Navigating the realm of SEO agencies can feel like diving into a bustling market with countless options. Yet, finding the right partner is vital for scaling your online presence effectively. As search engine algorithms evolve, so does the complexity of SEO. From optimizing site structure to crafting compelling content, the landscape demands expertise and adaptability.ย
Partnering with an SEO agency offers a strategic advantage, but how do you discern the genuine from the opportunistic?ย
By asking the right questions. In this guide, we’ll delve into 17 essential questions to ask an SEO agency, equipping you to make informed decisions and secure a partner who drives lasting results.
17 Questions to Ask an SEO Agency
Understand the SEO agencyโs history
When vetting an SEO agency, it’s essential to delve into its history to gain insight into its reputation and track record. As part of your SEO questionnaire, consider researching the agency’s presence on testimonial sites such as Google My Business, Facebook, and Yelp.
Start by checking their average rating and reading a variety of reviews, including 1-star, 3-star, and 5-star reviews. This allows you to gauge the spectrum of experiences clients have had with the company. While a few negative reviews are common for any business with a long history, an abundance of negative feedback should raise concerns and serve as a red flag.
Additionally, explore agency-specific directories for samples of previous work and customer testimonials. However, exercise caution when relying on “X Best Marketing Agencies in [City]” lists found on some directories. These lists may prioritize agencies based on financial incentives rather than merit, potentially skewing the results.
It’s crucial to base your evaluation on genuine feedback and evidence of the agency’s performance rather than rankings influenced by questionable tactics. By conducting thorough research and analyzing client testimonials, you can gain valuable insights into the SEO agency’s reputation, reliability, and suitability as a partner for your business.
In summary, understanding the SEO agency’s history through testimonials and reviews provides valuable context for evaluating their capabilities and determining if they’re the right fit for your SEO needs.
Experience is a critical factor when choosing an SEO agency. A seasoned agency with a proven track record will be better equipped to handle the complexities of SEO and achieve successful results for your business. Here’s how to delve deeper into an agency’s experience:
1. Years in Business and SEO Focus:
- Find out how long the agency has been in business, specifically focusing on their experience with SEO. A longer history suggests they’ve weathered algorithm updates and adapted their strategies accordingly.
2. Industry Expertise:
Not all SEO is created equal. Ideally, you want an agency with experience working in your specific industry. This ensures they understand the unique challenges and opportunities within your market landscape.
- Ask the agency:
- Have you worked with clients in our industry before?
- Can you share examples of successful SEO campaigns you’ve run for businesses similar to ours?
3. Team Composition and Credentials:
The agency’s team plays a crucial role in your SEO success. Inquire about the team’s composition:
-
SEO Specialists: Look for dedicated SEO specialists with certifications or proven expertise in on-page optimization, technical SEO, and link building.
-
Content Creators: If content creation is part of their services, assess the experience and qualifications of their content writers.
-
Account Managers: Ensure you have a dedicated account manager who understands your business goals and can effectively communicate the SEO strategy and progress.
-
Ask the agency:
- What are the qualifications and experience of the team members who will be working on our SEO campaign?
- Do your team members hold any relevant SEO certifications?
4. Client Testimonials and Case Studies:
Positive testimonials and case studies can be strong indicators of an agency’s experience and effectiveness. Look for testimonials from clients in your industry or with similar SEO goals.
- Ask the agency:
- Can you provide references from past clients in our industry?
- Do you have case studies showcasing successful SEO campaigns for businesses similar to ours?
5. Adaptability and Continuous Learning:
The SEO landscape is constantly evolving. A good agency will demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and adapting their strategies based on the latest search engine algorithms and industry trends.
- Ask the agency:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in SEO?
- Can you give examples of how you’ve adapted your SEO strategies to address recent algorithm updates?
By thoroughly evaluating an agency’s experience, you can gain confidence that they have the expertise and resources to handle your specific SEO needs and achieve sustainable, long-term results.
