So you want to drive more traffic to your website, and the time has come to hire an SEO company to help you. How do you choose? And what is "SEO" anyway? SEO stands for "search engine optimization." Through a process of designing or re-designing websites, uploading content, and building in-bound links, SEO companies are experts in helping your site rank well with the major search engines.
Type "SEO company" into Google and you'll get well over 2 million results. So how do you choose the firm that's right for you? Here are some tips to help you find the best help in optimizing your company's website.
Ask Your Colleagues. Finding an SEO that's familiar with your industry can be a big plus for your company's website. Talk to colleagues in your professional or trade association. Find out which SEO company they hired, and whether they're happy with the results. If your colleagues haven't gone through website optimization, or if they're your competitors and don't want to share their SEO's with you, speaking with friends in other industries can also turn up the name of a good SEO company. Friends and colleagues can also tell you which firms in your market to stay away from.
Define Your Comfort Zone. Some business owners prefer to hire firms they can meet with face-to-face, while others are more comfortable with the global nature of the online marketplace. Ask yourself whether you'll be more comfortable with a local SEO company or not. If so, get local referrals and search online for SEO's in your own area.
Google Them. Let's face it. It's pretty easy to tell whether an SEO company knows its business or not. Try searching for "SEO company [your city]" or "SEO company [your industry]". Companies that show up near the top of your search are obviously doing something right. You can also use your Google search to keep an eye out for any scam companies out there. When people have problems with SEO's they often complain out loud and online, so you'll get wind of any issues with prospective firms.
Check Their Website. Once you have a list of recommended firms or firms in your region or industry, visit their websites. You'll learn a lot about their style of doing business from browsing their online offerings. How does their style match your own company's public image? Are they upfront about their approach to SEO? Do they offer good information that helps you educate yourself about the mechanics of optimization? Or do they offer outlandish guarantees of number one Google rankings and overnight success?
Get in Touch. Though it can be tedious, make sure you contact at least three or more SEO companies. You'll get a good idea of the range of quality and different approaches out there. Interview these prospects either in person, on the phone, or virtually. Make up a short list of questions to ask about their approach to SEO, Also be aware of their business practices during this process. Are they good about getting back to you? Do they seem interested in your industry? Do they offer straight answers to your questions or evasive ones? Some SEO's do rely on proprietary systems and won't be willing to tell you every detail of their approach, but you'll be able to sense of what kind of partner they'll be to work with during the optimization process. The more time you spend feeling out prospective companies' styles and personalities, the happier you'll be with whichever SEO company you choose.
Stephen L. Moss is a freelance writer [http://www.stephenlmoss.com/] focusing on commercial projects for clients around the world. He is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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