Search engine optimization (SEO) is the 21st century’s biggest buzzword. Because the profession and skill is not – yet – protected, everyone can call themselves and SEO expert, or even start their own search engine optimization company. And, unfortunately, many have. There is a lot of money to be made in SEO, which means it is interesting for those looking at making a quick buck with nothing but basic skills. When you consider that SEO services can cost between $5,000 and $10,000, without ongoing work and maintenance, it is easy to see why it is so attractive. So how do you go about finding an SEO company that is not just good, but that also charges a reasonable fee?
How to Keep the Costs of SEO Down and the Quality High
Startup and small businesses often cannot afford the services of an SEO company. This is why they should start by educating themselves. Not only does this enable them to do some of the work without professional help – and the associated professional costs, by the way – but it will give them the chance to determine whether an SEO company they do end up working with is a genuine company.
SEO is complex and you will need professional help, unless your own niche is in SEO. But knowledge is power, as they say, which means that you can help yourself by building your own knowledge. Do not, however, believe you can do it all yourself. Rather, you are making sure that you only outsource the bits that actually need outsourcing, getting you the overall best results.
Can SEO Companies Get You Higher Rankings?
Obviously, yes, so long as it is a genuine company. There are a few things that you can do to make sure that they are good, and those are things you can also easily do yourself:
- Ask yourself how easy it was to find the company. If they are hard to find, they are clearly not doing their own job properly. The SEO company should hit the first page of Google for several relevant keywords and keyword phrases.
- Who have they worked with in the past, and what have their experiences been? Do not go from the reviews listed on the SEO company’s website, however. Rather, you need to contact the companies they claim to have worked with directly and ask for an opinion (and check how easy it is to find them on Google as well).
Some Things to Remember
- Internet marketing is the best tool at your disposal to increase the popularity of your website. However, without outstanding products, world class customer service, and engaging website content, no amount of internet marketing can get you any results.
- You need professional help to have your website found in today’s competitive world. While there are plenty of things you can do yourself, you should leave the really technical stuff to the professionals, while you focus on your own business.