What to Expect from Your Paid SEO Company: A Candid Look
Greetings, fellow Digital Marketers!
Today, I want to delve into a pressing topic that many businesses, particularly small to medium-sized ones, may face: understanding the value your SEO company provides. As someone who juggles various tech responsibilities—including Web Design and SEO—in a small to midsize company, I’ve found myself pondering the same question after our CEO brought an SEO agency on board.
After engaging their services in late November, I was tasked with monitoring their progress using external tracking tools. It’s common knowledge that significant seo results don’t materialize overnight, but I must admit, we’re beginning to question the agency’s efforts.
Since taking over our hosting, the seo company has limited my activities and instructed me on specific changes to implement. However, my access to the site allows me to see their actions—or lack thereof. To date, the most notable change appears to be the addition of what seems like AI-generated content on a few pages back in early January. A detailed history of our website activity confirms that no further actions have been taken since then.
Additionally, they were meant to manage our Google Business Profile (GBP) for several locations, yet the essential Name, Address, Phone (NAP) updates I requested have not been addressed. Strikingly, I’ve also observed that any growth in our citations can be attributed solely to my own efforts.
There’s been much ambiguity surrounding their strategy. They claim to be concentrating on improving our visibility in the “Google Map Pack,” yet specifics regarding their actual activities remain elusive. Gaining clarity on the details of the plan we’re funding feels akin to extracting teeth!
So, what are my primary concerns? It appears that they are not making substantial updates to our website, neglecting to build citations or backlinks, and failing to optimize our GBP effectively. This raises an unsettling question: What could they possibly be working on behind the scenes that isn’t evident? It’s disheartening to consider the possibility that they could be stalling for additional funds—or, worse, taking advantage of our trust.
Interestingly, the agency boasts a solid reputation, with positive testimonials from other businesses in our industry and area. This poses an inner conflict for me; even as evidence suggests a lack of proactive behavior, their esteemed standing and my relative inexperience lead me to question my judgment.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, trust your instincts and strive for transparency. Engage constructively with your seo provider and ask for clear answers. SEO is an integral part of your business’s online success, and it’s essential to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Have you had experiences with SEO companies that left you questioning their effectiveness? Share your thoughts in the comments!
2 responses to “Investigating what our paid SEO company is accomplishing”
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, and it’s understandable to feel concerned about the performance of your SEO agency, especially when you’re tasked with tracking their efforts. Here are some insights and practical advice to consider regarding your situation.
1. Understand SEO Services and Expectations
First, it’s essential to grasp the range of services that an SEO company might provide. A reputable seo firm should ideally engage in a variety of activities that may include:
Understanding the standard components of an SEO package can help you evaluate what your agency should be doing.
2. Clarify and Establish Communication
Communication is key in any partnership. If they’re vague about their actions, consider scheduling a meeting to discuss your concerns directly. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
A reputable agency should be able to provide clear answers and set actionable goals.
3. Monitor Performance
As you’re already doing, continue to track performance metrics using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and third-party SEO tools (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs). Monitor the following:
If you see a lack of positive movement in these areas, it could be a sign of ineffective strategies.
4. Review Contracts and Agreements
Check your contract with the SEO company carefully. Look for clauses related to deliverables, reporting frequency, and cancellation policies. Understanding these terms can help you clearly establish if they are meeting their obligations legally and contractually. If they are not, you may have grounds to reconsider their engagement.
5. Explore Alternative Options
Since you have some experience with SEO, consider whether a more hands-on approach could be beneficial, either by seeking another agency with a better communication approach or by integrating some of your initiatives.
6. Trust Your Instincts, But Analyze
While reputations can carry weight, it’s essential to base your concerns on actual evidence. Trust your instincts and the data you have at hand. If your current agency fails to address your issues satisfactorily, consider evaluating other providers or methods. Moving forward, knowing what to ask and demand will empower you to make better choices for your company’s SEO needs.
Conclusion
Navigating an SEO partnership can be complex, especially when transparency is lacking. By understanding what a legitimate SEO strategy should encompass, establishing clear communication, and closely monitoring results, you’re in a better position to assess whether your agency is delivering on its promises. Stay proactive in your approach, and don’t hesitate to seek alternatives if your concerns remain unresolved.
Thank you for sharing your experience—it’s incredibly valuable for those navigating the sometimes murky waters of SEO partnerships. Your situation highlights a crucial aspect of working with an SEO agency: the need for transparency and accountability.
It’s vital to have a clear understanding of the strategies being employed on your behalf. As you mentioned, significant SEO results take time to manifest, but a reputable agency should provide regular updates and insights into their processes and progress. I’d encourage you to establish a more detailed reporting structure, perhaps requesting monthly performance reports that outline specific actions taken, key performance indicators (KPIs) tracked, and future strategies.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to look into case studies or reviews that not only mention results but also detail the processes the agency used to achieve them. This can offer insights into potential discrepancies between their claims and your observations.
Lastly, consider discussing with other businesses in your network who have engaged the same agency. Understanding their experiences—both positive and negative—could provide further context that helps you decide on the next steps. Remember, effective seo is a partnership where both sides should actively engage. Your instinct to question the status quo is not only valid but necessary in ensuring your company’s investment is being utilized effectively!