Delving Deeper into SEO Philosophy
An SEO agency’s philosophy is essentially their core set of beliefs and principles that guide their approach to search engine optimization. Understanding this philosophy is crucial when choosing an agency because it will directly impact the tactics they use and the overall success of your SEO campaign. Here’s how to get a good grasp of an agency’s SEO philosophy:
1. White Hat vs. Black Hat Techniques:
There are two main approaches to SEO: white hat and black hat. White hat techniques focus on creating high-quality content, improving user experience, and building trust with search engines. Black hat techniques, on the other hand, involve manipulating search engine algorithms through tactics that can be penalized by search engines.
- Ask the agency:
- Do you exclusively use white hat SEO techniques?
- How do you ensure long-term sustainability and avoid penalties from search engine algorithm updates?
2. User-Centric vs. Algorithmic Focus:
-
White hat philosophy often emphasizes a user-centric approach. This means the agency prioritizes creating valuable content that attracts and engages users, and naturally improves search rankings as a result.
-
Black hat techniques might focus solely on manipulating search engine algorithms. This can lead to short-term gains, but the risk of penalties is high.
-
Ask the agency:
- How do you balance user experience with search engine optimization?
- Can you give examples of how you’ve improved a website’s ranking while also enhancing user engagement?
3. Content and Value Creation:
A strong SEO philosophy recognizes the importance of high-quality, informative content. This content should be relevant to your target audience and address their search queries.
- Ask the agency:
- How do you integrate content creation into your SEO strategy?
- What types of content do you recommend for our website?
- Do you offer content writing services, or will we need to handle that internally?
4. Transparency and Collaboration:
A good SEO agency will be transparent about their methods and keep you informed throughout the campaign. They should also be open to collaboration and willing to adapt their strategy based on your input and goals.
- Ask the agency:
- How will you keep us informed about the SEO process and the results achieved?
- Do you encourage open communication and collaboration with your clients?
- How do you ensure our goals are aligned with your SEO strategy?
By asking these questions and understanding the agency’s SEO philosophy, you’ll be in a better position to choose an agency that aligns with your values and prioritizes long-term success through ethical and sustainable practices.
What SEO services do you provide?
When vetting an SEO company, one of the crucial questions to ask is, “What SEO services does your agency provide?” However, before posing this question, it’s essential to define your requirements.ย
Are you seeking a comprehensive SEO package covering everything from keyword research to link building, or do you plan to handle certain aspects internally?
Once your needs are clear, it’s time to delve into the agency’s service offerings. While every agency may have a unique service portfolio, it’s crucial to ensure their expertise aligns with your requirements.ย
Beyond merely listing services, inquire about their approach and methodology for each service.ย
For instance, ask about their strategies for keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, and backlink building.
Moreover, assess the agency’s proficiency in specialized areas of SEO that may be pertinent to your business.ย
For instance, if local SEO is crucial for your brick-and-mortar establishment, inquire about their experience and success stories in optimizing local search visibility.
Ultimately, the goal is to find an SEO partner whose services not only match your needs but also demonstrate a proven track record of delivering results.ย
By asking detailed questions about their services and expertise, you can make an informed decision about which agency is best equipped to enhance your online presence and drive sustainable growth.
Can you share the approach your SEO Agency takes to improve search rankings for businesses?
When evaluating an SEO agency, it’s crucial to inquire about their approach to improving search rankings for businesses.ย
These inquiries fall under the category of “SEO Onboarding questions.” However, beware of generic responses that don’t account for the unique needs of your business.ย
A credible agency should have conducted thorough research on your industry and business, enabling them to offer a tailored strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Ask the agency to outline their approach in detail, focusing on how they plan to address your specific challenges and goals.ย
A reputable agency will be able to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to your business and industry.ย
These KPIs serve as benchmarks for measuring the success of your SEO campaign and should be aligned with your overarching business objectives. Furthermore, inquire about their process for ongoing optimization and adaptation.ย
SEO is a dynamic field, and strategies need to evolve in response to changes in search engine algorithms, industry trends, and competitor activity.ย
A proactive approach to monitoring and adjusting the strategy ensures that your business maintains a competitive edge in the digital landscape.
