How to select a SEO Agency?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) involves several unique elements, and can, at times, justify rewriting the entire content and layout of a site. The influence of SEO on your site's success or failure is huge. Bear in mind that your listings in search engines are based almost exclusively on the effectiveness of your selected agency’s optimization techniques.

Here are a few questions to think about before making your initial selection:

• Does the SEO agency have a good track record (case studies)?
• Are they established or are they a start up?
• Do they have a high calibre of clients?
• Do they have experience in your sector?
• Can they work with your roster of agencies?
• Are they a cultural fit?
• Do they have a good reputation?
• Are they in a location you can get to?
• Do they have any clients that could be seen as a conflict?
• Have they won any awards?
• Will they help you in building your brand and being competitive?
• Can they protect your brand reputation online incase of negative publicity?

Some questions your should ask upfront to the SEO Company:

• What is the cost of their services?
• How will they measure success?
• Forecasted resource on the account
• The scope of the services they can provide
• Examples of work
• References
• Size of company
• The size of the proposed team and who the people are
• How many years experience the agency / account team has?
• Technology strategy (e.g. is it their own, do they sell other people’s products etc)
• Reporting capabilities
• Do they work internationally?
• Why choose them?
• Proof of adherence to ethical techniques
• Transparency of techniques – what will the agency do to improve your natural search position?
• Scope of services – will it be consultancy, actual implementation, both or something different?
• Confirmation of Google / MSN / Yahoo accreditation
• Confirmation that the contract will include the option to share and optimise keyword lists during and after the project
• Transparency of reporting – what will the agency record and analyse about your project?

Today’s marketers need to streamline complex SEO projects for maximum ROI. At some point every marketer deals with the complexity of working with a Search Agency. Choosing a SEO company can be a daunting task. However, the right selection process will ultimately lead to a rewarding and enjoyable working relationship.

If you are involved in currently selecting a SEO agency for your company or your business, do share your experience.