The First-Page of Google Promise
Ever heard an agency promise you a first-page ranking on Google? Cue the alarm bells! This is a classic red flag, especially for competitive keywords. If an agency dangles this carrot, it’s time to play detective:
- What keywords are you targeting? This will reveal if they’re chasing after obscure keywords with zilch search volume.
- Paid or organic traffic? Paid ads can shoot you to the first page, but organic traffic is the real MVP.
- How much search volume do these keywords have? Low search volume keywords won't do much for your business..
- What software are you using to determine rankings? This will help you gauge the legitimacy of their promises.
Ask these questions, and watch 90% of those “first-page” promises vanish like magic.
Transparency
Let’s talk transparency! When dealing with agencies, you want them to be as clear as your grandma’s chicken soup. Here’s what to look out for:
- Ad Spend: How much of your monthly bill is actually fueling your ads? Make sure your money is working hard for you.
- In-House vs. Outsourced: Is the work being done by their team or shipped off somewhere else? In-house often means better quality control.
- Experience: How seasoned is the team? Veteran professionals are more likely to deliver stellar results.
Control
Control is key, and it’s your right to keep hold of your assets. If an agency builds your website or sets up accounts, ensure they belong to you. Some agencies might try scare tactics, claiming ownership to keep you from leaving. Don’t fall for it! While switching agencies might come with some hiccups, you can overcome them. Remember, you paid for these assets—they’re yours to keep!
Fees
Talking fees might not be fun, but it’s super important. Prices in the industry can be all over the place. Ever heard “you get what you pay for”? It’s spot-on here. If an agency offers SEO for $150 a month, it’s time to dig deeper:
- How do you achieve results at this price?
- What exactly are you doing?
Understanding the typical salaries for different agency roles can give you a reality check. Take a look at Robert Half to get an idea of what experience agency employees look like. Quality work usually requires a fair investment.
Conclusion
Picking the right agency doesn’t have to feel like navigating a minefield. Arm yourself with the right questions, demand transparency, keep control of your assets, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. With these tips, you’ll dodge the bad apples and find an agency that’s a perfect fit for your business.
