Part of our role is to stay up to date with the latest search engine changes. Since the SEO scene changes pretty frequently, this is no small task!
As we read information provided from various official sources, industry forums and blogs, we often see the same questions cropping up in a variety of different places. Here are some of the more common questions that arise, together with some definite answers.
Q: How can I find out if a so-called SEO expert is really any good?
A: This is a question that appears pretty frequently and we would have to say that the best answer is really to do your research. The unfortunate reality is that anyone can put a website live and claim to be an expert.
A great way to find out if an SEO consultant is any good is obviously to have a conversation with them, prior to committing to anything. We generally find that those who know plenty about SEO are usually happy to show off their level of knowledge!
Q: Should I outsource the SEO function to an overseas provider?
A: The actual location of a provider is likely to be considerably less important than the type of service that they provide. Communicating effectively, however, could become something of an issue.
You’ll probably want to ensure, at the most basic level, that you’re able to speak with someone who is knowledgeable and fluent in English (or your own, chosen language). But you’ll also want to be sure that you can get hold of them quickly, in case of issues.
We wouldn’t suggest avoiding overseas providers. It’s really just a case of selecting carefully.
Q: How much should SEO costs?
A: This is an obvious question and yet one that is extremely difficult to answer. The costs associated with SEO will vary from one project to the next. This is because there are a number of factors that have an impact on the costs involved, such as:
- The market being targeted
- Levels of competition being faced
- The amount of on-site work that is required
- The amount of new content that may be needed
In general terms, it’s clearly advisable to shop around for a few quotes. If something seems too good to be true, however, then it probably is.
Q: Can SEO be used to target a local area?
A: Yes, absolutely. In fact, we would say that this is actually an extremely effective approach to SEO. There’s a lot to be said for growing a business locally and you may actually be able to get faster results, due to the lack of competition involved.
Q: I need to get great results within a matter of weeks. Is this possible?
A: Almost certainly not. Although some providers may promise quick results, the reality is that this can only usually be achieved by:
- Targeting keywords that will never generate real leads for your business
- Using techniques that may produce short-term results, but are likely to lead to your site being removed from the search engine results, once the techniques have been identified
Fortunately, most UK providers are keen to produce sustainable SEO results. You just need to be wary of those who take a different approach.