Have you been thinking about hiring an SEO consultant? Getting just the right person for the task can be daunting. There are so many companies and individuals who claim to be experts in the field, how do you know who to trust? And more importantly, what questions should you ask them before handing over your hard-earned money?
Below are some questions to keep in mind when interviewing SEO consultants. By asking these questions, you’ll be able to weed out the amateurs from the professionals.
1. What is your SEO process?
How a Dallas SEO consultant goes about their work is crucial to know. You want to be sure they have a strategic process in place and aren’t just winging it. For instance, they should always start with research to know your industry, target audience, and competitors inside out. Only then can they move on to the next steps like keyword planning and on-site optimization. You’ll also want to ensure they use ethical whitehat techniques so your site isn’t at risk of being penalized by Google.
2. Do you have any case studies or examples of successful projects?
Any great SEO consultant should have a portfolio of past clients and projects they’ve worked on. Ask to see examples of their work and find out how they achieved success. This will give you a better idea of their abilities and what to expect if you were to hire them. Sometimes, the consultant may not be able to share specific client information due to confidentiality agreements. In this case, ask for general results and statistics.
3. What kind of results can I expect and how long will it take?
A good SEO consultant should be able to give you an estimate of the results you can expect and how long it will take to achieve them. Be wary of anyone who promises you the moon and the stars in a short amount of time. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to see real results from SEO, and it’s important to set realistic expectations from the start. If they seem vague or make impossible promises, that’s a red flag.
4. What will you need from me?
For an SEO consultant to do their job, they’ll need some information and access from you. Find out what they’ll need so you can be prepared. For instance, they may need login credentials for your website’s backend, access to your social media accounts, or content you’ve already created. By getting this out of the way beforehand, you can avoid any delays in the project down the road.
5. What are your fees, and what is included?
This is a critical question to ask upfront so there are no surprises later on. Find out how much the SEO consultant charges and what exactly is included in their services. For instance, do they charge a flat rate or hourly? Are there any additional fees for things like keyword research or project management? It’s important to have a clear understanding of the cost so you can budget accordingly.
Asking these questions will help you narrow down your choices and find the best SEO consultant for your needs. With the right person on your team, you can expect to see a boost in your traffic and search engine rankings.
