Creating an online presence to get your business noticed can seem like a daunting task. Indeed, navigating the infinite online space to get your website on the first page of Google may seem like an impossible task. However, it’s not time to give up your dreams of that number-one spot in the search results just yet. Growing your online presence to unrivalled heights is simply a matter of choosing the right SEO agency to work with – one that has both the skills and passion to make your rankings thrive, whilst achieving a plethora of additional benefits and advantages for you along the way.
Of course, patience is key, as changes won’t happen overnight – or even after the first few weeks. Proper SEO optimisation can take months, but we promise that this essential investment will be worth it when you eventually see your business grow.
In this blog, we explain exactly what an SEO company is and what they do, before outlining the benefits of working with one. We also discuss what to avoid in the process.

What is an SEO firm?

To understand how an SEO agency operates, we must firstly understand what one is. This is the first step towards bettering your online visibility and sales.
An SEO firm is a company that specialises in optimising your website – in terms of both content and off-page performance - to increase traffic and improve your rankings on search engines like Google. An SEO agency is typically made up of dedicated teams, each with unique roles to play in the quest to improve your company’s online presence. Whilst some SEO agencies also offer web-design services, not all SEO companies will showcase this as a service.
A reliable SEO company will analyse the top performing keywords using tools like SEMrush and Google Analytics, before working these keywords into your website content to increase your rankings. It will also create links that guide a user onto your website’s sales pages, for example. Essentially, an SEO company’s goal is to grow your business organically and to improve online visibility, drive traffic, boost your sales, and increase overall business revenue.
Here are some of the key services that a good SEO company will provide:
  • Website optimisation

  • Keyword research and implementation

  • Link building

  • Local SEO

  • Content creation and marketing

  • Website auditing and reports
All of these services are for the benefit of your business to grow and increase the chance of people finding your business online, granting you more traffic, which will inevitably lead to more sales.

How to choose the right SEO firm

Choosing the right people to handle your online presence is no easy decision. You’ve got to be certain that the SEO agency you choose is the very best at what they do – and that they understand the importance of helping your business organically grow. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of SEO agencies out there for you to choose from, so it is important that you conduct extensive research before deciding on the agency that is right for you.
First, look for SEO companies that are relatively local to your business. This is beneficial, as you will be able to meet the SEO team in person to discuss a viable plan for helping your business to grow. Communication is vital when working with new partners. As such, when conducting research, look at the reviews that people have given the company. These can be found on their Google My Business profile, although you may also find positive reviews on the company’s website. Reviews will outline the experiences businesses have had working with an SEO agency, helping you to reach an informed decision.
It is also important to know exactly which services you want to increase your online visibility. You may be looking for an SEO company that will build you a new website , or, if you already have a good website, you may want a company that specialises in website and content optimisation.
Ask yourself these key questions when searching for the right SEO agency to work with:
  • How much experience does this company have?

  • What does this SEO company specialise in?

  • What do other people say about this SEO company?

  • How easy will it be to communicate with this SEO company?

  • How much does this company charge?

The benefits of working with the right SEO firm

Once you have chosen the ideal SEO firm to work with, you should hopefully start to reap the benefits within a few months. A skilled SEO firm will increase your online visibility by enabling more people in your area – and across the country as a whole – to visit your site and business. At the end of the day, we understand that making a profit is every business’ desire, and hiring a reliable and skilled SEO company will enable you to increase revenue.

Pitfalls to avoid when choosing an SEO firm

We’ve highlighted the necessity of researching potential firms and why it is important. But what about the pitfalls to avoid when choosing an SEO firm? If you don’t carry out your due diligence, then you may end up working with an SEO firm that over-charges for a subpar service, or that under-charges, leaving you with subpar results. It is also easy to fall for guarantees on rankings and growth that are simply not true or achievable. Set your expectations at a realistic level and don’t go for a firm that promises big things with no evidence to back them up. Always look for a backlog of evidence of an SEO company’s failures, as well as their successes.

Summary

Your business can navigate the online realm with relative ease when working with an expert and reliable SEO agency. Choosing the right SEO company for your business can be a challenge. However, with patience and persistence, the right choice will be beneficial in the long run. Don’t fall for the traps that some firms will set and maintain realistic expectations, knowing exactly what you want to achieve by working with an SEO company. If you’re not sure, a good SEO firm would be more than happy to discuss this with you, setting achievable goals together.