It seems like you can throw a rock in any direction and it’ll hit an SEO team. This popular niche has exploded in popularity, producing a variety of new SEO firms. For as many experts as there are out there, there are also a lot of SEO newbies who are less skilled in this arena. How is a business owner to know the difference? As a San Diego web designer, my clients often ask me how they can figure out which SEO team to use. I suggest auditing your SEO team so businesses can decide whether they’re full of hot air or full of pride in their successes.

Ask the Right Questions

I once worked with an SEO team whose salesman counted on the fact that clients wouldn’t know the difference between his exaggerations of existing practices in the field and bold faced lies. Unfortunately, he often erred on the side of bold faced lies, which caused me to pack up and find someone new to work with. But during this time, I learned a lot about what customers were seeking to hear versus what they wanted as an end result. And many of these sales teams know better than the customers do what they want to hear to open up their wallet. As the sales team weaves their spell, take a step back and ask the questions that you want to know. Try asking the following:

• Where do you submit links?

• Are your links hand submitted or automated?

• Will I receive a report detailing the variety of links I have obtained?

• Will you audit my onsite SEO?

• Do you do local SEO?

• Do you have a money back guarantee in writing?

• What tools do you use to obtain links?

• Will you create content for me?

• Will I be able to see or approve content prior to publishing?

• Do you have documentation of your success rates?

• How often will I receive reports from you?

• Do you have documented proof of what’s contained in my report (i.e. link addresses)?

Many customers are sold on the idea of SEO without knowing really what it is or what it involves. Sales teams can sell them a dream about eye movement tests that prove xyz, or that directory links are the be all end all of links. And many business owners fall for what is ultimately a service without much value.

Know Your Desired Return on Investment

Ultimately, the difference between a successful SEO team and an unsuccessful SEO team is whether or not the ROI is there. In my San Diego website design firm, I often advocate that people have a clear understanding of their desired ROI upfront. What is it you want out of a website, out of the SEO? Is it more sales? More leads? More phone calls? More visitors to your website? Be clear with what you expect and how your SEO team can deliver that success. If it’s more sales you desire, perhaps your SEO team can point out opportunities to increase conversions on your website or opportunities to utilize pay per click. By knowing your desired ROI, you can obtain the best results!

About the Author: Sarah Hess is owner of Sarah Hess Designs, a San Diego website design firm. Specializing in professional website design for a variety of industries, Sarah is able to deliver real results to small and mid-sized businesses. To connect with Sarah, please visit http://www.sarahhessdesigns.com

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