Search engine optimization (SEO) is a form of digital marketing that influences search engine results. SEO can be tricky to learn and is often implemented unsuccessfully by beginners. For this reason, it is wise to hire SEO expert services to properly optimize your website.

An SEO expert service knows the ins and outs of the process. It can get more traffic to flow onto your website.

More traffic means more leads.

More leads mean more conversion.

More conversion means more sales.

Read on to learn what SEO expert services can do for your business.

What Does SEO Do?

Every search engine has programmed algorithms that it uses to rank a site. Those algorithms determine if a site looks credible or questionable. A credible site will receive a higher ranking while a questionable site will get a lower one.

The higher a site’s ranking, the more traffic it will garner.

A successful SEO strategy utilizes these algorithms to increase site traffic. Common tactics include keyword usage, linking, and providing quality content.

All of these tactics must be incorporated in a certain way, though. Poor incorporation not only fails — it also hinders your site and makes it rank lower.

SEO expert services will know when and how to use every SEO tactic in the book. They will be able to devise and implement an effective SEO strategy without risking your site’s ranking.

7 Questions To Ask When Choosing SEO Expert Services

Not all SEO expert services are equal. Some don’t have the experience or knowledge to plan an SEO strategy. Others use questionable tactics to get results.

Prior to choosing, there are several questions you should ask SEO expert services. Below are seven of those questions.

1. “How Will Your Services Get My Site Results?”

All SEO expert services should be willing to talk about their processes. If they avoid the question or won’t go into detail, that’s a major red flag something is off.

Additionally, any service should be willing to do a routine check of your site. That check should include reviewing your links and pages for broken code. A routine check will help them assess your current strategy as well as any problems that your site has.

Whether or not you’ll have to pay for that check is another matter. Some services offer free diagnoses while others charge.

2. “Do You Follow Search Engine Rules and Guidelines?”

Google has disclosed its webmaster guidelines. These guidelines provide insight into its algorithms and how they determine a website’s credibility.

A great SEO strategy goes beyond merely following guidelines, though. A true SEO expert service will avoid utilizing any and all black hat SEO tactics.

In contrast to regular SEO (or white hat SEO), black hat SEO manipulates search engine results. Cheap tricks that it employs include keyword stuffing, invisible text, spamming, and link baiting.

In the past, these tactics would have worked on search engines’ algorithms. Now, thanks to improved technology, algorithms look out for these tactics and rank any site that uses them lower.

3. “Can You Make Sure My Site Gets The Top Ranking On All Major Search Engines?”

This question acts as bait for questionable SEO expert services.

Any service that jumps and says, “Yes!” is one to avoid. While a service can ensure a higher ranking, no service can guarantee a top ranking. That holds especially true for the top ranking.

Another red flag to look for is the service claiming to “know someone” at Google or another popular search engine. Likely they’ll say that they can guarantee you priority thanks to their contact at the company.

This claim is false. Even if the service does know someone at the company, only the search engines themselves can rank sites.

4. “What Is Your Experience With Local SEO?”

Unless you’re a global or national company, you’ll want to target local customers. To show up in local results, you’ll need to implement local SEO.

Local SEO is tailored to earn local views. Common local SEO tactics include using your location as a keyword, getting listed on local listings, and opening profiles on online directories.

SEO expert services will know how to develop and execute all of these tactics. Post-SEO, you’ll enjoy a surge in local traffic that will likely lead to purchases and other types of conversion.

5. “Could You Make A List Of All Of The Changes To My Site?”

Implementing a new SEO strategy will result in multiple changes to your site. These changes will include new or replacement coding.

You should ask your SEO expert service for a list of all changes made to your site. Having a list will help you isolate an issue if one should arise after your SEO overhaul is complete.

In addition to a list of changes, you should ask for a copy of your site’s old code. That way, you have a point of reference when comparing your old code with your new code.

You’ll also have backup code in case you need to switch back to your old code for whatever reason.

6. “How Will You Know If The SEO Works?”

All SEO expert services will know about Google Analytics. What’s more, they’ll be well-versed enough in it to know how to use it.

Google Analytics is a free online tool provided by Google that tracks website metrics. Specifically, Google Analytics tracks the amount of traffic on your site, the traffic’s demographics, and where it came from.

By analyzing that data, you can determine what is bringing people to your website.

When it comes to SEO, Google Analytics is a must-have tool. It shows you whether or not your strategy is successful. If it isn’t, it gives you enough data to adjust your strategy and make it successful.

7. “How Much Will You Charge Me?”

Before making any agreement with any service, you should both be clear on payment.

Many services are contractors and require a flat fee. They may ask for payment upfront or half now and half later. They may also ask you to pay a retainer fee.

Other services charge an hourly rate.

Regardless, depending on your site and how much work you need, you can expect to spend roughly $1,000. A very large project may cost you as much as $7,500.

You should also be clear on what happens if the project is not completed for whatever reason. Some services may charge you the full price or just enough to cover their labor and time expenses.

Need More SEO Tips? Check Us Out!

Attracta provides SEO enthusiasts with a myriad of SEO resources. From local SEO to guest posts to Google’s update history, we cover it all at Attracta.

For more on SEO, please check out our blog!