Buying SEO is not always that simple if you are not familiar with how the industry works. We have therefore created a list of points to consider for those of you who are about to make a decision.
10 questions to ask yourself if you are considering hiring a search engine optimization provider
- What do I get in return on my investment?
From the very beginning, calculate what your investment in SEO is likely to return. Is your goal to increase sales in your online store, or do you want to achieve broader general awareness of your brand? Your SEO provider can help you calculate this once you have presented your objectives. - Which keywords should I choose?
Selecting keywords and then tracking organic visibility is a popular way to measure the value of the investment. This creates a clear goal that both provider and client can follow together. The importance of spending time choosing the right keywords should not be underestimated. This forms the foundation of how well the optimization will perform later on. It is important not to aim too high or too low. Your SEO provider should be able to help you identify the right keywords for your site. - What should it cost?
You get what you pay for. Avoid offers that sound too good to be true. Finding a cheap SEO provider usually means, in nine cases out of ten, that you will not get maximum bang for the buck for the money you invest. Invest in quality from the start and avoid shortcuts when you do not know where they lead. - Can I do part of the SEO work myself?
Hiring an SEO provider does not mean that you stop taking care of your site. There is constant collaboration between client and provider. To reduce delivery costs, you can ask your provider if there is anything you can do yourself. In most cases, you will receive concrete suggestions you can help with. - Will links be delivered?
Links are still a very important part of Google’s algorithm. Your provider should have a plan for how links to your site will be handled. A site without inbound links is like a new car without fuel. It may look good standing there, but it will not go anywhere. - Do I have time to wait for results?
A typical SEO investment often has two steps when it comes to results. The first usually comes fairly quickly, once the site has been secured at the on-page level, such as optimizing titles, structure, and similar elements. The second comes after approximately 6–9 months, when the site begins to climb for more competitive keywords. If you are looking for lightning-fast results, you should consider starting with Google AdWords, a service that Brath AB can also offer. - What is included in the service?
It should be crystal clear exactly what is included in the service. If you have specific requests, such as wanting the provider to write content, install Google Analytics, or similar tasks, these should be discussed with the provider from the outset. If you are unsure what might be included, ask directly. - Transparency?
It is important that you know what your provider is doing. Demand 100% transparency, both when it comes to on-page and off-page work. - Are there references?
If the provider can show an impressive case with a budget similar to yours, that is a step in the right direction. If this is not possible despite the provider having been active for several years, you can already guess what kind of service you are about to purchase… - How do I know which SEO provider is right for me?
If you have clarity on the points above regarding your provider, then you know.
More tips regarding buying SEO can be found here.
