Being promised a high SEO Ranking? Here’s what to look out for
Getting offered the number 1 ranking on Google and want to know if it’s too good to be true? It is. More and more businesses are being approached by agencies who’re offering to get them a high ranking on Google or a great SEO ranking. This is a highly sought after position that, when reached, is hugely beneficial for your business. So it’s understandable that people are becoming enchanted by these offers. But, this can be dangerous territory that you need to be wary of.
How to Measure Success
First, it’s hard to see if these companies are actually doing it properly. In terms of SEO ranking, it’s hard to identify success. Simply Googling key terms and seeing where your business ranks won’t do the trick. What many people don’t realise is that Google is subjective. What appears as the top result on your phone isn’t the same for everyone. Search results are based on things like location, search history and what device you’re on. This makes SEO success very subjective and therefore hard to measure.
Once you start going down this path, it can quickly turn into a money pit and become very hard to stop spending. Be wary of companies who’re bombarding you with technical jargon. It’s an already confusing industry and if they’re not taking the time to explain it to you, chances are the don’t want to.
So, before you start off down this path of instant, high SEO ranking, first ask these key questions:
1: Previous client references
If it’s a legitimate business they should be able to provide you with evidence of past success and previous clients that you can talk to about their experience. This is the best way to know what you are getting into and the type of results you can expect.
2: Agree on a cost structure
Know from the beginning what you are looking at paying. This helps make sure you don’t get stuck paying for nothing, or trapped with hidden costs.
3: Create a timeline for results
A timeline is another good way to ensure you are actually getting results. If they start falling behind and it looks like they’re not all they’re cracked up to be, you’ll know when to cut your losses and run.
4: Key terms
Establish what keywords they’re going to get you to rank for. This should be agreed upon before they start.
5: Onshore or Offshore
It’s simple, onshore should always be the answer to this question.
6: Put everything in writing
This might seem like the obvious point, but it’s an important one. Get everything in writing, establish timelines and cost structures and make sure they’re stuck to. And before you get started, make sure they meet a written set of deliverables.
If you talk to us here at Circle Media for SEO, we will never guarantee you the top spot or the first page, simply because we can’t. It’s a competitive industry where everyone is vying for the same results, so nothing can be guaranteed. If they’re guaranteeing it, that should be your first red flag. This ‘too good to be true’ principle applies to your website too. Your online presence is built gradually and it’s good to be wary of people offering you quick, fast results.
If you want to see what we can do for your SEO ranking, have a chat to us at Circle Media.