In a way, finding the right website SEO company for you is like trying out online dating. You’re going to see some profiles you like, only to realize in person that they’re three inches shorter than what they said, or a lot less effective at making you laugh than you would have hoped. If you don’t know the warning signs, you might need to go through several rounds of bad dates before meeting the significant other of your dreams.
So: what are the warning signs that the affordable SEO companies you’re talking to are less than the stellar dreamboats they profess to be? Here are three things you should look out for while hiring an SEO company.
1. They Don’t Show You What’s Going On
Everyone has had a digital camera since 10 years ago, so it’s always suspicious when you meet someone online who somehow doesn’t have a single picture of themselves. Similarly, be wary of a website SEO company that seemingly “can’t explain” to you how they get their results. Why can’t they, when explaining the process of SEO to clients is fairly standard for the industry? In all likelihood, they’re using illegitimate techniques that could actually hurt your website in the long run, even if you decide to disassociate with them.
2. They Live in Australia… You Live in New York
The point of online dating is to connect with people and eventually go on dates. Though interstate and cross-country love can happen, it’s unusual for the most part, and online you’d have your guard up if someone wanted to meet, yet lived 5,000 miles away. Similarly, be wary of forming a lasting business relationship with an SEO marketing agency that is based out of Asia. The price might be low, but the writers will likely not have English as a first language, which tends to result in content gibberish that Google will see as spam. Just as you wouldn’t invest in a conversation with someone who doesn’t really have plans to meet you, don’t invest in a company that doesn’t have the means to get you high search rankings.
3. What’s Cute at 18 is Strange at Age 30
Being able to grow and change is part of the human experience. What we might find appealing in a significant other at age 18 will likely not be the same things we look for once we’re 30. This is because we’ve adapted to changing situations. The last thing you want is to date a 30 year old who’s still convinced he’s a teenager. Likewise, your SEO marketing agency needs to change with the times. Have they updated their approach in response to major algorithm changes like Penguin, Panda and Hummingbird? If not, it’s time to find an expert SEO company willing to keep in touch with the times.
What would you look for in a website SEO company? Let us know in the comments.
