If you are a small business with big ambition then the chances are that you have considered hiring an SEO specialist to help you along the way. Search Engine Optimisation is an excellent way to boost leads, enhance traffic and increase sales, but it takes an expert in the field to end up on the first page of Google’s search engine results.
Before you hire the first SEO expert you find, consider these warning signs first before making your decision:
They Buy Backlinks
One of the best ways to boost traffic to your site is to get backlinks from reputable, relevant sources. However some SEO companies will do whatever it takes to bring links to your website, even if that means buying them. This is an unethical practice that will quickly get you penalised by Google, so steer clear of any company that promotes this sort of activity.
They offer a One Size Fits all Package
Your business is a unique entity which is why a One Size Fits All approach is never going to work. A reputable company will analyse the ins and outs of your business to establish your objectives and ascertain the competition. Only then will they devise and execute an SEO campaign. A company that offers standard packages is not going to get you the search engine results you want.
They don’t Have References
Before hiring a search engine optimisation specialist you need to talk with their clients and other references. If you’re unable to find any references in the first place then tread with caution – the only reason you won’t find references is because there aren’t any satisfied customers for you to approach…
They use Special ‘Tools’
Have you found a company that uses special ‘tools’ involving automated processes to quickly rank you highly? This is another unethical approach that will fast get you penalised by Google, so steer clear and opt for more organic, natural processes that gradually get you to the top of search engine results.
The Promise Great Results, Fast
SEO is as much of an art as it is a science and as such it can take time and energy to get to the top of the rankings. Be patient; no reputable company can get you to the top of page one overnight unless they employ black hat techniques that will get you in Google’s penalty box.
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