – Do they have a great copywriter/content writer on board?
Modern day SEO is predominantly based on content. Unless an SEO company has a strong content marketing strategy in place, they may not be able to deliver the kind of results that businesses look for.
Ask them about their content marketing strategies for businesses in your industry. Do they intend to rework the content on your website? Do they plan to blog? It’s crucial that they have a skilled and experienced content writer on their team. There’s nothing more detrimental to a website that poor quality content.
#5 – Check their reputation
An SEO company that has been around for 10+ years will definitely have reviews on most business review platforms. Read the reviews. Even more important, check the dates of the reviews. The reviews should date back to 6-7 years at least. A ton of reviews in the last one year is usually a red flag.
Ideally, it should be a mix of positive and negative reviews. Don’t let the negative reviews dissuade you from doing business with a company. There are many reasons why clients choose to leave negative reviews. Some of them can be biased or intentionally done to shit on a competitor as well. Do any of the reviews speak about SEO campaigns gone wrong? Or ones that resulted in a ban? Speak to the SEO company about those reviews. You can even reach out to the reviewer if you are not convinced with the reply you receive from the SEO company. Honest companies will usually not dissuade you from contacting their ex-clients.
Conclusion
It’s easy for anybody on the internet to offer SEO packages. But considering that it’s your reputation on the line, you should always do your due dillgence before you buy SEO packages. We hope that this checklist serves as a starting point for your research and helps you make an informed decision.
