If you run a local business, one of the most critical aspects of your marketing strategy is local SEO. Local search engine optimization (SEO) helps your business rank higher in local search results, which increases your visibility, drives more traffic to your website, and boosts sales. However, local SEO can be hard to navigate, and hiring a local SEO agency can be an excellent way to get the desired results. But how do you choose the right local SEO agency? Here are some questions to ask when hiring one:
1. What Is Your Experience with Local SEO?
You want to work with an agency with local SEO experience. Find out how long they have been providing local SEO services and if they have any case studies or examples of their work in this area. A reputable agency can deliver the results they have achieved to help businesses improve their local search rankings.
2. What Strategies Do You Use to Improve Local Search Ranking?
A clear SEO strategy can be instrumental in improving your local search ranking. Ask the agency about its strategy to improve local search ranking. This may include optimizing your website for local keywords, creating and optimizing Google My Business profiles, building local citations and backlinks, and implementing schema markup for local businesses.
3. How Do You Measure Success?
One of the key indicators of a successful local SEO campaign is improved local search ranking. However, other metrics can be used to measure success as well. Inquire about what the agency tracks to determine the effectiveness of its strategies. Look for answers that include tracking organic website traffic, monitoring keyword rankings, analyzing conversion rates, and measuring online reviews and ratings.
4. What Is Your Approach to Keyword Research?
Different SEO agencies may have different approaches to keyword research. That being said, discover how the agency identifies relevant keywords for your business. A competent one will conduct thorough keyword research to identify your industry's most pertinent and high-traffic keywords. This may involve analyzing search volume, competition, and relevance to your target audience.
5. How Do You Handle Local Listing Management?
An important aspect of local SEO is managing local listings on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places. If your business relies heavily on local customers, make sure the agency how they handle local listing management. From updating and optimizing your business information to responding to customer reviews, a good agency will have a strategy in place to ensure the listings are accurate and up-to-date.
6. What Is Your Content Creation Strategy?
Content is king when it comes to SEO. A good local SEO agency will have a solid content creation strategy. Ask them about their approach to creating and optimizing content for local SEO. They should be able to discuss keyword research, content planning, and ensuring that the content they create aligns with the client's target audience and business goals.
7. What Is Your Approach to Link Building?
By asking about their approach to link building, you can gain insight into how the local SEO agency builds backlinks to improve your website's authority and rankings. Look for an agency that uses white-hat techniques and focuses on quality over quantity. They can explain their link-building strategies, such as guest blogging, outreach campaigns, or relationship-building with other relevant websites.
8. How Do You Stay Up to Date with Changes in SEO?
SEO is a constantly evolving field, and search engine algorithms are always changing. You want to work with an agency that stays current with these changes and adapts their strategies accordingly. Consider an agency that regularly attends SEO conferences, follows industry blogs and publications, and actively participates in online communities and forums.
Key Takeaway
Hiring a local SEO agency can significantly benefit your business, but asking the right questions before committing to one is important. By understanding their strategies, experience, and approach to local SEO, you can find the best local SEO agency for your business. Don't be afraid to ask the questions mentioned earlier; they will help you decide and put your business in the best position to succeed.
At Vertical Studio, we focus on local SEO marketing for businesses in Arkansas. Our team has extensive experience helping local businesses improve online visibility and attract more customers. Contact us today to start expanding your business online!