Ultimately, the goal is to find an SEO agency that not only understands your business but also demonstrates a commitment to delivering measurable results.ย
By asking about their tailored approach and KPIs as part of your SEO Onboarding questions, you can gauge their expertise and determine if they’re the right partner to help you achieve your SEO objectives.
What is your philosophy of approaching SEO to deliver results?
When assessing an SEO agency, it’s crucial to delve into their philosophy of approaching SEO to deliver results, especially through the lens of your SEO questionnaire.ย
A comprehensive SEO strategy encompasses three primary facets: Technical SEO, User Experience (UX) optimization, and Off-Page SEO.
For Off-Page Technical SEO Questions, inquire about their approach to technical aspects such as code optimization, site structure, and loading speed. A proficient agency will ensure that your website is easily crawlable by search engines, rectify any 404 errors, and implement effective redirects to enhance user experience and search visibility.
For Technical On-Page SEO Questions, focus on their strategy for optimizing the content and structure of your digital properties. An adept SEO agency will conduct thorough on-page SEO reviews, analyzing elements like content quality, keyword optimization, and navigation to enhance user engagement and search engine rankings.
Moreover, for Off-Page SEO Questions, probe into their methods for improving your SEO presence through link building, brand strengthening, and increasing domain authority. A competent agency will seek opportunities to acquire high-quality backlinks from authoritative sources, thereby augmenting the popularity of your website and content.
It’s essential to ensure that the agency adopts a holistic approach, addressing all three facets of SEO in its strategy. Avoid agencies that specialize in only one aspect or offer strategies without effective implementation. Modern SEO demands a balanced approach and experienced execution to drive sustainable results.
By incorporating these questions into your evaluation process, you can ascertain whether the SEO agency aligns with your business objectives and possesses the expertise to deliver tangible outcomes in the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization.
How will you adapt that strategy to our brand and industry
Inquiring how an SEO agency will adapt its strategy to your brand and industry is crucial when considering questions to ask an SEO agency as part of your SEO onboarding process.
A reputable SEO partner understands that SEO is not a one-size-fits-all solution. They should be prepared to tailor their approach to cater specifically to your industry, business model, and goals. For instance, SEO strategies for a local business targeting customers across several zip codes will differ significantly from those for a multinational corporation with a global market presence.
While industry experience is beneficial, what matters most is the agency’s ability to articulate how they will adapt their general approach to suit your niche. Look for specifics in their response that demonstrate a deep understanding of your industry’s nuances and challenges.
Moreover, an adept SEO agency recognizes the dynamic nature of SEO and the importance of staying ahead of trends and algorithm updates. They should be confident in their strategies, backed by ongoing testing and refinement. Listen for evidence that they continually evaluate their tactics, both on their own site and yours, to determine what works best for your specific campaigns.
Furthermore, pay attention to whether they provide insights based on a thorough evaluation of your website and competitive analysis. A knowledgeable agency will offer informed perspectives on the competitiveness of your industry and what to expect in terms of challenges and opportunities.
If an agency responds with vague promises or fails to provide detailed insights, it may be a red flag. Press them for more specifics to ensure they can deliver on their promises and effectively adapt their strategy to meet your brand and industry needs.
By asking these targeted questions, you can assess the agency’s expertise and determine if they are the right fit to drive your SEO success.
What monthly deliverables can I expect if I retain your agency?
When considering questions to ask an SEO company, it’s crucial to inquire about the monthly deliverables you can expect if you retain their services.ย
This question sheds light on the tactical actions they’ll implement as part of your SEO strategy.
While it’s important to understand that tactics may evolve based on ongoing learning and the need to pivot approaches, a reputable SEO agency should be able to outline the standard actions they typically execute for their clients. However, it’s essential to recognize that standard tactics like directory submissions, Google My Business setup, and on-page SEO are just the beginning โ they’re “table stakes.”
Listen closely to their response. While these foundational tactics are necessary, they shouldn’t be the extent of their services.ย
Look for additional deliverables such as traffic metric analysis, keyword tracking, content creation, and backlink acquisition and outreach.ย
These supplemental efforts demonstrate a commitment to driving meaningful results beyond basic optimization.
