12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a SEO Agency
When selecting an SEO agency to enhance your online presence, it’s crucial to make an informed decision.
At Thursday Thinking Digital, a hybrid SEO, PPC and digital marketing agency based in the beautiful West Sussex, we understand the importance of choosing the right partner for your digital growth.
To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of 12 questions to ask before hiring a SEO agency. These are the questions we would be asking ourselves before taking us on as a new supplier.
1. What is your approach to SEO?
Understanding the agency’s SEO strategies is vital. They should provide a comprehensive plan that includes on-page optimisation, off-page tactics, and technical SEO.
When hiring a SEO Agency avoid agencies that promise quick fixes or use black-hat techniques, as these can lead to penalties.
2. Can you provide case studies or examples of previous work?
A reputable agency will have a portfolio showcasing their success. Request case studies or client testimonials to assess their effectiveness and expertise. This evidence demonstrates their ability to deliver results and the impact of their work.
3. How do you stay up-to-date with industry changes and Google updates?
SEO is a constantly evolving field with frequent updates to search engine algorithms. Ensure the agency actively keeps up with these changes and adapts their strategies accordingly to maintain ongoing SEO success.
4. What metrics or KPIs do you focus on to measure SEO success?
Determine which key performance indicators the agency prioritises, such as organic traffic, rankings, conversion rates, or bounce rates. Understanding their focus helps assess how they align with your business goals.
5. How do you report on progress and how often?
Regular communication is essential. Ask about the frequency and format of their updates, whether through written reports or meetings, to ensure transparency and alignment with your expectations.
6. What do you need from us to be successful?
Clarify what resources, access, or information the agency requires from your side to effectively execute their strategies. This may include access to your website backend, analytics tools, or collaboration from your team.
7. Who will be working on our account?
Understanding who will be directly involved in your SEO campaign is crucial. Inquire about the expertise and roles of the team members assigned to your account to ensure they meet your expectations.
8. How do you handle changes in strategy during a campaign?
Flexibility is key in SEO. Discuss how the agency plans, implements, and communicates strategy adjustments in response to changing conditions or results during an SEO campaign.
9. What are your payment terms and are there any long-term contracts?
Before committing, understand the financial and contractual aspects, including payment structures (e.g., monthly, quarterly), required commitments, and terms of contract termination.
10. What happens if we decide to part ways?
Discuss the procedures for ending the service agreement, including how assets and access are handled, and any finality clauses or handovers, to ensure a smooth transition if needed.
11. How do you handle SEO for mobile and voice search?
With the rise in mobile and voice search usage, inquire about the agency’s approach to optimising for these platforms, as they may involve different strategies compared to traditional desktop SEO.
12. Can you guarantee specific results?
When hiring a SEO Agency be cautious of agencies that promise specific outcomes, as SEO results can be unpredictable due to changing algorithms. Reputable professionals typically avoid guaranteeing specific rankings but will commit to best practices and continuous improvement.
By considering these questions to ask before hiring a SEO agency, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your business objectives. At Thursday Thinking Digital, we pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and a client-centric approach. Our team has a successful track record of helping brands scale profitably based on high-performing digital strategies.
Ready to elevate your digital presence? Contact us today to discover how we can tailor our SEO strategies to your unique needs.
