The ugly truth about search engine optimization (SEO)
Mistakes that can cost you to spend valuable budget on Search Engine Optimization
So, you finally realize that you need to optimize your website for better search results. But you’re already too late – your competitors rank higher for the major keywords that you want. You don’t have an in-house SEO marketer, so you start searching for an agency to help you with your search engine optimization needs.
Most search engine optimization agencies will tell you everything that you need to change on your website. From code to content, to even changing the platform you used to create your website. All of this will surely cost you more than your original budget, but it won’t get you the results you want.
What is the goal of search engine optimization?
Putting it simply, the goal of SEO is to rank on the first page of search engines and to outrank your competitors. But that is easier said than done if you are too late to the SEO game.
You’ll have a hard time ranking for the keywords your competitors are already ranking for on page one of search engines. We’re not saying it’s not possible, it just takes a solid strategy. Keep in mind that your competitors will also be working on a strategy too and you’ll be losing that battle if they are already ranking for that keyword.
While agencies tell you what you want to hear like “we’ll get ranking on page one,” you must be careful about what kind of tactics they are using. If they start using blackhat strategies to boost your ranking up in the short term, you may risk your domain authority to drop in the long term in which it may never recover.
So, what should you consider instead?
There are many SEO agencies out there that are great and know what they are doing by providing successful tactics that help rank your website on search engines. However, don’t forget search engine optimization is a long term strategy and can take up to 6 months for results. Agencies that promise quick results are not using the best tactics. Fast results using blackhat tactics can mean a permanent drop in domain authority. So once you find the right agency, make sure they provide you with a clear outline of the tactics they are using.
The important questions to ask before you hire an SEO agency
- How long till you start seeing results?
- Backlink strategies
- Keyword strategies
- Content strategies
