9 questions to ask before selecting a SEO Partner
By Doug Dvorak | CEO & President - SEO SolutionsMassive improvements and latest additions to search engine optimization techniques have transformed the concept of SEO and have taken it to a new level. Selecting a dependable SEO vendor can be a tricky issue when there are so many SEO vendors present offering their services. With so much change taking place in this area of Internet marketing, you will be better served if you ask a set of crucial questions of your potential SEO Partners to help in finalizing a SEO vendor.
Does the vendor provide Web 2.0 and or Social Media Optimization?
Since May 2007, the time when Google rolled out Universal search that redefined its search results interface, the concepts of social media optimization and web 2.0 have gained importance. Of course there is a lot of hype surrounding web 2.0 and social media optimization. If the hype is removed it can still be seen that blogs, RSS feeds, and social book marking influence SEO to a large extent. Social media optimization is unbeatable in attracting instant traffic.
Google now allows you to rank news, videos, blogs, in addition to web sites. You can create a video of your service and rank it on Google search engine. You should ask your SEO vendor what web 2.0 and social media optimization techniques they use to enhance search engine visibility and whether you will benefit from this service.
Will your web site be optimized for Local search?
Ask the SEO service provider whether your web site will be optimized for local search. In addition to Google Maps or Yahoo Local your web site also should be submitted to smaller ones like Citysearch, Ask City, and Local.com. A Yellow page listing is also advisable here. Having a presence in these local search engines and Yellow page web sites will get you plenty of local traffic and can improve your web site's visibility on GYM (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) search engines.
Does the service include link building?
Link building is an inherent part of overall SEO strategy. The objectives of SEO cannot be achieved completely without link building. Unfortunately, many SEO vendors do not include link building as part of their service offerings and offer it as add on service. So while a SEO vendor might charge you $2000 for SEO, you may have to shell out an additional $1000 for link buying. Tell your SEO vendor that you expect the over all SEO service to include link building and ask if they agree with this or not.
Does the service include Press Release Distribution?
Online Press Release distribution is great for exposure on GYM news (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) as well as enhancing the scope for SEO through a generation of links. Some PR firms such as PR Web have a syndication network which facilitates press releases to be picked up by other web sites through RSS feeds. You will be missing out on an important thing if you don't ask your SEO vendor whether or not they are providing press release distribution services.
Ask for a few case studies and references.
This is an age where dubious testimonials and claims abound in web sites that offer various services. Ask for case studies and references. Check with clients to determine if their experiences with your SEO vendor have been positive.
Who will make changes to the web site? You or the SEO Company?
This has to be made clear from the day one. SEO companies suggest changes required for your web site. Either your existing development team can carry out the changes or the SEO Company does them. However big or small the changes are - it should be made clear at the outset as to who will make the changes. The SEO Company should include this service within the quoted price and not bring it up as an additional service later. You must ask and confirm this.
What kind of reports can you expect and what is the reporting frequency?
Ask the SEO vendor about the type and frequency of reports that you would get from them. Ask for sample reports to be sure. Question 8:- What kind of support will you get.
While a face-to-face meeting with your SEO expert is rare, the usual methods of communication are through email, chat, and telephone. Of the three modes of communications email is the most preferred mode as many service providers may not be available for chat or telephone conversation. For email support your queries should be answered within 24 hours. Ask your SEO vendor about this and ascertain a response time.
What are the payment terms and frequency and do they offer any discounts?
Discount offers and the chance to pay in installments may be simply lost by not asking. Always ask if these provisions are there. SEO companies or vendors are selling a service and like any other service they should offer discounts if you are committing for a longer time or have multiple projects. Do not pay the full amount upfront. Make a part payment during the starting phase of work and the rest when work is completed to your satisfaction.