Moreover, it’s vital to manage expectations regarding the timeline for results.ย
SEO is a long-term game, and any company promising overnight success or first-page rankings within a week is likely overpromising.ย
A successful SEO campaign requires patience, typically taking 3-6 months to yield noticeable results.
Therefore, when discussing SEO services, inquire about what a successful campaign entails and what realistic results you can expect to see.ย
By asking these targeted questions, you can ensure that the SEO agency you choose is capable of delivering tangible outcomes aligned with your business goals.
In summary, while standard tactics are important, it’s the additional efforts and realistic expectations that truly define the effectiveness of an SEO company.
What metrics define โsuccessโ for you?
When considering questions to ask an SEO agency as part of your SEO onboarding process, it’s essential to understand how they define success for their clients.
A reputable SEO agency recognizes that success metrics should be aligned with your business goals rather than generic promises of top rankings.ย
Beware of agencies that guarantee page-one rankings, as they may resort to black-hat techniques that can ultimately harm your website’s performance.
Instead, legitimate SEO professionals will tailor their strategies based on your specific objectives.ย
Whether you seek increased traffic, enhanced local visibility, or improved conversion rates, the agency should prioritize tactics that directly contribute to achieving your desired outcomes. Look for agencies that engage in collaborative discussions to understand your goals thoroughly and develop strategies accordingly.
Furthermore, success in SEO goes beyond mere rankings. While metrics like impressions, clicks, positioning, sessions, and visitors are important, they are only part of the equation.ย
An effective SEO expert will also consider factors like time-on-page, demographic and geographic audience segmentation, mobile visits, and more.
Therefore, when discussing success metrics with an SEO agency, be wary of simplistic promises of reaching the top of page one. Instead, focus on metrics that drive revenue and business growth.ย
Qualified traffic and conversions are paramount, and a reputable agency will prioritize tactics that drive tangible results aligned with your revenue objectives.
In summary, success in SEO is about more than just rankingsโit’s about driving meaningful business outcomes. By aligning your goals with those of the SEO agency and focusing on metrics that drive revenue, you can ensure that your SEO efforts yield tangible returns on investment.ย
When seeking a good SEO consultant, prioritize agencies that prioritize your business objectives and employ ethical, results-driven strategies.
What does your SEO Tool Stack look like?
Understanding the tools an SEO agency uses is crucial when evaluating whether your SEO company is working effectively. While the specific tools may vary, it’s essential to ensure that the agency can articulate why they use these tools and how they contribute to achieving your SEO goals.
Transparency is key. Legitimate SEO agencies should be forthcoming about the tools they utilize for tracking keywords, analyzing traffic, and generating reports. These tools shouldn’t be treated as trade secrets but rather as essential components of their workflow.
When questioning an SEO agency about their tools, inquire not only about the tools themselves but also about the rationale behind their selection. For example:
- Ask about their preferred tools for keyword research and why they find them effective.
- Inquire about the tools they use for monitoring rankings and how these tools provide insights into performance.
- Discuss the crawler they utilize for website audits and the specific features that make it suitable for their needs.
- Explore their approach to monitoring backlinks and the tools they rely on to track link profiles effectively.
- Question their methods for conducting competitor analysis and the tools they use to gain insights into competitor strategies.
A reputable SEO partner will be able to explain why they’ve chosen their preferred tools and how these tools contribute to the success of your SEO campaign. Beware of agencies that simply list a multitude of tools without providing justification for their usage.
By asking these questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the agency’s approach to SEO and assess whether they have the necessary tools and expertise to drive results for your business.
How many SEO team members will we be working with directly?
When crafting your SEO questionnaire and questions to ask an SEO consultant, it’s essential to inquire about the team structure and how many SEO team members you’ll be working with directly.ย
Understanding the roles of each team member and establishing a personal connection can foster a more productive and comfortable working relationship.
Clients value being treated as a priority by their SEO agency. Therefore, it’s beneficial to get acquainted with each team member and understand their respective roles before initiating collaboration. Putting a face to a name adds a personal touch that enhances communication and collaboration throughout the partnership.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to have a designated point of contact within the SEO agency. This individual serves as your primary liaison, facilitating communication, addressing concerns, and ensuring that your needs are met effectively.ย
If the agency fails to assign a dedicated point of contact or attempts to delegate your account to an inexperienced intern, it may indicate a lack of commitment to your success.
