You can get almost anything you want online. Your access to goods, services, insight and advice seems endless, and the price range is as wide as the selection. But price is just the number you pay. Anyone who has been disappointed by a cheap, online purchase knows what you really want is value.
Understanding the differences between SEO pros and SEO pirates, and how they affect the value of your investment, should be at the top of your list before you set sail. In this post, we’re going to empower you to get the goods (and avoid the bads) when it comes to effective, profit-generating SEO services.
Raise the Red Flag
When you’re looking for a new SEO provider, being able to spot red flags early on can save you from all kinds of problems later. Like the saying goes, “Red flags at night, sketchy SEO providers delight; red flags at morning, well that’s your sketchy SEO provider giving you a second warning.” Keep an eye out for these top three red flags.
1. Instant Victory
Search engine optimization requires a steady, long-term strategy. Anyone promising immediate results might be using sketchy “black hat” tricks that can sink your website ranking over time.
2. Secret Tactics
Trustworthy providers will be open and transparent about their methods and strategies. If an SEO company does not provide detailed plans, or seems vague about their approach, grab the wheel and steer clear.
3. Bad Comms
Open communication is critical for any business partnership. If your SEO provider fails to respond quickly or does not keep you in the loop, it’s a sign of poor management and lack of commitment to your mission.
If you’re seeing any of these warning signs, we advise you to sail away to a better harbour. How will you know what to look for? Here are some of the green flags flown by SEO pros.
Steady as She Goes
Effective SEO requires three key elements to return the best results: collaboration, expertise, and time. A professional crew will use them to create solutions that are purpose-built for your industry and your unique business needs. Finding those solutions usually starts with five standard tactics you should expect from a professional SEO provider.
- A Thorough Website Audit: This includes assessing site structure, content, backlinks, and overall performance. The insights gained here lay the foundation for your custom-built SEO Battle Plan.
- Transparent and Realistic Goal Setting: You should expect a clearly charted course outlining the steps they will take and the time expected to achieve measurable results.
- Emphasis on Quality Content: Pro SEO partners know that content isn’t just about keywords; it’s about delivering a meaningful and informative experience to the user through useful content.
- Strategic Approach to Keyword Research: Pros understand the importance of aligning keywords with your target audience and industry, ensuring that your content resonates with potential customers.
- Adaptability to Algorithm Changes: A good SEO provider will understand the details of algorithm updates and adjust their approach to ensure your website remains in good standing with search engines.
Full Steam Ahead
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get onboard with a solid SEO crew. There are endless choices out there, but considering that we’re already on your radar, you should talk to Battleship first. Put up a signal flare and we’ll get back to you right away.
