Need to appoint an SEO company - what questions to ask?

[cornerstones]

We are going to appoint an SEO company to promote a furniture website and would like some pointers on what questions to ask the companies that are tendering for the job.

Tips and advice please?

 

[RadiusBPO]

Examples of previous similar projects, the ROI provided for the client.

They should ask you a lot of questions as well like your most profitable products, areas you want to expand, what your expecting from SEO.

 

[SearchBlogger]

I wrote a blog post recently on 10 questions to ask when hiring an SEO agency. I've pasted a couple in below but you can find the rest on the link above.

• How will I know if your SEO strategy is working?

The answer you're looking for is something like "we will send you a detailed monthly report of what we've done and what we plan to do the following month".
You should also be given an indication of any changes to your search engine rankings for the keyword/phrases the agency is targeting for your business.

• Can I call you to discuss progress?

If the answer to this question is "no" for any reason then you should run a mile. Just because a company is involved in internet marketing doesn't mean that you shouldn't be able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person if you have any concerns or issues you want to discuss.

 

[PhilWarman]

From what I have learnt in another forum - validation is the key. Ask them for clients you can speak to where their work has paid off, if they can't then caveat emptor.

 

[logicfusion]

Assuming the company provides a list of previous sites they have worked on, why not investigate some of the backlinks they have created?

Just put the URL into Yahoo site explorer to obtain a list of backlinks. You can then click through to them and get an idea of the types of sites and the quality of comments they have been posting?

 

[I, Brian]

We are going to appoint an SEO company to promote a furniture website and would like some pointers on what questions to ask the companies that are tendering for the job.

Tips and advice please?

Contact some of the most respected SEO posters here for a start - Tin, OldWelshGuy, as the section mods for starters, to get an idea of what to expect.

Really you should be looking at referrals, not shooting blind. Every company and their dog will claim to offer exactly what you want. Only a few will be able to deliver.

 

[RedEvo]

I agree with Brian. I think in business in general the more you engage with people the better. Something as crucial as an SEO, who will need to develop an in depth understanding of your business, can't be chosen based on a check list IMHO.

d

 

[cornerstones]

Thank you all for your help with this - but if there any more answers I'd love to read them

 

[allington-marketing]

Hi Cornerstones

Find out exactly what you're getting for your money. For example, they may charge you £500 a month. In month 1, they'll amend your website to make it more SEO'd and build some back links.
Months 2-6, they may well do the minimum as the main core is done and they reap the rewards and your dosh and you're none the wiser. So, ensure that what you're getting is consistent. If there's a lot of work in month 1, ensure they charge less for subsequent months.
Hope that helps

 

Hi Cornerstones

Find out exactly what you're getting for your money. For example, they may charge you £500 a month. In month 1, they'll amend your website to make it more SEO'd and build some back links.
Months 2-6, they may well do the minimum as the main core is done and they reap the rewards and your dosh and you're none the wiser. So, ensure that what you're getting is consistent. If there's a lot of work in month 1, ensure they charge less for subsequent months.
Hope that helps

one should be paying for results and knowledge, not the amount of time spent.

SEO has been described as money for old rope.

I sincerely hope so ,as one would not want a stupid SEO.

Earl

 

[Jo Pena]

I agree with the posts above, you should ask for references and talk to previous clients, in most cases you should meet with the agency face to face- this will give you an idea of how the agency operate, and give you a chance to ask any questions, if the agency is willing to take the time out to do a proposal and to meet clients it's a good sign that they dont just want to take your money and run!

If you are still looking for an agency feel free to look us up Gravytrain ltd or email me johanna at gravytrain dot co dot uk

Good luck in your search,

Jo

 

[thetime22]

Ask how many projects the person that will be looking after your site will be managing. More than 3 is too much!