A successful partnership with an SEO agency hinges on mutual respect, shared values, and aligned priorities. If you feel undervalued or neglected by the agency, it may be a sign to seek alternatives that prioritize your business objectives and prioritize your needs.
In summary, when hiring an SEO agency, inquire about the team structure and your direct points of contact to ensure a productive and mutually beneficial partnership. By establishing clear communication channels and building rapport with the team members, you can lay the foundation for a successful collaboration that drives meaningful results for your business.
Assessing an SEO Agency’s Team Expertise
The success of your SEO campaign hinges on the expertise of the agency’s team. Here’s how to delve deeper into their capabilities to ensure they have the right people on board for your needs:
1. Team Composition:
A well-rounded SEO team should have specialists in various areas:
- SEO Specialists: Look for individuals with experience and certifications in:
- On-Page Optimization: Optimizing website content, title tags, meta descriptions, and internal linking for search engines.
- Technical SEO: Identifying and addressing technical issues that can hinder search engine crawling and indexing.
- Link Building: Developing strategies to acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable websites.
- Content Marketing: Understanding the role of content in attracting organic traffic and user engagement.
- Content Creators: If content creation is included, assess the team’s writing skills and experience in creating content relevant to your target audience and industry.
- Data Analysts: Look for individuals skilled at interpreting SEO data and using it to inform strategy and measure progress.
- Account Managers: Ensure you have a dedicated account manager who serves as your primary point of contact. This person should understand your business goals and effectively communicate the SEO strategy and progress.
2. Qualifications and Experience:
- Ask the agency:
- What are the qualifications and experience of the team members who will be working on our SEO campaign?
- Can you introduce us to the team members who will be directly involved in our project?
- Look for:
- Relevant industry experience, especially for agencies specializing in your niche.
- SEO certifications like Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) or Moz SEO Associate Certification.
- A strong portfolio showcasing past work and results.
3. Communication and Collaboration:
- A good SEO team fosters open communication and collaboration with clients.
- Ask the agency:
- How will the team communicate with us throughout the campaign?
- How often can we expect updates on progress and results?
- Are you open to discussing and adapting the strategy based on our input?
4. Continuous Learning and Development:
The SEO landscape is constantly evolving. A strong team demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning:
- Ask the agency:
- How do you ensure your team stays up-to-date with the latest SEO advancements?
- Do you encourage your team to attend industry conferences or participate in training programs?
5. Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- Avoid agencies that are vague about their team or hesitant to introduce you to key personnel.
- Beware of agencies that overpromise unrealistic results or rely on outdated SEO tactics.
- If the team lacks experience in your industry or has high turnover, it might raise concerns about their ability to deliver optimal results.
By thoroughly evaluating the agency’s team expertise, you can ensure they have the right combination of experience, skills, and ongoing learning to navigate the complexities of SEO and achieve your desired outcomes.
Can I see the results from some of your other clients?
Before committing to an SEO agency, ask for evidence of their success with other clients. Look for customer testimonials and case studies that demonstrate their track record in achieving organic growth, especially for businesses similar to yours. Ensure the agency is transparent about its successes and failures. Be cautious of agencies that emphasize tactics without proven results.ย
Client references, particularly from your industry, can provide valuable insights into the agency’s reputation and working relationship. Prioritize concrete proof of results to make an informed decision about which agency is best suited to meet your SEO objectives.
How do you value Client Focus
Choosing the right SEO agency requires careful consideration of their client focus. An ideal agency prioritizes understanding your specific needs and goals. They should work collaboratively with you to develop an SEO strategy that aligns with your business objectives and fosters open communication throughout the campaign.
Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Communication and Transparency: Look for an agency that emphasizes clear and frequent communication. They should be transparent about their SEO process, results achieved, and the data used to inform their strategy.
