SEO: What We Believe

The digital marketing industry is at a tipping point for a great many reasons. And SEO is more important now than ever for businesses to survive.

Recently, I gave a presentation called Declaration of SEO that expresses six fundamental truths about SEO that must be embraced if you’re going to be successful. Now, I want to extend that and discuss what an SEO agency needs to have in order to earn your trust.

As you evaluate budgets, marketing channels, and most importantly, who is going to help you achieve your goals, consider the following five beliefs about the best SEO agencies.

• We believe that companies need expert SEO mentors that give great advice
• We believe that companies need SEO agencies that empower them to sustained success
• We believe that a great SEO agency is one that shares knowledge and is known and followed for it
• We believe a great SEO agency changes people’s lives
• We believe a great SEO agency delivering high value earns its fees and then some
• FAQ: What qualities should I look for in an SEO agency to ensure my online success?

We believe that companies need expert SEO mentors that give great advice.

Consider the fact that 19% of companies reduced their SEO budget due to a skills shortage in 2019. And the number of practitioners who considered themselves “expert” fell by nearly 30% compared to 2018.

Experience is what sets marketing agencies apart. Companies need experts who have more unique experience in solving tough SEO problems than they do. They do not need junior-level professionals with inflated titles working on their accounts. Especially under today’s circumstances.

Here at Bruce Clay Inc., we employ experts with no less than 10 years of experience in their field, with the average being 15 years. This is a serious statement. Our client-supporting SEO and PPC analysts all (as in every one of them) have 10 or more years of experience.

We believe that companies need SEO agencies that empower them to sustained success.

The SEO industry has best practices, but not a defined set of standards. As a result, different SEO agencies provide different services.

Take, for example, the SEO audit as a service. One company might run some tools and hand over an automated report with little analysis. But they are not giving the client the tools they need to succeed.

As an example of the other side of the spectrum, our SEO audits (which are delivered with follow-up consulting to help with implementation, totaling up to 160 hours) include:

• Prioritizing the recommendations based on SEO impact
• Showing how to implement the changes on a website even when it seems impossible
• Confirming any changes made to be sure they are correct

We believe that a great SEO agency is one that shares knowledge and is known and followed for it.

A great agency will have a strong brand. Great agencies are known for thought leadership through speaking engagements, expert content, training, and more.

More importantly, they practice what they preach. They believe that quality SEO is a partnership with search engines to better serve all users.

A good reputation — among peers in the industry, with Google, and with clients — is a marker of a quality SEO agency. By and large, great agencies contribute to the industry as a whole.

We believe a great SEO agency changes people’s lives.

At the end of the day, it’s not about optimizing a website. It’s about helping a business flourish. It’s about creating and protecting the livelihood of the people who work at the business.

Especially now in such extraordinary times, SEO has the ability to completely change the course of a company’s success. SEO helps businesses realize their potential online. And yes, this changes lives.

We believe a great SEO agency delivering high value earns its fees and then some.

Investing in experience and knowledge isn’t cheap. Unfortunately, we’ve run into too many businesses to count that have paid for cheap SEO and been harmed by it.

I like the following story about Picasso that illustrates the investment in experience (hat tip to Jason Wencel who shared this on my profile):

The story goes that Picasso was sitting in a Paris café when an admirer approached and asked if he would do a quick sketch on a paper napkin. Picasso politely agreed, swiftly executed the work, and handed back the napkin — but not before asking for a rather significant amount of money. The admirer was shocked: “How can you ask for so much? It took you a minute to draw this!” “No,” Picasso replied, “It took me 40 years.”

SEO will always be the best way for websites to stake their claim online. Knowing this, it’s not a matter of if you should do SEO, but who should help you do it and what qualities to look for in an SEO expert in order to get the best possible outcome.

If you need expert assistance with your search engine optimization, we would be happy to talk with you and give you a free quote. Use this request form to contact us today.

FAQ: What qualities should I look for in an SEO agency to ensure my online success?

The success of your online presence hinges on the expertise and performance of your chosen SEO agency. With numerous agencies vying for your attention, making an informed decision is paramount. Here are the essential qualities to consider when selecting an SEO agency to guarantee your online success.

1. Proven Track Record:

An exceptional SEO agency should possess a proven track record of success. Request case studies and client testimonials to gauge their ability to deliver tangible results in terms of increased website traffic, higher rankings, and improved ROI.

2. Transparency and Communication:

Effective communication is vital. Ensure the agency is transparent about its strategies, progress, and reporting methods. Regular updates and accessibility to your account manager are crucial for a successful partnership.

3. Industry Expertise:

Look for an agency that specializes in your industry or niche. They should understand your unique challenges and opportunities, enabling them to tailor their strategies to your needs.

4. Comprehensive Services:

An agency should offer a comprehensive range of services, including on-page and off-page optimization, content creation, technical SEO, and link building. A holistic approach ensures your online presence is optimized from every angle.

5. Customized Strategies:

Avoid agencies that employ an “all or nothing” approach; your SEO strategy must be tailored specifically to the goals, audience, and competition landscape of your business.

6. Ethical Practices:

Ensure the agency adheres to ethical SEO practices. Black-hat techniques can lead to penalties from search engines, damaging your online reputation in the long run.

7. Data-Driven Decisions:

A reliable agency should base its strategies on data and analytics. Regular analysis and adjustments are essential to stay ahead in the ever-changing SEO landscape.

8. Budget Alignment:

While cost is a consideration, focus on value rather than just price. A reputable agency will work within your budget to achieve the best possible results.

9. Client-Centric Approach:

Choose an agency that places your business’s success at the forefront. They should be willing to adapt and evolve their strategies as your business grows and changes.

10. Reporting and Analysis:

Regular, detailed reporting is crucial. Make sure the agency provides insights into the effectiveness of its strategies and offers recommendations for improvement.

Selecting the best SEO agency will ensure your success online. You’ll be able to make an informed choice based on these qualities and align it with your business goals.

Step-by-Step Procedure: Choosing the Perfect SEO Agency for Online Success

1. Start by researching SEO agencies in your niche or industry.
2. Create a shortlist of agencies with a proven track record of success.
3. Request case studies and client testimonials from the shortlisted agencies.
4. Evaluate the transparency and communication of each agency during initial discussions.
5. Ask about their industry expertise and experience.
6. Inquire about the range of services they offer.
7. Discuss customization options to tailor strategies to your business.
8. Ensure the agency follows ethical SEO practices.
9. Verify their commitment to data-driven decision-making.
10. Align their proposed budget with your financial considerations.
11. Assess their client-centric approach and willingness to adapt.
12. Review their reporting and analysis capabilities.
13. Compare the shortlisted agencies based on the above criteria.
14. Make a well-informed decision based on your findings.
15. Initiate discussions with the selected agency to define goals and expectations.
16. Collaboratively develop a customized SEO strategy.
17. Establish clear communication channels with regular updates.
18. Monitor progress through detailed reporting and analysis.
19. Implement necessary adjustments to optimize results.
20. Celebrate your online success as your business thrives with the right SEO agency partnership.

Bruce Clay is founder and president of Bruce Clay Inc., a global digital marketing firm providing search engine optimization, pay-per-click, social media marketing, SEO-friendly web architecture, and SEO tools and education. Connect with him on LinkedIn or through the BruceClay.com website.

See Bruce's author page for links to connect on social media.