- Collaboration: The best SEO results come from a collaborative effort. Choose an agency that actively seeks your input and is open to adapting the strategy based on your needs and market changes.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Your business might evolve over time. A client-focused agency should be adaptable and flexible to adjust their approach as needed to accommodate future growth or changing market trends.
By prioritizing these aspects, you can ensure you choose an SEO agency that fosters a strong partnership, leading to long-term SEO success for your business.
Understanding Account Handling with an SEO Agency
When choosing an SEO agency, understanding their approach to account handling is crucial. This ensures clear communication, streamlined processes, and a strong working relationship throughout the campaign. Here are some key questions to consider:
Communication and Point of Contact:
- Communication Style: How will the agency communicate with you?
- Do they prefer calls, emails, project management tools, or a combination?
- Knowing the preferred method helps ensure you receive updates and can ask questions efficiently.
- Dedicated Account Manager: Will you have a designated point of contact within the agency who understands your business goals?
- A dedicated account manager acts as your primary liaison, fostering a smoother workflow and better understanding of your project.
- Frequency of Updates: How often can you expect updates on the progress and results of your SEO campaign?
- Regular updates keep you informed and allow for course correction if needed.
Transparency and Access:
- Access to Reports: Will you have access to detailed SEO reports that track key metrics like keyword rankings, website traffic, and organic conversions?
- Transparency with data empowers you to understand the campaign’s effectiveness.
- Transparency on Tools: Will the agency be transparent about the SEO tools and data used for your campaign?
- Knowing the tools used provides insight into their approach and allows for informed discussions.
- Collaboration on Strategy: Does the agency encourage open communication and collaboration when developing the SEO strategy?
- Your input is valuable. Working together on the strategy ensures it aligns with your business goals.
Additional Considerations:
- Account Management Team: Inquire about the team structure managing your account.
- Understanding their roles (account manager, SEO specialist, content creator) helps you know who to reach for specific questions.
- Reporting Schedule: Establish a preferred reporting schedule (weekly, monthly) to ensure you receive updates at a frequency that works for you.
- Availability and Responsiveness: Consider the agency’s availability for questions and concerns outside of scheduled meetings.
- Prompt communication is essential for addressing any issues that arise during the campaign.
By asking these questions and understanding the agency’s account handling approach, you can establish a strong working relationship. This will ensure clear communication, transparency, and a collaborative SEO journey towards achieving your desired results.
Assess how the agency understands and tackles keyword research
Assessing an SEO agency’s keyword research is crucial. A good agency prioritizes understanding your business goals and target audience. They should use a variety of tools and techniques to identify relevant keywords with good search intent and lower competition.
Don’t be swayed by high-volume keywords alone. Look for an agency that explains their selection process and integrates chosen keywords into your website’s content and overall SEO strategy.
By choosing an agency with a strong keyword research approach, you’ll be on track to attract qualified traffic and improve search ranking.
What pricing model do you use?
When choosing an SEO agency, it’s essential to understand their pricing model. This question should be included in your list of SEO questions to ask the agency.
Most SEO companies offer pricing based on monthly retainers, results achieved, or deliverables produced. Ensure the terms of the contract are clear to compare with other providers and align with your budget.
Be wary of agencies that only offer one-time fees, as SEO requires ongoing work. Additionally, if the pricing structure is unclear, seek clarification or consider alternative providers.
In summary, inquire about the agency’s pricing model to ensure transparency and alignment with your SEO goals and budget.
How will I be involved in the process?
When initiating a partnership with an SEO agency, it’s crucial to understand your role in the process. This question should be included in a good SEO onboarding questionnaire to help clarify expectations and ensure effective collaboration.
Regardless of your preferred level of involvement, from hands-off to hands-on, it’s essential to ask how you’ll be involved in the process. This question enables you to determine if your preferred level of involvement aligns with the agency’s approach.
While outsourcing tasks to an agency can free up time, it should still be a collaborative partnership where the agency takes direction from you. By understanding your specific role in the process, the agency can set clear expectations and ensure transparent communication from the outset, preventing misunderstandings and facilitating progress.
In summary, asking about your involvement in the SEO process is crucial for establishing expectations and fostering effective collaboration between you and the agency.
